Wait, Newcastle has a Beach?

When I booked my trip to Newcastle, I packed a raincoat and sturdy boots, expecting gray industrial skies. I definitely didn't pack a swimsuit. Big mistake.

Here is the secret that locals keep to themselves: Newcastle is arguably one of the best coastal cities in the UK. Just a 20-minute ride on the Metro (the city’s light rail system) takes you from the bustling city center to Tynemouth, a coastline that looks like it belongs in a period drama.

Ruins on the Cliff

Stepping off the train at Tynemouth Station (which, by the way, is a stunning piece of Victorian architecture with its own weekend market), you can smell the salt air instantly.

The main attraction is Tynemouth Priory and Castle. These ancient ruins stand dramatically on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea. Walking among the tombstones and crumbling walls with the waves crashing below is hauntingly beautiful. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to write poetry—or at least take a hundred photos for Instagram.

Surfing in the North Sea

Yes, people surf here! Longsands Beach is famous for its golden sands and reliable waves. Even in cooler weather, you’ll see surfers in wetsuits braving the North Sea. Watching them from the shore with a hot chocolate in hand was one of the highlights of my trip. It gives the area a relaxed, "California-meets-Viking" vibe that is completely unique.

The World's Best Fish Shack

You cannot come to Tynemouth without eating at Riley’s Fish Shack. Located right on King Edward’s Bay (a small cove nestled under the castle ruins), this place is legendary.

It’s essentially a shipping container on the sand, serving seafood caught that morning. I sat in a deckchair by a fire pit, eating chili squid and wood-fired mackerel while the sun went down. A famous food critic once called it the "eating experience of the year," and I 100% agree. It’s rustic, unpretentious, and incredible.

Why People Never Leave

After spending a day on the coast, I realized why so many people fall in love with this region. You get the big city energy of Newcastle’s nightlife and shopping, but you also have this stunning nature on your doorstep.

It’s a major reason why the student satisfaction rates here are so high. It’s not just about the lectures; it’s about the lifestyle. Imagine finishing class and being on a surfboard 30 minutes later. For those looking to make this city their home, the range of student houses in Newcastle is surprisingly diverse. You can choose to live in the lively city center like most, or even find spots closer to the Jesmond area which bridges the gap between the town and the coast.

My Verdict

Newcastle shattered my stereotypes. It’s not just bridges and coal; it’s surfing, castles, and fire-roasted seafood on the beach. If you are visiting "The Toon," do yourself a favor: buy a Metro ticket (Zone A+B+C) and head to the coast. You won’t regret it.