Despite being situated in an urban location, King Edward’s Bay beach has a very rural feel about it.
Also known as Tynemouth Short Sands it is just 200 m long and sits at the foot of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, which was once one of the largest fortified areas in England and is now managed by English Heritage.
It’s said that the castle is haunted by a Viking ghost called Olaf. Olaf was wounded during an invasion of the North East coast, and after being nursed back to health by the monks at Tynemouth Priory joined their monastery. When the Vikings returned to the area to launch another raid Olaf’s brother was killed and he was so overcome by grief that he died whilst praying in the chapel.
Today the ghost of Olaf dressed in his monk’s brown habit and gold belt regularly walks the castle grounds sometimes looking out to sea, particularly on windy days.
The beach is popular with surfers with consistent, clean waves in winter being the best time to visit. People also come to dive and snorkel, as well as swim, and there are RNLI lifeguards patrolling the beach between May and September.
Although quieter than nearby Whitley Bay, it can get busy in the summer when families flock to the beach to sunbathe, build sandcastles, and play games.
After building up an appetite, a visit to Riley’s Fish Shack is a must. Located on the beach in two converted shipping containers, the semi-portable bar and grill serves seasonal fish and seafood dishes including lobster, kippers, mackerel, and squid cooked over a charcoal barbecue. They’ll even serve you your meals on the beach if you like – just ask at the counter when you place your order.
Nearby is The Gibraltar Rock, a pub with spectacular views over the bay which offers traditional pub grub, a fantastic selection of mouth-watering desserts, and a good range of wines, beers, and spirits.
There is parking available in Tynemouth as well as public toilets. Access to King Edward’s Bay beach is down a long flight of steps so not ideal for pushchairs or wheelchair users and the climb back up can be hard work.
