Geordies, Mackems and Northumbrians will all have their favourite beach in the region, but does it match up to those recommended by a global travel magazine?
This week, Condé Nast Traveller rounded up the ten best beaches close to Newcastle. There was a mixture of popular beaches and hidden gems from Sunderland all the way up to Northumberland, while there were a few which surprisingly missed out too.
The most glaring omission is Bamburgh Beach, which was recently voted the 8th best in Europe at the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, while there was also no place for Tynemouth Longsands - a beach that everyone and their dog seems to go to... at least when dogs are not banned from the south of the beach from October 1 to April 30.
Also missing was the phenomenal Ross Back Sands, which was named as one of Instagram's best secret UK destinations in 2021. Some that did make it are places that locals would probably prefer had remained a secret, such as Old Hartley between Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice, and Hauxley Haven, close to the better known Druridge Bay, which was also included.
Warkworth, a village best known for its castle, had its gorgeous beach highlighted - one where for now, you're more likely to come across wading birds than other humans. Castles dot the Northumberland Coast and Embleton Bay also got the nod too, partly due to the sublime views of the ruined fortress at Dunstanburgh.
For those who don't have access to a car, there was also a clutch of beaches which you can get to from Newcastle City Centre or Airport on the Metro. King Edward's Bay in Tynemouth, Cullercoats Bay and Whitley Bay all offer a different type of day out by the seaside, but you could quite easily visit all on foot in a day if you wish.
And for those looking south of the Tyne, there's Marsden Beach with its iconic grotto and lighthouse, or the affectionally named Roker Riviera, home to Whitburn Beach.
The full list of the best beaches near Newcastle, according to Condé Nast Traveller, is as follows:
1. Whitburn Beach
2. Marsden Beach
3. King Edward's Bay
4. Cullercoats Bay
5. Whitley Bay
6. Old Hartley
7. Druridge Bay
8. Hauxley Haven
9. Warkworth Beach
10. Embleton Bay
Do you agree with Condé Nast's list of the best beaches near Newcastle? Let us know in the comments below.
