Inside the UK’s ‘BEST’ seaside town – with picturesque beach, delicious restaurants and quirky shops
TAKE a look inside the UK’s “best” seaside town which has a picturesque beach, delicious restaurants and quirky shops.
North Tyneside is home to “one of the best places on Earth”, according to one local.
Catherine Addison-Swan said the seaside town of Whitley Bay is a must visit and should be on the top of everyone’s travel list.
She said the area has plenty of independent cafes and entertainment venues for such a small town.
She wrote in ChronicleLive: “Whitley Bay beach has achieved Blue Flag status every year since 1994, officially establishing it as one of the finest beaches in the region if not the country.
“There’s nothing like a stroll along the beach with my dog – complete with a stop-off at the Rendezvous Cafe and Links Art Gallery, of course – to clear my head in the fresh sea air and remind me of just how lucky I am to live here.”
The Rendezvous Café is also regularly used as a filming location for ITV’s crime series Vera.
Catherine added: “It’s not just cafes where you can grab a bite to eat in Whitley Bay, of course – the town is full of restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else, yet another thing that adds to its unique charm.
“If you’re a bit sick of chains and want to have a delicious meal out somewhere different, this is certainly the place to go.”
A short walk along the beachfront will also lead you to St Mary’s lighthouse.
Built in 1938, what was once used to guide ships in, is now a visitor centre full of exhibits.
Catherine said the town also has an abundance of crafty shops.
Selling trinkets from local artists, she said the independent stores have single-handedly filled her home with art.
She added: “I’d personally like to thank all of these lovely places for essentially decorating my entire house with beautiful art prints, ceramics and homeware, and it’s great to know that they’re all by local artists.”
Whitley Bay was recently voted the best fish and chip takeaway of the year.
Fishermans Bay was ranked in the top 10 in the country.
They sell cod and chips for a bargain £6.80, battered sausage for £2.80 and kids’ meals for £5.