While flights abroad are out of the question, I’m enjoying exploring more of my own backyard. I wrote down my North East England bucket list at the beginning of lockdown and we’re slowly but surely working our way through it when the weekend rolls around. Last weekend, we took a trip to the North Tyneside coast for shopping, beach fun and some delicious scran.
My dog friendly guide to North Tyneside
We parked in Cullercoats but, as beautiful as the beach there is, we had Archie in tow and dogs aren’t allowed on the sand at this time of year. Instead, we mosied over to Tynemouth Longsands Beach for a paddle.
What to do in Tynemouth
Tynemouth Longsands is a beautiful, sandy bay with plenty of space for social distancing. Separated from the road by sand dunes, it’s one of the best beaches in the North East. Dogs are allowed.
Since Archie has come to live with us, we’ve gotten talking to so many people when we’re out and about in the North East! Dog walkers are a friendly bunch, aren’t they?
Having tired Archie out in the water, we mosied over to the Tynemouth Market, which takes place every weekend in the metro station between 9 and 3.30pm.
It’s a hive of local independent vendors selling everything from bric-a-brac to handmade jewellery, artwork and tasty treats.
I picked up some mouthwatering wax melts, gorgeous jewellery and we also stocked up on dog treats from one of the stalls. I saw some beautiful bits that I’m going to go back for when we redecorate soon!
Most of the vendors at Tynemouth Market accept card payments and you can grab food there while you browse the stalls. It’s an ideal place to wile away a slow Sunday morning.
On the way back over to Cullercoats, we stopped at the Salt Cove for a coffee (and a shandy for Tom). It’s a lovely looking bar with plenty of indoor seating and the Sunday Dinners smelled incredible.
We chose to sit outside with a panoramic view over the bay, while Achie lay at our feet lapping from the water bowl the bar provided. No dogs allowed inside, but it’s the perfect place to stop for a drink with the dog if the sun is shining!
I still haven’t tried the much-loved Riley’s Fish Shack on Tynemouth’s King Edward’s Bay, but it’s on my to-visit list.
Tynemouth reminds me a lot of Bruntsfield in Edinburgh, with its picturesque, leafy streets and indie local bars and restaurants. I miss Edinburgh a lot, so maybe that’s why I enjoy spending a day in Tynemouth so much!
Brunch in Cullercoats
A short walk back over to Cullercoats took us to The Boatyard, a dog-friendly cafe set back from the water.
I treated myself to a strawberry daiquiri (only £4.50!) and a full English breakfast, while Tom ordered the dirty fries. They were out of a few items on the menu by the time we got there around 1pm. Luckily, we still found something we both fancied on the small menu.
The Boatyard has – yes, you guessed it – nautical decor and there are a few seats outside. My daiquiri had a pretty garnish and it was too easy to drink!
The food was good. My full English (decent vegan option available) wasn’t a huge portion but it was just the right amount for me and everything was cooked perfectly. There was a lot more chorizo than we were expecting in Tom’s dirty fries! He was pleased with the large portion size.
I couldn’t resist picking up one of their sugar-free doggie cupcakes as I paid at the till.
If you’re just grabbing coffee and cake, try Cullercoats Coffee. There’s outdoor seating at the moment and it looked very popular.
The beach in Cullercoats is just as sandy as Longsands but it’s a smaller cove, with a pier at each end. There’s a Victorian-era lifeboat station and Newcastle University’s School of Marine Science. I’d say this beach is better for families because it’s more contained.
There are gorgeous views over Cullercoats bay from the headlands, which are in full bloom this time of year.
When the sun is kissing the North Tyneside coast, droves of people are out enjoying the beach, sipping coffee outside the smattering of eateries and lugging their haul from the market back to their cars.
A day out in Tynemouth and Cullercoats is ideal for dog owners who need to stretch their legs and spend some time at the coast. Local shops and restaurants are craving your support now more than ever and most of them offer water bowls and a warm welcome to your pooch.
The North Tyneside coast has plenty to offer day trippers. Have you been?
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