TYNEMOUTH, NORTH EAST ENGLAND    Much as our Southern cousins might love the idea that people from the North East are all scantily-clad, fake tan-obsessed idiots who survive singlehandedly on kebabs, fight every Saturday night, represent 80% of the UK’s Chlamydia epidemic and have a vocabulary that is restricted to the most common expletives, the reality is a far cry from what MTV might have people believe. 

WORDS Joe Thwaites

(This feature originally appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of SUP International. Print and digital subscriptions for readers worldwide are available HERE.)

Tynemouth is quaint coastal village located 7 miles away from Newcastle’s popular city centre and sports a veritable plethora of things to do. Perhaps most relevant to those keen on splashing around in ‘sub-tropical’ waters, the location offers a blue flag beach which provides an array of activities for visitors and locals alike, offering everything from open water swimming to surf hire and SUP lessons. The beach itself is generally a safe place to play with golden sand and predictable swell which generally favours riders of a goofy disposition. Businesses at the epicentre of beach life include Tynemouth Surf Co, Boardskillz who are responsible for popularising SUP throughout the region and Tynemouth Canoe Club who actively promote ‘goat boating’ as it’s affectionately known up here. Alongside ‘the main beach’ Tynemouth is famous for one of its smaller beaches, King Edward’s Bay, that is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. King Eddies is overlooked by Tynemouth’s historic Priory and Castle which affords history buffs the opportunity to enjoy an under-rated English Heritage site. The site also plays host to the Mouth of the Tyne Festival which attracts bands from around the world every summer. In toon. Ok so you’ve decided not to bypass Newcastle and head straight to Edinburgh like so many tourists doing the whistle stop tour of the UK, now what? Depending on whether you intend to spend all your time in Tynemouth or would like to split it between the city centre and the coast there are a variety of accommodation options. For the budget traveller or party of stags The Albatross in the city centre is definitely worth a look although if you’re thinking about a beach activity and staying local then Whitley Bay also offers some bargain basement accommodation, and a hive of pubs with cheap drinks and high spirited locals! (We’re sold – Ed). If you fall into the money’s no object category Tynemouth’s Grand Hotel is the natural choice offering great accommodation, food and beach views that are truly spectacular. For those intent of staying in town all the usual high end chains are also available including the Mal Maison, Hilton and Copthorn. SUP

Inside Info

Eat / drink // Front Street in Tynemouth has a variety of restaurants although my two personal favourites are Gate of India and Louies. For those looking for cheaper options head down to North Shields Fish Quay where you can get 3 courses for as little as £5.99! Best Pub // Barca Art Bar – fantastic selection of beers & spirits, good music and a friendly atmosphere. This is where you’ll find the local surfers hanging out and swapping stories about their latest session. Local Heroes // Gabe Davies former British Surf Champ and big wave charger. When he’s not making films, Gabe takes an active role in local beach life, encouraging young talent, representing Surfers Against Sewage and has even been known to put in the odd beach lifeguard shift for the RNLI. Lessons/Rent // Hit up Boardskillz. Teaching people to SUP since 2009, BSUPA and RYA qualified instructors with extensive travel, serious surf and coaching experience. Rentals available, and package kit deals. www.boardskillz.co.uk Local tip // If you’re planning on spending a longer period up in the region we highly recommend heading up to Northumberland where paddlers can enjoy uncrowded glassy waves, miles of beautiful uninterrupted coastline and must see attractions like Alnwick and Bamburgh Castle.

“  Whitley Bay offers some bargain basement accommodation, and a hive of pubs with cheap drinks and high spirited locals! ”