Alnmouth
A quiet sandy beach, perfect for a romantic picnic, or just to get away from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful rural setting and plenty of bird watching opportunities along the sand dunes.
Facilities		Public toilets next door to nearby golf club.
Litter		Spotless beach with discreet litter and dog bins placed alongside footpaths.
Parking		Small free car park.
Access		Several footpaths through the dunes or a slope down from the car park
Local attractions		Fishing along the river, golf course nearby, small local shops. Alnwick castle only 4 miles away.
How far do I have to walk to buy an ice-cream?		No beach side shops here - but a ten minute walk back into the village will supply you with food, drinks and postcards.
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Druridge Bay
A great place for the family interested in local wildlife with sand dunes, and rockpools to explore. The nearby visitor centre provides access to woodland trails and water sports.
Facilities		Nearby visitor centre with wildlife displays, information and toilets. Cafe and shop open during summer holidays.
Litter		Very clean beach.
Parking		Reasonably sized pay and display car park at visitor centre. Can get busy during peak times.
Access		A choice of a steep scramble down the dunes or steps down to the beach
Local attractions		Sailing, canoeing, rowing and windsurfing available on nearby Ladyburn Lake. Woodland trails, picnic area and children's play area.
How far do I have to walk to buy an ice-cream?		The Visitor centre just 300 yards from the beach has a small shop and cafe open 11am-4pm daily during the school holidays
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Seaton Sluice
A great place to play frisbee, enjoy a picnic or let the dogs out for a good run. Soft squidgy sand and great views make this a good place to escape from the madding crowds.
Facilities		Public toilets and picnic tables nearby.
Litter		Spotless beach with discreet litter and dog bins placed alongside footpaths.
Parking		Small free car park with good access to beach.
Local attractions		Views of Blyth harbour and windmills out at sea.
How far do I have to walk to buy an ice-cream?		Unless you're lucky enough to catch a passing ice-cream van, you'll have to trek back into Seaton Sluice or across the road to the local garage. Best bring your own supplies!
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Whitley Bay
Traditional British seaside resort. Even if the beach is packed with deckchairs, you can stroll along the promenade enjoying candy-floss, ice-cream and amusement arcades.
Facilities		Toilets, beach front shops and local information boards.
Litter		Very clean - but weekend crowds often leave their mark.
Parking		Several pay and display car parks nearby.
Access		Good access via sloping ramps down to the beach. Nearby Metro station.
Local attractions		Mini golf, leisure pool, cafe, amusement arcades, skating and skateboarding along the promenade and plenty of candy-floss!
How far do I have to walk to buy an ice-cream?		The Rendezvous cafe will serve you ice-cream practically on the beach, and you can take your pick of fish and chip shops just over the road.
Further info		Beach information on 0191 200 5162
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Tynemouth Long Sands
A seaside award winning beach, with long stretches of sand. Perfect for a game of beach volleyball, or hit the waves and try your skills on a surfboard.
Facilities		Public toilets, first aid station and local information boards.
Litter		Very clean - but weekend crowds often leave their mark.
Parking		Several pay and display car parks nearby.
Access		Good access via sloping ramps down to the beach. Nearby Metro station.
Local attractions		Tynemouth Aquarium, Tynemouth Priory, pitch and put. Shops and pubs on nearby Front Street.
How far do I have to walk to buy an ice-cream?		You barely have to shake the sand off your feet at The Sea Cafe at the foot of the slipway; serving snacks, drinks etc. The glass windows mean you can watch the kids play in the sand while you chat over a coffee in comfort.
Further info		Beach information on 0191 200 5162
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Further afield
The 40 mile stretch of coast from Amble to Berwick-upon-Tweed makes up the North East's Heritage Coast and features some outstanding scenery.

You may want to visit Beadnell Bay, Seahouses, the beautiful beach and ancient castle at Bamburgh Castle or explore Lindisfarne Priory and Castle on Holy Island.

Taste the delights of the kippers at Craster or take a ferry trip to see the seabirds and seals on the Farne Islands.