Tynemouth & Whitley Bay
C2C - Route 14
Route Section: Consett > Tynemouth
From Start: 222km (139m)
Distances
Whitley Bay 3.5km (2.2m)
Directions
Simply turn left at the seafront and you will arrive in Whitley Bay.
About Tynemouth
Tynemouth, perched high above the North Sea, was a supply port in the time of Roman occupation and was used to supply the nearby Hadrian's Wall with much needed provisions. The now ruined priory was built by monks from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the 7th century.
Collingwood Monument You can't miss the huge statue of Admiral Collingwood. Beyond the Battery and commanding the attention of all shipping on the Tyne is the giant memorial to Lord Collingwood, Nelson's second-in-command at Trafalgar, who completed the victory after Nelson was killed. Erected in 1845, the monument was designed by John Dobson and the statue was sculpted by John Graham Lough. The figure is some 23 feet (7.0 m) tall and stands on a massive base incorporating a flight of steps flanked by four cannons from The Royal Sovereign - Collingwood's ship at Trafalgar.
In Victorian times the area was filled by the new breed of holiday-makers who arrived on the newly built railway to enjoy the areas sheltered bathing and boating.
Places of Interest
Sea Life Aquarium - more than 30 hi-tech displays provide encounters with dozens of sea creatures. Journey 'beneath' the North Sea and discover thousands of amazing sea creatures.
Black Middens - once notorious rocks near the Tyne entrance which in the 1860s claimed 5 ships in 3 days
Tynemouth Castle and Priory - dating from the 7th century this was the burial place for the Kings of Northumbria but was later destroyed by the Danes. Later founded as a Benedictine Priory and later still fortified but, now a picturesque ruin.
Where to Eat and Drink
Sidneys , Percy Park Rd.Now features in Michelin. 0191 257 8500
Giorgio's Pizzeria & Restaurant, Front St. 0191 257 3758 Marshall's Fryery at the Priory, Front St. 0191 257 2435
The Gate of India, 40 Front St. 0191 258 3453 Gibraltar Rock,
Carvery East St. 0191 258 5655
About Whitley Bay
A famous holiday resort on Newcastles grey coastal waters, what it occasionally lacks in weather it makes up for in the warmth of its welcome. A good place for a last night's fun, there are some splendid pubs and restaurants.
There is a good deal of accommodation here, handy for last nighters or those setting off on the Reivers, Hadrian's Cycleway or the Coast & Castles routes.
Where To Sleep
The Grand Hotel
Run by: Peter Dawson
The Grand Hotel has glorious sweeping views of the fabled North East coastline and is one of England’s finest hotels. Victorian and modern styles are fused to offer quality and style: cuisine ranges from casual to sumptuous; service prides itself on professional attention to detail; the rooms have king size beds and twin rooms have one king size and one single bed. Each of the bedrooms is individually designed and includes quality toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, high-speed WiFi and LCD TV. Rooms are serviced daily and car parking is free.
Rooms : 46 S/D/T/F.
B&B : from £60 (sharing D or T).
Eve meal : Brasserie restaurant roughly £25-£30 for 3 courses. Copperfield real ale bar: meals for under £10. Afternoon teas served.
Secure lock-up and
free parking.
address : Grand Parade, Tynemouth NE30 4ER
telephone : 0191 293 6666