Are you still looking for somewhere to take the family for the week or weekend as a last minute plan over the lasts of the six weeks?.
Photo: (own photo) this caravan was the Cleadon, Where We stayed.
I recently went to Whitley Bay Caravan park through Park Dean holiday resort. The caravan park was packed with fun filled activities from the arcades to the night entertainment to the pool and outdoor park, there is something for all ages of the family.
Since I was a little girl, I would always go to the caravan every year with my family and friends. One of them being Sandy-Bay which is based in Ashington/ Newbiggin by the sea area, this is also part of Park Dean Resort.
But never Whitley Bay, I’m glad I experience something new this time around. As I felt this caravan site was in a great location spot within walking distance to outdoor activities and golden sands.
1. St Mary’s lighthouse
From a five minute walking distance from the caravan site, you can find the St Mary’s island and lighthouse that isn’t just one of the most iconic buildings to Whitley bay but can also be a great climb to get the best view of the sea front if you don’t mind the 137 steps to the top.
There is also a shop that can be visited for gifts and souvenirs to take back home for your family, as-well as if you need a little refreshment stop. If you’d like to take a look around the lighthouse, there is a little admission charge:
Adults *
£3.30
Senior citizen or child *
£1.70
Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children)
£7.70
*EASE card discount applies
There is also a bird watching area, rock pools (that you can see on this photograph I took) and also a beach. You can purchase a bucket and spade in the car park area. I used to love collecting all the shells in my bucket to take home.
2. The land train
The land train is so helpful when you have little ones in the family as they will find this fun and has many stops. Therefore, if the kids are tired and don’t want to walk just like my nieces don’t, then hop on the land train.
The land train operates along the North Tyneside’s coastline between North Shields Fish Quay and St Mary’s Lighthouse with several stops along the way, including the Playhouse Whitley Bay Mini Golf, the Rendezvous Cafe, Waves Leisure Centre, the Briar Dene pub and restaurant, Beverley Terrace in Cullercoats and Beaconsfield in Tynemouth. And is about the same price as a bus £1.50 for a single or £2 for return.
3. Walk along the coastline.
The beaches can go on for miles from st Mary’s island to cullercoats, Passing many places to have lunch or a cold treat.
When I was there I came across a container beside the Rendezvous Cafe which is part of a charity called Beach Access North East. The charity, run entirely by volunteers offer free loan of all-terrain wheelchairs & equipment to those who have physical disabilities to enable them to access the beaches, I though this was incredibly amazing and all beaches should be able to have this access.
Photo credit: Our Whitley bay page
To loan a wheelchair, volunteer or fundraise you can contact them here
http://www.beachaccessnortheast.org
4. Spanish city
Since Spanish City has had its revamp its much more than an old traditional building and funfair area.
The new Spanish City is one of the most beautiful buildings I have laid my eyes on and it’s not just a pretty building it has lots to offer.
There is plenty of amazing restaurants inside to eat and drink:
– 1910 steak &seafood
– Trenchers
– Valerie’s Tearoom
– Afternoon Tea
– Waffle and Pancake house
– The champagne bar
– 1910 Dining Club
They also have events for both adults and children, you can see below upcoming events that are happening wring the venue:
5. The Spanish city funfair.
Over the summer, there is often an annual summer funfair for lots of family fun with all of the traditional favourites you expect and much more. You’ll find it on The Links within a walking distance from Spanish City.
My nieces love going to the fair here when it’s on and always have a great time. We normally stay for a couple of hours then end it with ice cream at Di-Meo’s, they have the best choices of ice cream and also have little benches for the kids to sit on.
6. Tyne reef Aquarium
The aquarium is a great alternative for when it sun hasn’t got his hat on and it’s raining.
There’s plenty to see from fish to reptiles to monkeys and seals. I must say my favourite was the sea-horse, always wanted one since I was a little girl!!.
The aquarium also has talks and shows on that are on most days depending on the weather. We loved the seal show.
Talks and Feeds
11.00am Monkey Feed
12.00pm Seal Show*
12.30pm Rockpool Encounter
1.00pm Meet our Reptiles
1.30pm Ocean Talk and Feed
2.00pm Weird and Wonderful
3.00pm Seal Show*
3.30pm SOS – Save our Seas
Prices:
Standard – £11.30
Junior 3 – 12 years – £8.75
(must be accompanied by an adult) Under 3’s go free
Concessions (Seniors (60 +) and Students) – £10.25
Disabled Adult – Includes 1 free carer -£10.25
Disabled Junior – Includes 1 free carer -£8.75
Disabled Concession – Includes 1 free carer £10.25
Family of 4 (2 Standard and 2 Junior) -£39.10
Groovy Grandparents (2 Senior and 2 Junior) -£37.00
Family of 5 (2 Standard and 3 Junior) – £47.60
https://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth/
There is also other kids places to visit such as:
– The little bay – little town of play.
– Tynemouth lost world of adventure golf
7. Little Seafront park
There’s also a little park on the seafront, thought this was great as the kids can run crazy in the park and us adults can sit back and relax watching the waves (well at least try).
This park is on the sea front just before the reef. There is plenty to play with and also has a little sand pit area.
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