Cafe by the beach

Located just 8 miles from Newcastle city, the long sands beachside at Tynemouth is one of the most visited beaches, attracting people from England’s North-East all year round.

The beach offers stunning views of the Tynemouth Castle and Priory, along with the lighthouse, which was built in 1864. However, entry to the priory requires an additional fee.

While the beachside welcomes tourists and joggers, it also offers activities catered to family and friends. Recognized nationally as a watersports hub, people head out here for surfing and kayaking among other adventure sports. This attracts younger crowds, who throng the site for a shot of adrenaline or simply to master their skills.

Amongst all the restaurants atop the road, there’s only one cafe by the Long sands beach known as Riley’s Shack. Renowned for its fish and chips and the ambiance, tourists flock the place to grab a warm cuppa.

In a conversation with Josh, a server at the shack, he reveals what he likes about the place. “The work atmosphere here is wonderful. However, it does get very cold in the winters, but it’s okay, as long as the view is pretty,” he says.

Sharing his experience working right by the beach, he added, “On an average, we get 25-30 customers per day but it’s very weather dependent so it ranges. In peak summer, we get customers standing in a half-hour queue to order fries.”

Ratings on travel websites are quite high for this beach, so don’t forget to tick this off your list.

It is advisable to stay till the evening to see the shack lit up and to warm your palms at the bonfire on the beach on a chilly night.

The best time to visit is during the summer, starting June to August as the weather is mostly mild. It is a place where history and natural beauty go hand in hand.