The Sunday Times named Whitley Bay as the best place to live in the North of England in its annual ‘Best Places to Live 2023’ campaign, with judges praising the town for its stunning coastline and tasteful regeneration over recent years.
For those wanting to learn more about the ‘best place to live in the entire north of England’, we thought we’d break down everything you need to know about living in the seaside town.
Whitley Bay is a gorgeous seaside town in the North Tyneside borough of Tyne and Wear.
Boasting a beautiful two-mile beach, bordered by the quaint fishing harbour of Cullercoats and St Mary’s Lighthouse and serving up a range of cultural activities and an abundance of independent bars and shops, there really is something for everyone.
A fantastic range of things to do…
Whitley Bay has an incredible coastline adorned with bars, cafes and restaurants, making it a popular area for locals and walkers. The promenade and The Links have some beautiful walks with the beach as a gorgeous backdrop. The award-winning beach also holds an annual sandcastle competition every summer, which has become an extremely popular event for locals and visitors alike.
St Mary’s Lighthouse is also a popular site of interest. Reached between the tides through a short causeway, you can climb the 137 steps to the top of the Lighthouse for the most spectacular views of the coastline.
Beautiful Seaton Delaval Hall which was once home to the larger-than-life Delaval family, who were known for their high-spirited and flamboyant lifestyle is a few minutes drive from the heart of Whitley Bal. Here you can explore the history, beautiful architecture, and exquisite gardens on site for a fabulous day out with the family.
The beautiful Spanish City is also a must visit, with its stunning architecture, and unique design, it is home to many wonderful attractions throughout the year. The building reopened in 2018 after an impressive restoration project that saw many of its historical features brought back to their former glory. Inside the famous landmark, you can find a great range of award-winning restaurants to enjoy, making it perfect for every occasion.
Beautiful Homes
There is a wide range of housing options in Whitley Bay, from traditional Victorian homes to modern apartments overlooking the coastline.
The town has been named one of the ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods in the country and is home to a diverse community, from families to retirees, young couples, and single professionals.
In the older part of the town, the streets are blessed with well-made Victorian terraces, boasting attractive period features, adding to the history of the area. There are many beautiful and spacious Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes close to the beach, along with gorgeous modern apartments offering lovely sea views straight from the living room window.
Community and Culture
Whitley Bay is well known for its comforting and friendly sense of community.
Many activities run throughout the year to encourage the community to come together, this is demonstrated through the Fiesta that comes to the town a few times a year. The vibrant, volunteer-run event takes place on the grounds of St Paul’s Church where you will find market stalls selling locally-made crafts and fresh food.
The fiesta also holds a wide range of free activities for all ages and throughout the day live music is played, showcasing Whitley Bay’s local talent.
Additionally, the newly restored Playhouse is the home of drama and music within the town, with its calendar including the very popular Christmas pantomime as well as live bands, magic shows, talks, and theatre on throughout the year.
Ice Rink
Whitley Bay Ice Rink opened its doors in 1955 and has been a constant part of the town, providing fun and fitness for families to enjoy all year round. The rink is open for people of all ages to enjoy, including skating lessons, parties, and public skating.
The ice rink is also home to the Whitley Bay Warriors, a semi-professional ice hockey team in the North Division. The ice rink hosts the Warrior’s home games during the season and is very popular among residents of Whitley Bay and beyond, including the North East’s star, Sam Fender, who is a big fan of the Warriors and often takes time out of his busy schedule to enjoy the matches.
Great Transport Links
Whitley Bay is a well-connected town with great connections to other parts of the region by public transport. The Tyne and Wear Metro yellow line runs through the town with multiple stations servicing the area, including Whitley Bay, Monkseaton, West Monkseaton, and Cullercoats.
The town is also just 10 miles east of Newcastle city centre, allowing for an easy 20-minute car journey to visit the bustling city of Newcastle if you are looking for a great night out or access to a fantastic range of shops.
Local economy
The town centre has become a haven for independent businesses over the years and was hailed as one of the coolest shopping districts in the world.
Along Whitley Road and Park View, you will find a number of fantastic independent shops along the streets, selling fresh and local produce, fashion, and gifts.
There is also a myriad of places to enjoy a coffee and cake or a lovely pub meal and a pint.
The town also offers many popular stores within the Park View shopping centre, providing Whitley Bay residents with everything they could need!
Local property experts, Bradley Hall have seen a surge of intertest in Whitley Bay properties and have buyers waiting. To speak to an expert property advisor or to book in a free valuation of your home please call or email via 0191 284 2255 or gosforth@bradleyhall.co.uk
