The Amateur Anthropologist: Tynemouth and Whitley Bay

“Cause you’re hot then you’re cold…”

I think it’s more than just a cliché to say that the weather in England is ~~totally~~ somewhat unpredictable. One minute it’s super sunny, the next there’s a herd of thunderstorms overtaking the country (don’t believe me? Check the weather report for this weekend). And the temperature? Well, let’s just say that the starting line in the chorus of Katy Perry’s Hot n Cold says it all.

The traveler's luggage

It’s rather frustrating ~~all the time~~ at times.

So when the nice weather man/woman tells you that the day’s forecasted to be super sunny and warm, the first thing that definitely comes to mind is a trip to the beach (at least in my head anyway). I’m sure everyone’s got their favorite seaside town to resort to when the weather’s phenomenal. But for me, I like to be a little bit more adventurous and try out somewhere new, especially if it involves a long trip on the train.

Front seat on the Metro

First stop, Whitley Bay (via Newcastle).

Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay Station

On the majority of occasions, my travels are sparked by the desire to visit a monumental treasure of some sort (generally historic ones that are simultaneously crumbling to pieces!). But there are times when I wander into the land of the unknown simply to de-stress. And that’s something that Whitley Bay offered me.

Cute cakes

First snapshots of the day at Whitley Bay

Anything to get me away from reality - that's all I really wanted.

Although I’m a city girl at heart, and hence I like to be constantly active and entertained by the latest events and gadgets, I do think that simplicity is perfection. Strolling down the breath-taking coastline and taking pictures of anything that caught my attention (which tended to be the noisy birds) was my idea of perfection.

Taking flight

The fab five and the outlier

And let’s not forget the occasional chat to the locals and quick stop-over for ice cream (chocolate of course).

Simple but mentally gratifying – a summary of my afternoon at Whitley Bay…

Tynemouth

Arriving on the platform

They say that first impressions are important for a long lasting relationship. And that’s something I can DEFINITELY say is applicable to Tynemouth. I think what I was most impressed by was the design of the town centre itself. With a couple cobbles, an open park, and multiple cafes, the town was somewhat different to the typical seaside town you’d expect with an overwhelming amount of fish and chip shops.

The shelf of treasures - Three Wishes

I guess the best way to describe it is to say that it was unique.

Seaside goodies - Three Wishes

Even though I'm always trying to squeeze about 50 different things to see and do on my travels, I always make time for a good lunch. I wouldn't be able to say which diner was the best in Tynemouth, but Rene's is definitely on the top of my list.

And next time, I MUST try their cakes and ice-cream -- needless to say, I have a bit of a sweet-tooth.

Whether it was the beautiful beach and pier, the stunning castle and priory (a must-see for ANY visitor), the quirky shops and cafes or simply the friendliness of the locals, there was just something about Tynemouth that made and will forever make it incredibly memorable for myself and, I daresay, any tourist that goes there.