Holidaying in Cullercoats

The little town of Cullercoats has a storied history as a seaside destination. From its fishing heritage to its sheltered bay, Cullercoats has been a family favourite holiday spot for generations. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were all reminded of the value of holidaying at home. As international travel ground to a halt, we were encouraged to boost the economy and visit the UK’s best destinations. I was no exception to this, staying safe in my treasured Cullercoats.  

As a business owner in this cosy town, I have to tell you that Cullercoats is something truly special. Even if you live near here, taking a week off work and spending your ‘holiday’ at home is a wonderful idea - giving you time to appreciate the cliffs, coast and culture of Cullercoats. 

Cullercoats for visitors

If you’re reading this as someone from outside the region, you may not have heard of Cullercoats as it is often overlooked by Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Northumberland. However, our little town has one of the most amazing sheltered bays in the country for water-based activities such as paddle boarding and sea swimming. Cullercoats also boasts a thriving cultural scene that presents opportunities for dining, shopping and leisure. 

Nestled between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth and within easy walking distance of both, Cullercoats is also a great ‘base’ location to explore North Tyneside’s award-winning coastline. 

Activities in Cullercoats

If you’re heading to Cullercoats for a day out in the North East or coming from further afield for a holiday, there are loads of great activities to keep you busy in our small town. 

Sea swimming and active sports

First and foremost, Cullercoats Bay is a summer bay with few rivals. Sheltered on both sides by two piers, it is a great place to take a dip in the North Sea if you can stand the chillier water temperatures. In addition, the bay itself is a boat launch for both the RNLI and recreational watercraft, so you’ll get to spot lots of boats heading out to sea. 

For watersport lovers, there’s plenty of choice. If you want to try paddleboarding or kayaking, you can experience both with rentals and activities to book right here in Cullercoats with CBK Adventure company - or you can, of course, bring your own and try it out in the gentle bay. 

Cycle rentals are also available in Cullercoats, making it a great starting point for exploring the North East coast. With cycle paths through to both Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You could also cycle into Newcastle City Centre if you’re feeling fit - the NCN route 72 stretches from Tynemouth to Newcastle and passes by Segedunum Roman Fort, Royal Quays Outlet and Albert Dock Marine. 

Nature

Nature lovers will love a stroll down to Whitley Bay’s St Mary’s Lighthouse to spot grey seals lounging in their natural habitat. By staying in Cullercoats instead of Whitley itself, you’ll avoid the crowds and up your healthy habits by enjoying the six-mile round trip. 

Heritage and Art

Cullercoats has a rich history that will appeal to fans of British culture. We have the 1848 RNLI lifeboat station, Cliff House, Smuggler’s Caves and Faeries Caves all right on our doorstep. 

Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention my own gallery on St George’s Road here. Why not pop along for a visit and see all of my art up-close? I love having guests visit the gallery and see my paintings. You can pick up a souvenir of your time in Cullercoats or just pick up other unique gifts inspired by Northumberland and the North East. 

Dining in Cullercoats

Cullercoats and the surrounding areas have undergone a real resurgence in terms of culture and eating out. We’ve got lots of new restaurants to enjoy, as well as old staples that everyone continues to adore. There’s something for everyone from traditional pub grub at The Queen’s Head to trendy bistro High Tide and traditional fish and chips at Bill’s Fish Bar.

Cullercoats Coffee has quickly won a (deserved) reputation as a great coffee house with quality whole-bean coffee and a small breakfast/lunch menu. The Boatyard nearby is also a good breakfast spot and is dog-friendly, so it may be preferred for those with furry friends. Fancy something sweet? Beaches and Cream serve up mouth-watering ice creams that’ll delight the whole family.

If you’re staying for a while, visit nearby Tynemouth for an ever-growing range of great grub - from the Buddha Lounge’s Asian dishes to the famous Riley’s Fish Shack, which sits on the sands of King Edward’s Bay. 

Bars & Nightlife in Cullercoats

Fancy a tipple during your visit? Cullercoats is a quieter area than its neighbours so you’ll have to take a short walk to find the livelier bars. The Queen’s Head is a traditional pub right on our shore and SaltHouse is a popular tapas and wine bar. While nearby Tynemouth and Whitley have some of the best drinking establishments in the region. 

Whitley Bay alone has something for everyone following its trend-conscious comeback from its days as a stag and hen area. For craft beer and ale drinkers, it boasts the CAMRA award-winning ale house, the Dog and Rabbit, and the popular Left Luggage Room located in Monkseaton metro station. For cocktails and spirits, head to the stylish Fox and Finch. 

Tynemouth’s front street has a swathe of bars. Traditional pubs, art bars, cocktail lounges and more are all waiting for you to explore just a short walk from Cullercoats itself. 

Holiday Homes in Cullercoats

As you can probably tell from this article, Cullercoats is a terrific location to base yourself for a holiday on the North East coast. Even if you’re local to the region, why not book a stay in Cullercoats itself for a few days of no-driving, no-work and no-stress exploration of an area we all often take for granted. 

Cullercoats Bay Holidays have a great selection of coastal properties with thoughtfully quirky interiors and welcome both you and your four legged friends for a stay at the seaside. 

Try Southcliff apartments for a stay right above the sea. It boasts traditional country-house stylings with one of the best views imaginable and is just a short walk from the gallery. Click here to learn more.

As you can tell, I’m passionate about my home. Cullercoats is such a fab location for those visiting the coast and is even better as a base from which to explore Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, but also to head further into Northumberland for day trips before retreating back to your quiet seaside holiday home. So, don’t forget to pick up a memento of your time here with one of my Limited Edition Prints.