
Spanish City Whitley Bay
A grand historic venue on the coast, offering dining, drinks, and unique local crafts with stunning sea views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe

Spanish City Whitley Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand historic venue on the coast, offering dining, drinks, and unique local crafts with stunning sea views.
"Absolutely gorgeous building inside... blown away!!"

🎯 Book Dining in Advance
Popular for food, especially fish & chips. Booking ahead is wise, particularly on weekends!
🌊 Enjoy the Sea Views
The coastal location is a major draw. Take a stroll on the promenade before or after your visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Dome
Exterior and Interior
A stunning architectural marvel with panoramic sea views, offering a unique backdrop for any visit.

1910 Restaurant
Inside Spanish City
Savor delicious food, from classic fish and chips to curated tasting menus, with breathtaking coastal vistas.

Live Music & Events
Spanish City Venue
Experience vibrant evenings with live music and special events, adding a lively atmosphere to the historic venue.

Love of the North Shop
Inside Spanish City
Discover unique, locally-made crafts and art, celebrating the creativity of the North East of England.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Coastal Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Dining in Advance
Popular for food, especially fish & chips. Booking ahead is wise, particularly on weekends!
🌊 Enjoy the Sea Views
The coastal location is a major draw. Take a stroll on the promenade before or after your visit.
🎶 Check for Live Music
The venue often hosts live music, adding a great vibe to your evening.
🛍️ Explore Local Crafts
Don't miss the 'Love of the North' shop for unique local art and gifts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Dining in Advance
Popular for food, especially fish & chips. Booking ahead is wise, particularly on weekends!
🌊 Enjoy the Sea Views
The coastal location is a major draw. Take a stroll on the promenade before or after your visit.
🎶 Check for Live Music
The venue often hosts live music, adding a great vibe to your evening.
🛍️ Explore Local Crafts
Don't miss the 'Love of the North' shop for unique local art and gifts.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be busy. Look for local car parks or consider public transport to Whitley Bay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning architecture of Spanish City, particularly the iconic dome and the beautiful interior arches. The 1910 restaurant receives high marks for its delicious food, especially the fish and chips, and the friendly, attentive staff. The panoramic sea views are a major highlight, creating a memorable dining experience. Some visitors note that it can get very busy during peak times like bank holidays.
"Beautiful white dome building was stunning from outside and inside it was amazing with the arches and expansive seating area and views. Had the tope ten fish n chips and the platter and some more.. all delicious.
Should come back again. Bank Holiday weekend was very popular it seems, as there was a marquee...and lots of singing n dancing. This was in front of the Spanish city and the beach outside. The food was so good that we forgot to take pics..."
TT Oh
"Gorgeous food, friendly staff and even had live music one night. Booked for 5pm which was nice as it wasnt too busy."
Louise Pearson
"Lovely food, good portions of fish and chips, sausage, and chips plus sauces.
Clean and bright, staff were very friendly and helpful. Great spot after a long walk on promenade."
Gina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spanish City is easily accessible in Whitley Bay. You can drive and find local car parks, though they can get busy. Alternatively, the nearest Metro station is Whitley Bay, offering convenient public transport links from Newcastle and surrounding areas. Many visitors enjoy walking along the promenade to reach it.
Yes, there are several car parks in Whitley Bay. The promenade itself often has parking, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak times and weekends. Consider the Whitley Bay town centre car parks as an alternative.
Absolutely! Whitley Bay's promenade is perfect for a scenic walk. If you're staying nearby or arriving by Metro, a stroll along the coast to Spanish City is a delightful experience.
Whitley Bay is well-connected. The Metro system is a popular choice, with the Whitley Bay station being a short walk from the Spanish City. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for potential parking challenges.
Yes, Spanish City is very accessible by public transport. The Whitley Bay Metro station is nearby, and local bus routes also serve the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Spanish City building itself is generally free, allowing you to explore the public areas and enjoy the architecture. However, specific events, dining reservations at 1910, or attractions like funfairs may require tickets or bookings.
The opening hours can vary depending on the specific venue within Spanish City (e.g., 1910 restaurant, bars, shops). It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours for dining and any specific attractions.
Yes, booking a table at 1910 restaurant is highly recommended, especially for evenings and weekends, as it's a popular dining spot with beautiful views.
Spanish City frequently hosts events, including live music, themed nights, and family funfairs. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
Generally, there is no entry fee to walk around the main public areas of Spanish City. You only pay for dining, drinks, shopping, or specific ticketed events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Spanish City offers a range of dining options. The 1910 restaurant is known for classic British fare like fish and chips, as well as special tasting menus. There are also bars serving drinks and lighter bites.
Yes, Spanish City is known for its afternoon tea, offering a delightful way to enjoy the coastal views with sweet and savory treats. Booking in advance is advised.
While specific menus can change, most restaurants in popular venues like Spanish City aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's always best to check the current menu or inquire with the restaurant directly about vegetarian and vegan options.
Prices at 1910 are considered fair for the quality and the stunning location. A large cod and chips, for example, is reasonably priced for the surroundings. Special menus can offer good value.
Yes, Spanish City has bars where you can enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere without necessarily dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic dome exterior is a must-capture. Inside, the arches and expansive seating areas offer great interior shots. The promenade provides stunning sea views with the dome as a backdrop.
Absolutely! Being right on the coast, Spanish City offers fantastic opportunities for sunset photography over the sea.
Yes, you can take photos inside the restaurant and public areas. Many visitors capture the beautiful architecture and their meals.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, for professional shoots or commercial purposes, it's advisable to check with the management beforehand.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Daytime provides clear views of the sea and architecture, while evenings can be atmospheric with the venue lit up.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dining at 1910 can be a treat for families, with classic options like fish and chips that are usually a hit with younger palates. The general atmosphere of the seaside town is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to manage with children. Consider checking for any family-specific events hosted at Spanish City during your visit.
couples
Take a leisurely walk hand-in-hand along the promenade, or explore the unique local crafts at the 'Love of the North' shop. If there's live music playing at Spanish City, it can add a wonderful ambiance to your outing.
budget travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for potentially better value on food and drinks. Enjoying a walk along the promenade and soaking in the coastal views costs nothing. You can also find more affordable fish and chips from local takeaways in Whitley Bay if you're looking to save on food.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Revival of Spanish City
After a period of decline and closure, Spanish City underwent a significant and much-anticipated restoration. The revitalized Spanish City reopened its doors, breathing new life into the historic building. The renovation aimed to preserve its architectural grandeur while modernizing it to serve as a contemporary entertainment and dining hub. This revival has been celebrated by locals and visitors alike, re-establishing it as a key attraction in Whitley Bay.
The modern Spanish City now houses a variety of offerings, including the acclaimed 1910 restaurant, bars, event spaces, and the 'Love of the North' shop. It continues to be a focal point for community events and a draw for tourists, blending its rich heritage with a vibrant present. The venue even holds a special place in popular culture, referenced in songs by artists like Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Dining Delights at 1910
Beyond the food, the dining experience at 1910 is significantly enhanced by its spectacular location. The restaurant boasts panoramic sea views, allowing guests to enjoy their meals with a breathtaking backdrop of the North Sea. This combination of excellent food and stunning scenery creates a memorable atmosphere, whether you're enjoying a casual lunch or a more formal dinner.
Reservations are strongly advised, particularly for weekend evenings, as 1910 is a very popular establishment. Visitors also appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, contributing to the overall positive dining experience. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a meal at 1910 is a quintessential part of a visit to Spanish City.
Whitley Bay's Coastal Charm
The area around Spanish City is perfect for exploration. Visitors can enjoy the sea air, watch the waves, and take in the impressive views of the North Sea. The presence of the island lighthouse adds to the picturesque scenery. Many people visit Whitley Bay specifically to experience the charm of its coastline, often combining it with a visit to the historic Spanish City.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Spanish City, Whitley Bay offers other attractions, including parks and local shops. The town's connection to music, notably through Mark Knopfler's song 'Tunnel of Love' referencing the area, adds a layer of cultural interest for visitors. The combination of seaside beauty, historical landmarks, and a welcoming community makes Whitley Bay a delightful place to explore.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit