
Tynemouth North Pier and Lighthouse
A dramatic coastal landmark where the River Tyne meets the North Sea, featuring an iconic lighthouse and historic priory.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the coast

Tynemouth North Pier and Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the coast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic coastal landmark where the River Tyne meets the North Sea, featuring an iconic lighthouse and historic priory.
"A quiet magic to this place, where the steadfast lighthouse stands sentinel against the restless sea."

🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's often windy by the sea! Layers and windproofs are a must for a comfortable visit. :cloud:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The walk along the pier can be long. Sturdy shoes are key for exploring the priory and coastal paths. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tynemouth Lighthouse
North Pier
A steadfast beacon against the North Sea, offering dramatic coastal views and a sense of timeless romance.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Headland overlooking the sea
Explore ancient ruins with a rich history and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and river mouth.

Coastal Walk
Along the North Pier
A scenic, albeit windy, walk offering stunning vistas of the sea, the river Tyne, and the South Shields coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Accessibility and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's often windy by the sea! Layers and windproofs are a must for a comfortable visit. :cloud:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The walk along the pier can be long. Sturdy shoes are key for exploring the priory and coastal paths. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Light
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photography, especially around the lighthouse. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Check Opening Times
The lighthouse area might have restricted access. Always check current opening status before you go. :informationdeskperson:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's often windy by the sea! Layers and windproofs are a must for a comfortable visit. :cloud:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The walk along the pier can be long. Sturdy shoes are key for exploring the priory and coastal paths. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Light
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photography, especially around the lighthouse. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Check Opening Times
The lighthouse area might have restricted access. Always check current opening status before you go. :informationdeskperson:
🌊 Be Prepared for Waves
During storms, big waves can crash over the pier – a dramatic sight but stay safe! :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tynemouth North Pier and Lighthouse for its breathtaking coastal views, the iconic lighthouse, and the rich history of the Priory and Castle. The dramatic seascapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, are a major draw. However, the strong winds and potential for restricted access to certain areas are noted drawbacks.
"In the Percy Chapel, a single coloured-glass lancet turns passing North-Sea sunbeams into a fleeting, sliding rainbow on the old stone—easy to miss, quietly holding two millennia of Tynemouth’s history in a few seconds of light."
Abdulla Walli
"Views from the lighthouse at Tyne Mouth. Long walk, but beautiful views depend on the climate. Quite windy. It is a very scenic spot to enjoy the coastal beauty. Unfortunately no cycling is permitted. It has a wonderful view from the Tynemouth priory site. Recently it was closed to the public (08/09/2023). Not sure when it will be opened."
Travel Nomad
"Gates open today so took the walk along to the lighthouse. Sun came out so it was really nice walking along. Great views back to the Tyne and over to South Shields."
steve shellard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Tynemouth by taking the Metro from Newcastle city centre, which is a convenient and popular option. The station is close to the coast, making it easy to access the pier and lighthouse area. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby, though it can get busy during peak times.
Yes, Tynemouth is well-served by public transport. The Metro system connects it directly to Newcastle and other surrounding areas, making it an easy day trip destination.
The Metro is highly recommended for traveling from Newcastle to Tynemouth. It's efficient, affordable, and drops you close to the attractions.
While cycling is popular along the coast, cycling is not permitted on the pier itself. You can cycle to the Tynemouth area and explore on foot.
Yes, there are several car parks in Tynemouth, including near the Priory and along the seafront. However, these can fill up quickly, especially on sunny days or weekends.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the North Pier and the lighthouse exterior is generally free. However, Tynemouth Priory and Castle, managed by English Heritage, may require an admission fee.
The pier is typically accessible during daylight hours. Tynemouth Priory and Castle have specific opening times, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information.
No, Tynemouth Priory and Castle can sometimes be closed for events or maintenance. Visitors have reported it being closed on certain dates, so it's advisable to confirm before your visit.
While you can walk along the pier to the lighthouse, access inside the lighthouse structure itself is usually restricted to guided tours or specific events, if available.
Yes, Tynemouth Pier is a popular spot for fishing, with many visitors enjoying the activity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a scenic walk along the pier, admire the lighthouse, explore the historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle, and take in the stunning coastal views.
The walk is relatively long and can be very windy, so it requires a moderate level of fitness. It's not recommended for those with a significant fear of heights due to the exposed nature of the path.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the North Sea, the River Tyne, and the coastline stretching towards South Shields.
Public toilets are available in Tynemouth, but they reportedly close at 4 PM, so plan accordingly.
Absolutely! It's a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset, with dramatic seascapes and the iconic lighthouse.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tynemouth Front Street offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. You can find great brunch spots like Laneway & Co, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Yes, Laneway & Co is highly recommended for brunch, offering delicious food and coffee.
Tynemouth and the surrounding areas are known for excellent fish and chips, a classic seaside treat.
Many cafes and restaurants in Tynemouth cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff.
Yes, some establishments in Tynemouth offer oysters, providing a local delicacy experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset are prime times for photography, offering dramatic light and colors. The 'golden hour' can transform the coastal scenery.
Landscape photography, seascape photography, and drone photography are very popular, capturing the pier, lighthouse, priory, and dramatic waves.
The end of the North Pier with the lighthouse, the Tynemouth Priory and Castle ruins, and the coastline looking towards South Shields are all excellent photo opportunities.
Drone photography is very popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the pier, lighthouse, and coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
The lighthouse is often photographed with dramatic waves crashing against the pier, especially during stormy weather. Be mindful of the wind and sea spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Tynemouth Lighthouse
Visitors often describe the walk along the pier to the lighthouse as a long but rewarding experience. The views are described as beautiful, though the area is known for being quite windy. It's a place that evokes a sense of 'quiet magic,' where the lighthouse acts as a 'beacon of hope and memory'. The surrounding coastal beauty, combined with the historical significance of the pier, makes it a compelling destination for both locals and tourists.
Exploring Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Visitors can wander through the grounds, imagining life centuries ago, and enjoy the commanding views of the coastline and the River Tyne. The priory site provides a wonderful vantage point to appreciate the Tynemouth lighthouse and the North Sea. While the priory itself is a significant attraction, its proximity to the pier and lighthouse makes it a natural extension of any visit to the area, offering a blend of history and stunning natural scenery.
Coastal Walks and Wildlife
Beyond the pier, the wider Tynemouth coastline offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. Seals are known to frequent the rocks near St. Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, a short distance away, and can sometimes be seen resting on the rocks. The North Sea itself is a dynamic environment, with impressive waves often observed crashing against the shore and the pier, adding to the dramatic visual appeal of the area.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit