Sandhaven Beach
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Sandhaven Beach

4.8
·311 reviews·, United Kingdom

Sandhaven Beach: Award-winning golden sands, perfect for relaxation, watersports, and stunning sunsets. A true coastal gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Sandhaven Beach

Sandhaven Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sandhaven Beach: Award-winning golden sands, perfect for relaxation, watersports, and stunning sunsets. A true coastal gem.

4.8
(311 reviews)

"The best beach I know. Wonderful sand, highly recommend to all who enjoy fantastic beaches."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Enjoy convenient and often free parking near the beach, making your visit hassle-free.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! Sandhaven is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for them to play.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Golden Sands of Sandhaven

Golden Sands of Sandhaven

South Shields

Awarded UK's Beach of the Year, its vast, clean sandy shores are perfect for relaxation and play.

Instagram+1
Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular Sunsets

Western end of the beach

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues over the ocean.

Instagram+1
Coastal Walks & Lighthouse Views

Coastal Walks & Lighthouse Views

The Leas and surrounding coastline

Enjoy invigorating walks along The Leas, offering stunning sea views and a glimpse of the lighthouse.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Prime Beach Time

Sandhaven Beach is a gem, but can get busy. Visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours to enjoy the golden sands and peaceful waves without the weekend rush. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photos and a more serene experience. Instagram

Embrace the Coastal Charm

Beyond the beach, explore South Shields' coastal walks and the iconic lighthouse. The town center is clean and tidy, offering a pleasant atmosphere for strolls. Consider visiting the Tynemouth Station Market for unique finds. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, RNLI lifeguards
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

spend the day with me in Newcastle! DAY 2 🌊☀️🏖️🐚🥑☕️🍕 i am absolutely loving it here!!! and today we ventured to Tynemouth beach 🏖️ some of my fav things i did on day 2: ☕️ had the BEST brunch and coffee at Laneway & Co 🛍️ did some shopping around Princess Square 🚆 took the Metro to Tynemouth and explore the Tynemouth Station Market 🦪 got some Oysters and seafood at Riley’s Fish Shack on the bea...
@jas.olivia
7.8K likes • 104.8K views

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Enjoy convenient and often free parking near the beach, making your visit hassle-free. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! Sandhaven is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for them to play. Reddit

Jesmond Dene and Heaton Park in all their wintery glory last weekend 🥹 #newcastlecheck #newcastletiktok #newcastleupontyne #jesmonddene #jesmond #heaton #heatonpark
@high_life_north
3K likes • 31.3K views
Thanks to the BBC for letting us share this clip of South Shields Beach! 🏖 Sandhaven, South Shields is the UK’s beach of the year, according to The Sunday Times annual best beaches guide, published today online and in print on July 3. The guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of Britain’s 50 best beaches. A special thanks to our Council and Homes staff, all of the fantastic volunte...
southtynesidecouncil
235 likes • 10.7K views

🍦 Beachfront Treats

Grab ice cream or slushies from small businesses lining the beach for a classic seaside treat. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Ideal for Windsurfing

The long, shallow sandy intertidal zone makes it perfect for windsurfing with no rocks. Reddit

Sandhaven Beach, South Shields, golden sands, peaceful waves, and unforgettable sunsets 🌅 — Love Short Stays Holiday Homes, the perfect cozy retreat just steps from the sea and stunning coast. #SouthShields #BeachGetaway #LoveShortStays #CoastalRetreat #SeasideVibes #StaycationDreams #UKBeaches #OceanEscape #TravelUK
loveshortstays
30 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Enjoy convenient and often free parking near the beach, making your visit hassle-free. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! Sandhaven is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for them to play. Reddit

🍦 Beachfront Treats

Grab ice cream or slushies from small businesses lining the beach for a classic seaside treat. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Ideal for Windsurfing

The long, shallow sandy intertidal zone makes it perfect for windsurfing with no rocks. Reddit

☀️ Summer Lifeguards

RNLI lifeguards are present during the summer season for added safety. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(311 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sandhaven Beach is widely praised as a magnificent, clean, and sandy beach, often cited as one of the best in the North East. Visitors love its relaxing atmosphere, ample free parking, and dog-friendly nature. While generally well-regarded, some may find it busy during peak times.

"Dear readers, please take note of this magnificent beach!
It has parking, restaurants, bars, and even an amusement park.
A fantastic place to relax — highly recommended for everyone!"

Vlad Petruxin

"The best beach i know . Wonderful sand my mother and family always spent many of happy times and memories here . Highly recommend to all who enjoy fantastic beaches ."

Calvyn Kemp

"Beach is sandy as it should be .
Very neat and clean beach.it has ample parking spaces and free ones as well near the residential areas .
Has wide selection of restaurants and bars"

Muhammad Hassan

What People Like

Magnificent sandy shores
Clean and neat beach
Ample free parking

What People Dislike

Can be busy on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily reach Sandhaven Beach by taking the Metro from Newcastle to South Shields. The journey is straightforward and offers scenic views. TikTok

Yes, there is ample parking available near Sandhaven Beach, and it's often free, especially near residential areas. Reddit

While it's a bit of a distance from central Newcastle, you can enjoy a scenic coastal walk along The Leas to reach Sandhaven Beach. Instagram

The Metro is the primary public transport option connecting Newcastle to South Shields, providing a convenient way to access the beach. TikTok

The beach has a long, shallow sandy intertidal zone, and parking is available nearby, which can aid accessibility. Specific accessibility details may vary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sandhaven Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its sands and sea freely. Instagram

Sandhaven Beach is open 24/7, as it is a natural public space. However, amenities like lifeguards and nearby businesses operate during specific hours. Reddit

No, booking tickets is not required for Sandhaven Beach as it is a public access area. Instagram

Generally, there are no major restrictions, but it's always good to be mindful of local bylaws, especially regarding dogs during certain times or areas. Reddit

RNLI lifeguards are typically present at Sandhaven Beach during the summer season to ensure visitor safety. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can relax on the sandy shores, swim, enjoy watersports like windsurfing, take coastal walks, and watch the sunset. InstagramReddit

Yes, Sandhaven Beach is surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants and bars, offering diverse dining options. Reddit

Absolutely! With its sandy shores, shallow waters, and nearby amenities, it's a fantastic spot for family fun. Reddit

Yes, Sandhaven Beach is dog-friendly, allowing your pets to enjoy the sand and sea with you. Reddit

It was recognized for its magnificent, clean, and sandy shores, making it a top choice for a relaxing beach experience. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hour' during sunrise and sunset offers stunning light for photography, capturing the beach's beauty. Instagram

The expansive sandy shores, the iconic lighthouse in the distance, and the dramatic sunset skies are prime photography subjects. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local council guidelines before flying a drone over Sandhaven Beach. Instagram

The beach's tidal nature creates interesting patterns on the sand, and the vibrant sunsets provide dramatic backdrops. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach, while a telephoto lens can be useful for distant lighthouse shots. A polarizing filter can enhance sunset colors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sandhaven Beach is a fantastic destination for families. Its vast, clean sandy shores provide endless opportunities for children to play, build sandcastles, and explore. The long, shallow sandy intertidal zone means the water is relatively safe for paddling and younger swimmers. Reddit The presence of RNLI lifeguards during summer adds an extra layer of security for parents. Reddit

Beyond the sand and sea, there are nearby amenities including restaurants and ice cream vendors, ensuring everyone stays happy and fed. The ample free parking makes getting to and from the beach with little ones much easier. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and allow your children more space to roam and enjoy their beach adventure. Reddit

🐶 Dog Lovers

Sandhaven Beach is a paradise for dog owners! It's a dog-friendly beach, meaning your furry companions are welcome to join you for a day of fun in the sun and sand. Reddit They'll love running freely along the expansive shores and splashing in the shallow waters. Remember to be a responsible pet owner by keeping your dog under control and cleaning up after them. Reddit

While dogs are generally welcome, it's always a good idea to check for any specific local bylaws or seasonal restrictions that might apply. The coastal walks nearby also offer great opportunities for extended adventures with your dog, providing beautiful scenery and fresh sea air. InstagramReddit

🏄‍♀️ Watersports Enthusiasts

For those who love the water, Sandhaven Beach offers excellent conditions, particularly for windsurfing. Its unique long, shallow sandy intertidal zone and the absence of rocks along its full length create an ideal environment for this exhilarating sport. Reddit The open expanse of the beach allows for plenty of space to set up and launch. Instagram

While windsurfing is a highlight, the beach is also suitable for other watersports when conditions are right. The RNLI lifeguards present during the summer season provide a safety net for all beachgoers, including those participating in watersports. Reddit Always check the weather and sea conditions before heading out, and consider visiting during less crowded times to have more space for your activities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Sandhaven Beach: A Coastal Gem

Sandhaven Beach, located in South Shields, has earned significant acclaim, including being named the Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2022.Instagram+1 This recognition highlights its exceptional qualities: vast, clean, and golden sandy shores that stretch for miles. The beach is known for its long, shallow sandy intertidal zone, making it ideal for a variety of activities, from leisurely strolls to watersports. Its natural beauty and well-maintained environment contribute to its status as one of the best beaches in the North East of England. Reddit

The beach offers a fantastic seaside experience with amenities that cater to visitors. You'll find a wide selection of restaurants and bars nearby, perfect for refueling after a day by the sea. For families, the beach is a delight, with plenty of space for children to play and build sandcastles. It's also a dog-friendly destination, allowing your canine companions to join in the fun. Reddit

Beyond the immediate beach area, Sandhaven is part of a stunning coastline. Coastal walks along The Leas provide breathtaking views and a chance to explore the natural landscape, often featuring the picturesque lighthouse in the distance. Instagram During the summer season, the presence of RNLI Lifeguards ensures a safe environment for swimmers and beachgoers. Reddit Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, Sandhaven Beach delivers a memorable experience.

Planning Your Visit to Sandhaven Beach

When planning your trip to Sandhaven Beach, consider the time of year and day to maximize your enjoyment. While the beach is beautiful year-round, summer weekends can be quite busy with families and tourists enjoying the warmer weather. For a more tranquil experience, visiting on weekday mornings is highly recommended, offering a peaceful atmosphere and ample space to spread out. Reddit

Getting to Sandhaven Beach is convenient, especially if you're coming from Newcastle. The Metro system provides a direct and easy route to South Shields. TikTok Once you arrive, you'll be pleased to know that ample free parking is available, often close to the residential areas, making your arrival smooth and stress-free. Reddit

For those who enjoy a bit of activity, Sandhaven Beach is an excellent spot for windsurfing due to its long, shallow sandy intertidal zone and lack of rocks. Reddit Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, towels, and perhaps a windbreak. If you're visiting with children or pets, the beach's family-friendly and dog-friendly nature makes it an ideal choice. Reddit Don't forget to explore the nearby small businesses for classic seaside treats like ice cream and slushies. Reddit

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