Tynemouth - The jewel in the crown that is Tyne and Wear. (Tynemouth)

Member Name: eelam_garek

Product:	Tynemouth
Date:	30/03/09 (323 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to do, small rustic town, friendly people.

Disadvantages: Could do with a few more parking spaces.

Tynemouth is one of the nicest villages on the coast. Located not far from Newcastle Upon Tyne (about 20 minutes by car), and situated on the coast line - Tynemouth really is a very nice, accessible, quiet country village.

Unlike places like Seahouses and Bamburgh, Tynemouth is pretty untouched by tourism and general over merhcandising. I'm not sure how long this will last, but at the moment Tynemouth still has that small town feel, with just enough shops and activities to keep you busy, but not so many that you feel like you might aswell have just stayed in town.

So what does it have to offer? Well, there's quite alot to do in this small town. The main village centre consists of the usual affray of pubs and coffee houses, aswell as plenty of places to buy food such as sandwiches/cakes and of course fish and chips! No trip to the sea side is complete without a dose of fish and chips. There are alot of great deals on food in Tynemouth, which will please the money conscious among us. Lets face it, that's most of us in todays climate!

The Salutation pub for example is a great little place to get fine food, and fine beer at very affordable places. Located on the main street, "The Sal" does a very nice meal deal, of 2 for 1. You can choose from a variety of meals and get two of these for a bargain price of £5.95. That's a whopping 3 pound each just about! If you go down on a Sunday, you'll be treated to two Sunday Roasts for £6.95! £3.50 each for what is a very sizeable and tastey meal. I've experienced alot of the menu and I can personally vouch for the quality.

The affore mentioned chip shop is called, "Marshals". You can't miss it. Again on the high street it is opposite, The Salutation, just across the street. The quality of fish and chips here is top quality, and although it's a little expensive these days - I'd still recommend them. There's even a Subway in Tynemouth, in case you want to give yourself the illusion of a healthier meal! (check out the salt content of subway sandwiches if you don't believe me).

The beach itself isn't that big, however, when the tide is out there's enough room for quite alot of people to do whatever it is you do when you're on a beach. Most people you see on there are sitting sunbathing or walking their dogs. The beach is situated in a bit of a ravine, with rocks either side. It captures the sun nicely however, and is very scenic if you go during the summer. The view from the peer itself is magnificent. Tynemouth is pretty high up, so on a nice day you get a fantastic view of the sea and sourrounding areas.

The abbey is one the main attractions of Tynemouth, it's just a shame it's not open all the year round. However, head out during the summer and you'll be treated to some ruins of the abbey, with the occasional re-enactment of the times, performed by actors. I've attended a few of these when I was younger, but nowadays I tend to go to Tynemouth with my girlfriend - for the beer and the food!

There are also a couple of smaller "trinkety" shops, which sell a variety of collectable bits and pieces aswell as an indoor shopping market which is permenant, and open most days. In it, there are cake shops, ornament shops and even a tatoo parlour! Something for all walks of life.

As with most of these small country towns, Tynemouth tends to come alive at the weekend. The famous "Tynemouth Market" is only available on a Sunday. Situated in the metro station, the Market plays host to many wide and varied stalls, all set up by members of the public. This is a great little gem, which you can have hours of fun at. From sweet stalls, to electronic goods, to books, to clothes - the market has the lot! All at a much cheaper price than any town shop too. In fact, the locals seem to love a good bit of bartering!

Tynemouth is pretty easy to get to. Straight down the coast road in a car (parking is tough when it's busy though, and that's my only negative about Tynemouth - needs more parking spaces!), or head to the Metro if you don't drive. Either way, it's a great little day out and somewhere I visit time and time again. It's a fun day out for people of all ages, it has something for everyone. Tynemouth is relatively untouched by tourism which makes it retain it's earthy feel, and genuine quality. If you haven't been here and are nearby, check it out. You won't be dissapointed.

Summary: Tynemouth is a great little country town with something for everyone.