King Edwards Bay
Tyne and Wear
King Edwards Bay is a sheltered, compact sandy bay tucked on the south side of the Tynemouth headland, overlooked by the ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. The bay is intimate and protected from northerly swells by the headland, making it calmer than the open Longsands to the north. The combination of the castle ruins above and the sandy beach below is one of the most picturesque scenes on the North East coast. The bay is accessible via steps from the headland car park and promenade area, and the town of Tynemouth with all its amenities is just a short walk away.
A seasonal dog ban applies to the full extent of King Edwards Bay from 1 May to 30 September under the North Tyneside Dog Exclusion Order. The entire beach is off limits to dogs during this period. Outside the restriction season, the bay is open to dogs and is a charming, quieter option compared to the larger Longsands. The sheltered character and relatively modest size make it a pleasant spot for a short off-lead beach walk in autumn, winter and spring.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Dogs banned from the entire beach from 1 May to 30 September under North Tyneside Dog Exclusion Order.
- Beach Type
- Sand
- Tide Notes
- Sheltered bay with calm conditions. Beach narrows significantly at high tide. Calm, swimmable water in settled conditions.
- Facilities
- Steps from clifftop access. Tynemouth town amenities nearby. No beach facilities
- Parking
- Clifftop car park near Tynemouth Priory. Steps down to the bay. Also accessible via Tynemouth Metro station (short walk)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Edwards Bay dog friendly?
King Edwards Bay is dog friendly outside of the summer season, earning a rating of 5 out of 10 on our directory. When dogs are permitted, it's a lovely spot — a sheltered, intimate sandy bay with the dramatic backdrop of Tynemouth Priory and Castle above. Just be aware that a seasonal ban applies for a significant chunk of the year, so timing your visit is essential.
Are dogs allowed at King Edwards Bay year round?
No — a seasonal dog ban is in place across the full extent of King Edwards Bay from 1 May to 30 September under the North Tyneside Dog Exclusion Order, meaning the entire beach is off limits to dogs during this period. Outside those months, from October through to the end of April, dogs are welcome and the bay makes for a calm, quieter alternative to the nearby Longsands.
What should I know before visiting King Edwards Bay with my dog?
The most important thing to plan around is the seasonal ban running from 1 May to 30 September — visit outside this window and you'll find a sheltered, peaceful beach well suited to a short off-lead walk. Access is via steps down from the clifftop car park near Tynemouth Priory, so it's worth bearing in mind if your dog struggles with steps. There are no facilities on the beach itself, but Tynemouth town is a short walk away with plenty of amenities, and the bay is also reachable on foot from Tynemouth Metro station.
What’s Nearby?
Beach0.1 mi awayTynemouth Longsands
Tyne and Wear
A popular Blue Flag surf beach at Tynemouth with a seasonal ban on the southern section from 1 May to 30 September; the northern end toward Cullercoats remains dog friendly year-round.
Beach2 mi awayWhitley Bay Beach
Tyne and Wear
Whitley Bay's Blue Flag beach with the restored Spanish City dome, offering year-round dog access north of Panama Gardens and a seasonal ban on the southern section from 1 May to 30 September.
Beach5.1 mi awaySeaton Sluice Beach
Northumberland
A sandy beach adjacent to the historic 17th-century Seaton Sluice harbour on the Northumberland coast, with year-round dog access and excellent walking north toward Blyth or south toward Whitley Bay.
Beach8.3 mi awayBlyth South Beach
Northumberland
A wide, open sandy beach south of Blyth Harbour with a partial central ban from 1 May to 30 September between Beachway and the Links Road car park; sections north and south are dog friendly year-round.
Beach12.2 mi awayNewbiggin-by-the-Sea Beach
Northumberland
Newbiggin's restored sandy beach, home to a famous bronze offshore sculpture, with a partial central ban from 1 May to 30 September; the South Beach is dog friendly year-round.
Beach15.8 mi awayCresswell Beach
Northumberland
A quiet, sandy dog friendly beach south of Newbiggin with year-round unrestricted access, backed by historic pele tower ruins and connecting to the vast sands of Druridge Bay to the south.
