A day at the seaside is a longstanding British tradition and while we may not always get the weather to match, the North East boasts some of the best beaches in the country.
Whether it be a plodge in the sea, building sand castles with the kids, a brisk family walk followed by fish and chips or something a little more adventurous such as paddle boarding or surfing, our region’s beaches offer a fantastic opportunity for a fun-filled day out.
Check out the following best 17 beaches within around an hours drive of Sunderland for families to enjoy over the next three bank holiday weekends.
The rankings are based on Tripadvisor reviews.
9. Marsden Beach
Marsden Beach Of 215 reviews, 133 people said the beach was excellent, 64 very good, 15 average, 3 poor and 0 terrible. Drive time from Sunderland - 20 minutes. One reviewer said: "A beautiful beach. Full of golden sands and rock pools. Marsden Rock is a bird sanctuary and is accessible at low tide. Access to Marsden Beach is by stairs from the cliff top or by the elevator , which takes you into the Marsden Grotto pub. The pub has direct access to Marsden Beach." Photo: Google
10. Whitley Bay Beach
Whitley Bay Beach Of 300 reviews, 172 people said the beach was excellent, 98 very good, 18 average, 5 poor and 7 terrible. Drive time from Sunderland - 30 minutes. One reviewer said: "What a beautiful area and gorgeous views. Lovely walk along the front and plenty of cafes to call in at for refreshments. Easy access for wheelchairs and buggies and lots of dog walkers enjoying exercising their dogs. Definitely worth a visit." Photo: OLI SCARFF
11. Seaton Carew Beach
Seaton Carew Beach Of 394 reviews, 187 people said the beach was excellent, 143 very good, 39 average, 13 poor and 12 terrible. Drive time from Sunderland - 39 minutes. One reviewer said: "We love Seaton Carew and visit here many times throughout the year. The people here are friendly and the beach is wonderful for walking on. There are a few amusement arcades for children, however not too many. Lovely fish and chips and ice cream. Something for the adults and children." Photo: Frank Reid
12. Seaham Beach
Seaham Beach Of 241 reviews, 128 people said the beach was excellent, 80 very good, 26 average, 1 poor and 6 terrible. Drive time from Sunderland - 15 minutes. One reviewer said: "What a beautiful beach. They call is the ‘Glass Beach’ and they’re not wrong. You can walk for miles and there’s lots of things to see - caves, views, sea glass. Will be coming back for sure." Photo: Kevin Brady