Southcliff Holiday Apartments

The salt air carries inland from Whitley Bay's long sandy beach, and up here on the clifftop you're close enough to hear the gulls calling over the North Sea.

These self-contained apartments suit couples after a coastal break or small families exploring Tyneside's shoreline — there are camping pods too if you fancy something a bit different. You're right on the doorstep of Whitley Bay itself, with its Victorian promenade and that big sweep of beach that fills with swimmers and surfers when the weather turns kind. The town's got plenty of cafés and fish-and-chip spots within walking distance, and the Metro runs straight down to Newcastle if you want a day in the city.

The setup's more guest accommodation than traditional campsite, so expect a bit more comfort and shelter — handy for a winter weekend or when the North Sea winds pick up. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, and campfires are worth checking about when you arrive. It's open all year, which makes it useful for off-season coastal walks when the beaches are yours alone.