Beach under four hours from Coventry named one of the best to visit in UK

Niamh Dann & Robert Rowlands

11 May 2024 at 3:22 am·2-min read

Surfers head out to catch some waves on a bright and breezy afternoon at Tynemouth Longsands Beach. -Credit:Reach

As summer is fast approaching, many are looking forward to spending a few days at the beach. A popular seaside destination under four hours from Coventry has been named one of the best in the UK by outdoor brand Millets.

Millets compiled a list of the top beaches in the UK based on average review ratings, water quality ratings, warmest ocean temperatures and average parking costs for up to 4 hours. According to their data, Tynemouth in North Tyneside is the best coastal location in England and Wales, scoring an impressive 8.49 out of 10 overall.

Millets said: "The area’s main beach is Long Sands Beach, a beach well known for its long stretches of golden sand and the powerful waves in the area making it ideal for surfing."

Tynemouth is full of lovely buildings, tasty spots for a bite to eat, and amazing beaches. There's plenty to look at too, including an old priory up on the cliffs.

Long Sands Beach, has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews. That's the highest of any that Millets looked at.

The Environment Agency gave it a rating of 3 out of 3. That means it's perfect to go in for a swim.

In addition, parking there is cheap, at around £3 for four hours. The beach also offers deck chair hire, and has designated disabled parking and ramps on the way to the beach.

People walking their dogs on Tynemouth beach -Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Tynemouth scored 8.49 out of 10 overall in Millets' analysis. The beach is well known for its wide sweeps golden sand, while strong waves there making it ideal for surfers.

The Times added in a recent review: "The scenery is blissful: sweeping beaches, craggy cliffs, a ruined priory and a lighthouse. It's certainly not grim in this part of the north: cafe tables dot the pavements and superstar DJs hit the decks at Barca ArtBar; the promenade is alive with walkers; surfers fill the beach; and a £5m campaign to restore the 1920s lido is gathering pace."

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