coastal

FOR dolphin spotting, Blue Flag coastlines, and cafés right on the beach, head to Tynemouth.

This pretty town has also just been named one of the best places to live in the North East.

Tynemouth, as its name suggests, is situated right by the mouth of the river Tyne, along the North East coastline.

Now, it’s been named as one of the top places to live in the region by Garrington Property Finders.

Out of 1447 places around the country, Tynemouth in Northumberland ranked at number 85.

However, when totted up with other locations in the North East – it came out sixth.

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Tynemouth sits between Whitley Bay and North Shields and is home to one of the best beaches in the area called Longsands.

The beach has a mile of golden sand, has been awarded Blue Flag status, and is known for having excellent surfing conditions.

One recent visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Lovely sand, clean. Plenty of people seen swimming, playing, boarding and walking so it’s popular but not packed.”

Another added: “Beautiful beach that’s dog friendly – loads of nice bars and coffee shops within walking distance. Stunning year around.”

Dogs are generally welcome on the northern end of Longsands beach year-round.

In the summer season between May and the end of September at the southern end of the beach and at King Edward’s Bay restrictions are in place.

Beachgoers regularly spot dolphins offshore from the beach, particularly during summer months.

Aside from spending a day at the seaside, there’s plenty for families to do including heading to the Lost World Adventure crazy golf and the Tynemouth Aquarium.

One of the most popular cafés in Tynemouth is Crusoe’s where visitors can eat right on the sand and take in the seaside view.

You can pick up breakfasts, sandwiches and the classic beach supper, fish and chips from £13.95.

Another fish and chips shop called Marshall’s which is found in the town centre is so busy it usually has customers queueing out the door.

Marshall’s is named after Jimi Hendrix who, according to a blue plaque in the restaurant’s window, ate fish and chips there while playing a show in Newcastle in March 1967.

This summer, the town will hold its annual Mouth of the Tyne Festival between July 9-12.

It’s held within the ruins of the Priory which is on top of the headland and looks over the beach.

Some of the other top places to live in the North East were the village of Wickham in Tyne and Wear and Alnwick in Northumberland.

For more on seaside towns, these are our favourites picked by Sun Travel  – with seal cruises, seafront pubs and secret beaches.

Plus, this pretty village regularly named ‘UK’s most beautiful’ is the perfect spot for a weekend break.

Dorset’s Lyme Regis has been hailed as one of England’s best seaside destinations by UK travel influencer Amy Hulley, who shared her discovery of the charming beach town with her 434,000 Instagram followers

With January now done and dusted, countless Brits will be crossing their fingers and hoping for warmer weather so they can savour a delightfully sunny staycation. If that’s precisely what you have in mind, then ensure you don’t miss what has been dubbed England’s ‘prettiest seaside town’

UK travel influencer Amy Hulley showcased a reel featuring this stunning location on her Instagram account to her 434,000 followers. The spot she highlighted? The magnificent Dorset treasure that is Lyme Regis. Amy’s short clip captured her exploring all that Lyme Regis offers, from its gorgeous coastline to its delightful town centre and picturesque harbour.

In her post’s caption, Amy simply branded Lyme Regis as “one of the best”.

Her audience clearly agreed with her assessment, with one follower proclaiming: “I love Lyme Regis,” whilst another branded it their “happy place”.

Another supporter simply wrote: “Oh wow,” whilst someone else mentioned they were ‘adding it to their wish list’.

What is there to do in Lyme Regis?

There are numerous great activities you can do in the beautiful seaside town of Lyme Regis, which lies on the famous Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geology and fossils) with beaches, walks, museums, activities and more.

Beaches and outdoor activities

• Lyme Regis Beach – A lovely sandy and pebble beach perfect for sun, swimming, sandcastles, and bat & ball games.
• Lyme Regis Fossil Beach (Ammonite Pavement) – A great spot on Monmouth Beach for fossil hunting and seeing natural ammonite layers in the rock.
• Lyme Regis Front Beach – Walk along the seafront and enjoy cafes and views.

Exploring nature

• Stroll along the South West Coast Path for scenic cliff and bay views.
• Langmoor & Lister Gardens – Peaceful gardens overlooking the bay, great for picnics and relaxing.
• Fossils, museums and history
• Lyme Regis Museum – Local history, geology and fossils; built on the site of famous paleontologist Mary Anning’s former home.
• Dinosaurland Fossil Museum – Large private fossil collection with marine and dinosaur specimens, plus guided fossil walks available (check opening).
• Fossilwise – A visitor attraction focused on fossils and geology.
• Join guided fossil hunting walks (especially after storms) to search for ammonites, belemnites and more.

Water-based fun

• Lyme Rib Rides – Exciting rib boat trips around Lyme Bay.
• Lyme Bay Boat Trips – Sightseeing & Mackerel Fishing – Sightseeing and fishing trips from the harbour.
• Nick’s Fishing Trips – Local mackerel fishing experiences.
• Aquarium
• Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium – Small but enjoyable marine displays overlooking the Cobb.

Local culture, food and shops

• The Town Mill – Historic mill complex with artisanal shops, cafés, pottery, mill bakery and Lyme Regis Brewery close by for local brews.
• Independent shops, bookstores and cafes around town — great for souvenirs and browsing.

Heritage and walking

• Wander the iconic Cobb Harbour, famous from The French Lieutenant’s Woman and Jane Austen’s Persuasion — beautiful views and lots of historic charm.
• Walk parts of the Jurassic Coast trail or take scenic routes to neighbouring beaches like Charmouth (excellent for fossils too).

Events

• Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (usually around early May) — talks, guided walks, stalls, and activities celebrating the area’s geology and paleontology.

FOR 11 YEARS, Greece had a different capital city that is now known for its romantic atmosphere, neoclassical architecture and Venetian fortresses.

Nafplio used to be the capital of Greece between 1823 and 1824 and is often referred to as one of the most romantic cities in Greece.

It was chosen as the capital due to its strategic location as a fortified port.

This meant that it was a strong base after the capture from the Ottomans during the Greek War of Independence.

Then in 1834, the capital was moved to Athens.

Today, Nafplio is still an amazing place to visit, sitting on the Peloponnese peninsula.

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One of the popular attractions in the city is Bourtzi Caslte, which is on a small island in the harbour.

You can head off on a boat trip from the port to see the castle, and some events are hosted at the castle in the summer months.

Architecture throughout the historic city references Venetian, Ottoman and neoclassical influences.

One spot in particular with a lot of fascinating architecture is the city’s Old Town.

Here visitors can walk down cobbled streets to discover marble-paved squares, independent shops and quaint cafes.

In the centre of the Old Town is also Syntagma Square, which is surrounded by historic buildings including the Vouleftikon – former Parliament.

Today it is mostly used as a cultural centre, but the public can access the building at certain times to see the Municipal Art Gallery on the ground floor or attend events.

If you find historical artefacts interesting, you can also head to the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio in Syntagma Square.

If you want to mix history with a hike, head on the 999-step climb to Palamidi Castle.

It takes around 20-35 minutes to climb and is equivalent of climbing a 50 storey building.

Of course, there are several beaches nearby too.

For example you could head to Arvanitia Beach, which features pebbles and can be found at the end of the promenade near the Old Town.

The beach has facilities too, such as sunbeds for hire and a cafe nearby.

One visitor even called it “a small paradise” on TripAdvisor.

For a more family friendly spot, there is Karathona Beach, which is a short walk from the town centre.

The huge crescent-shaped beach has calm clear waters, ideal for paddling in.

One recent visitor said: “Such a beautiful beach and a nice hike from Nafplio along the coast. We really recommend it!

“It is odd that so few people know the coastal trail to these beaches.

To get to Nafplio, the closest airport is Kalamata, which is about an hour and 45 minute drive from Nafplio.

The cheapest month to fly from the UK to Kalamata is April, with return flights costing as little as £60.

For more inspiration on Greek holidays, there’s a small island you won’t have heard of with hidden beaches has new UK flights this summer.

Plus, the tiny holiday island that doubles for Greece in movies – but it’s cheaper and closer to UK.