One day this summer I decided to take a walk from my home down to Tynemouth, The Haven and on to the North Pier. This is an especially lovely walk, if at times a bit windy! The reason for this is that the pier extends right out into the sea, ending at a lighthouse, there to guide the ships into The Tyne from the great North Sea.

It was a lovely day and a lovely walk. I thoroughly enjoyed it. First of all, this is the place where my dad used to spend most of his evenings fishing, The Haven was where most of my childhood summers were spent with my family and last but not least, it is a very scenic bay with loads of character and history; the Pier itself is steeped in history.

Anyway, number one in my book is that it is a great bracing/refreshing, mind-boggling walk! The views as you walk along the pier are fantastic: great cruise ships, ferries and transporters entering and leaving The Tyne, yachts and small boats bobbing on the sea, views from the north to the south of The Tyne and the view from the very end of the pier looking back to land is beautiful. Tynemouth Priory and Castle are in view from the pier too. The sound of the sea and the waves crashing against the pier is mesmerizing and there are also distant views of Cullercoats and Whitley Bay.

On certain dates there are tours through the walkway INSIDE the pier and also the lighthouse. I have never been on one, but have heard they are excellent.

If you care to visit Tynemouth, you must surely give The North Pier a visit. BUT a word of warning for safety’s sake, when the weather is bad and sea is rough the pier will be closed to the public. When you see my photos you will understand why…