A North East town home to a “lively” market in an old railway station and “indie” shops and restaurants has been crowned among the best places to live by the sea in the UK, according to The Times.
The seaside location was also praised for its perfect combination of “sand, surf and super-fresh seafood”.
The Times commented on its coastal property guide: “This selection of the best places to live by the coast includes something for everyone: arty, commutable towns, seaside suburbs, pretty honeypots and spectacular, wild escapes.
“All these contrasting locations have something to offer in every season, with the kind of communities, connections and practicalities that will make the holiday feeling last all year round.
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“And there’s something for every budget, too — with an average house price for each location provided by Savills, using Land Registry data.”
You can see all best 20 places to live by the sea here.
What did The Times say about Tynemouth?
With an average house price of £320,276, it was “elegant” Tynemouth that was revealed to be one of the top places to live by the sea.
The publisher explained: “For all the upwardly mobile appeal of revitalised Whitley Bay, elegant Tynemouth is long established as the first choice for the discerning Geordie in search of sand, surf and super-fresh seafood.
“You’ll find the first two at blue-flagged Longsands, the pick of the beaches. Riley’s Fish Shack provides the latter, turning out top-class grub from a Portakabin on King Edward’s Bay, which has its own blue flag.
Do you know anyone who lives by the sea in Tynemouth? (Image: IORDANIS PALLIKARAS/Getty)
“Away from the shore, the town has an appealing arty-crafty collection of indie shops and restaurants, as well as a lively market in the old railway station.
“Good schools and a 35-minute Metro connection to the centre of Newcastle ensure it scores highly for practicalities.”
It added: “Finding a house — or a parking space — may not be plain sailing. Demand is high and period homes in prime spots close to the beach such as Percy Gardens can push the seven-figure barrier.
“There’s better value to be found on Millview Drive or the Broadway, or two miles up the coast in neighbouring Cullercoats.”
Further afield, Amble in Northumberland (which has famous connections to the Indiana Jones franchise) also featured on the list curated by The Times.
Best Beaches in the UK
The town on the North Sea coast was complimented for having “forgiving” house prices.
The publisher continued: “Head to the beaches or harbour where you can buy fish fresh from the boats, and admire the view of Coquet Island, home to puffins and rare roseate terns.
“You can dine on top-notch seafood at Jasper’s Bistro or the Fish Shack — where Harrison Ford tucked into sardines and a pint while filming the latest Indiana Jones movie, Dial of Destiny.
“The schools are good and access to Newcastle, the East Coast Main Line and the wilder corners of the windswept Northumberland coast could hardly be easier.
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“Unlike holiday-home honeypots such as Bamburgh or Craster, this is a proper, year-round community: to see just how much is going on, check the Ambler, the town’s own hyperlocal paper.
“House prices are forgiving — less than half the cost of buying in neighbouring Warkworth, according to Rightmove.”
If you’re wanting to move to Amble, the average house price is currently £209,709.
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