With temperatures set to rise this early May Bank Holiday weekend, we’ve put together some ideas on where, and how, you can enjoy some seaside sunshine over the next few days.
With the mercury expected to hit the high teens on multiple North East beaches, why not start with a cost‑free wander along Warkworth Beach, regularly recommended as one of Northumberland’s best wide, quiet stretches of sand for families and dog walkers.
Reviewers praise the miles of sand and peaceful feel, so you can spend hours walking, catching some sunshine and letting the kids run off steam without spending a penny.
Visitors say it’s a “seriously stunning beach, unspoilt, vast and with very few people.”
If you’re looking for coffee on a budget with a sea view, head to Coastline by Blyth Beach, where visitors rave about generous portions and good value fish and chips just steps from the sand.
Many reviewers say the portions are big enough to share, which instantly cuts the cost of lunch if you’re feeding a family.
After lunch, you could drive or hop up the coast to Druridge Bay, often described as a “hidden gem” with around seven miles of quiet beach and dunes that are perfect for a free afternoon of walking, paddling and wildlife spotting.
Blog guides and reviews highlight it as an ideal spot for low‑cost days out, especially if you bring your own picnic or snacks.
If you prefer a livelier village feel, Amble Links and Alnmouth Beach both come highly rated for their scenery and easy access to cheap food options in the villages.
Visitors say you can grab takeaway chips or a sandwich from harbour‑side spots and eat them overlooking the water instead of paying sit‑down restaurant prices.
Round off your perfect day on a budget with classic fish and chips at one of the county’s top‑rated but still affordable chippies.
Neptune’s Fish Restaurant in Seahouses and The Harbour View at Seaton Sluice both feature in local “best of” lists and tourism round‑ups for quality and portions, with plenty of reviewers recommending takeaway to eat by the sea.
Another highly praised option is Coastline at Blyth, which regulars say serves “whale and chips”‑ sized portions and sits directly by the beach, keeping your costs down to one simple, shared supper with a North Sea sunset thrown in for free.
