Four of The Times’ best beaches that are within an hour drive of Newcastle as UK braces for another heatwave

With more nice weather, and scorching temperatures expected to continue in Newcastle throughout the weekend where better to make the most of  a cool breeze  than the beach.

The Northumberland coast is one of the most stunning coastlines in the UK, and has some of the best secret beaches.

The Times’ just released their list of the best beaches in the UK and lucky for you, some of them are less than an hour’s drive from Newcastle.

So, what beaches near Newcastle made the cut? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the best beaches in the North East?

Beach of the year: Sandhaven, South Shields

The North East’s very own South Shields is a popular destination among locals, many have spent their summers in this coastal town eating a 99 ice cream.

However, this year Sandhaven in South Shields has won Beach of the year, marking it The Times’ best beach in the UK. From safe swimming to roller coasters, as well as delicious fish and chips, South Shields has  something for everyone.

Howdiemont Sands, Northumberland

Howdiemont Sands in Northumberland has also made the cut. It is a smaller and secluded beach but still one of the most beautiful spots, and is less well known as it’s slightly off the beaten track.

This beach is dog friendly too meaning your four legged friends can come along for a sandy adventure.

Newton Steads and Football Hole, Northumberland

Football Hole beach is on the walking route between Beadnell and Low Newton, and is a ‘must do’ for beach and walking enthusiasts. The huge expanses of sea and sand give you stunning views of Newton Point.

St Aidan’s Dunes, Northumberland

St Aidan’s beach, also known as  North Sunderland beach, lies past the southern extremity of Bamburgh, between the Monks House Rocks and the Tumblers reef.

It’s easy to access from Seahouses or from the free parking on the side of the B1340 and offers some of the best views of the Inner Farne Islands you can get on this coastline.

Will Newcastle see a heatwave in August?

Friday

Early morning clouds will burn off quickly making space for another clear and sunny day.

Temperatures are forecast to hit highs of 23°C, and lows of 15°C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday

This period will be mainly dry with some cloudy and patches of rain at times throughout Wednesday.

Saturday temperatures are forecast to hit highs of 20°C, and lows of 15°C.

The remainder of the period will be dry and settled with warm temperatures. However, there is a chance of isolated heavy and thundery showers later in the day on Monday.

Temperatures on Sunday will hit highs of 20°C, and lows of 15°C.

Monday will see temperatures hit highs of 20°C, and lows of 16°C.

What is a heatwave?

The UK heatwave threshold is described on the Met Office website as: “when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.”

The initial heatwave thresholds were calculated based on the 1981-2010 climatology of daily maximum temperature at the midpoint of the meteorological summer (15 July). In 2022, the Met Office updated the threshold.

The threshold for a heatwave temperature differs by county, with some areas in the southeast having a threshold of 28°C, while areas to the north and west have a threshold of 25°C.