Summer getaway time: the 7 best beaches in the northeast

Holidays don't get any more English than the seaside and our shores are home to some unmissable beach breaks. Thinking of hiring a car and exploring England's northeast coast? We've put together a list of seven of the best beaches in our corner of the world.

All these beaches are within easy driving distance of our car hire garage, so they're perfect choices for an impromptu family day out.

1. Whitby

On the beautiful Yorkshire coastline, picture-postcard seasides abound and Whitby is a stunning example.

Whitby boasts two beautiful beaches on either side of the River Esk: the West Cliff beach and the smaller Tate Hill beach.

At West Cliff, you can expect a long sandy seafront with Blue Flag waters – ideal for activities such as sailing, swimming and surfing. For the kids, there's a paddling pool and donkey rides during the summer season. Surrounding you are great restaurants and beautiful views of the east and west lighthouses at Whitby harbour, as well as stunning cliff faces towering over the coast.

If you're looking for something small and idyllic, the Tate Hill beach is irresistible. It's secluded below Whitby's iconic red roofs and the 199 steps leading to the famous Whitby Abbey. This is where Bram Stoker's Dracula fled from the wreckage of his ship. (Dracula and donkey rides! What else could you want?)

2. Scarborough

Candyfloss, donkey rides, soft sand between your toes, the smell of vinegar in the air… now we're talking!

Scarborough is the quintessential English seaside resort. There's the epic 12th-century castle overlooking the North Sea. There's fresh fish caught daily and served all year round. And there are amusement arcades, theatres and ice-cream parlours. Isn't that the very picture of a seaside holiday?

Hire a car and you can use Scarborough's park-and-ride facilities in the summer, so there's no need to worry about parking near the beach when it gets busy. The beautiful Grand Hotel fills up fast though, so book early to get the best spot on the promontory.

3. Whitley Bay

In North Tyneside, between Cullercoats and St Mary's lighthouse, sits Whitley Bay beach. With golden sands stretching for two miles, this Blue Flag beach is the dictionary definition of sandy heaven.

If you're in the mood for adventure, you can enjoy a spot of mini golf, canoeing or kayaking. Or why not stroll across the beachside promenade? Here you'll find great restaurants, including the newly restored Spanish City with its traditional tea room and champagne bar (essential English seaside amenities, right?). Once you're stuffed with scones and champagne, head over to St Mary's island. If the tide is out, you can access the Victorian lighthouse by the causeway where you'll be met with breathtaking views of Tyneside.

4. Marsden Bay

Chances are you'll hear our next beach before you see it. South Shields' Marsden Bay is host to a large population of squawking seabirds, which reside in the incredible coastal rocks.

If you want to make your friends jealous on Instagram, get some snaps of the sea stacks and limestone cliff formations. And just to rub their noses in it, check in at The Marsden Grotto, a seafood gastropub set inside a cliff face – a literal pub in a cave. Its stone walls were once the home of Jack the Blaster, a resident of Marsden Bay who blew a hole in the side of the cliff to avoid paying rent.

Caves around the bay were historically used by smugglers to hide contraband. It's said locally that one such smuggler, John the Jibber, still haunts the beaches to this day.

All in all, this is a beautiful seaside for walks, wildlife and scenery with a fascinating history of smuggling (and even shipwrecks) to boot!

5. Cullercoats

Cullercoats is bursting with activities and history – it's got it all. Once a busy fishing village and port exporting salt and coal, the bay is a quieter affair now.

Home to a charming crescent-shaped beach with piers on each side, the picturesque seaside won't disappoint. Explore further and you'll find sea coves and rock pools teaming with marine life – so much so that Newcastle University chose it to house their Dove Marine Laboratory! If marine life isn't your thing then the variety of watersports on offer might float your fancy.

6. Whitburn

Ah, those simple pleasures in life. If you're more into lying down, shutting your eyes and soaking in the sun, then Whitburn beach will delight with its long, wide stretches of clean sand. The beach is split between the northern Seaburn Beach and the southern Roker Beach, with the latter offering pleasant gardens and a boating lake as well as sand and sea. If you're lucky and it's the right time of year, you might even spot a dolphin!

7. King Edwards Bay

Sitting below Tynemouth Priory and Castle, King Edwards Bay is a high performer with official award bodies, claiming one of the top spots on the Blue Flag beach list.

It's easy to see why King Edwards Bay is so highly regarded. It's a perfect little beach cleaving to a small enclosure of cliffs – and you'll want it all to yourself!

It's a popular beach with families too, as it's close to all the amenities. But don't tell the kids about the Priory ghost, Olaf the Viking, whose sightings are becoming more and more common!

Why not browse our cars for hire in the northeast and treat yourself to a seaside retreat? Whether you're a couple getting away for the weekend or a family staying for the week, our knowledgeable staff will provide a full quotation based on your requirements.