The best beaches to visit by train

Filey beach

Situated in North Yorkshire, a region well known for its charming coastal getaways, Filey Beach is a 5-mile stretch of golden sands, picturesque promenades and plenty of hidden gems to explore.

A great family-friendly choice, Filey Beach offers plenty of space for children to run wild. The calm waters, sloping sands and watchful eyes of RNLI lifeguards every day from May to September will make your day at the beach safe and stress-free.

If being at one with nature is more your speed, take a stroll down to the northern end of the bay and discover the endless wonder of Filey Brigg. This rugged peninsula is full of treasures just waiting to be discovered, from fascinating fossils to rockpools full of cool critters. Time your visit for late summer and you might be treated to a spectacular show, with dolphins leaping through the waves and seals basking in the bay.

Best of all, all of this is waiting for you after just a half-mile walk from Filey train station. To start your journey off right, unwind in our First Class Lounge at York before hopping on your Northern service connection to Filey.

Bridlington South beach

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot for your trip to the Yorkshire coast, Bridlington South Beach is the place to be.

Overlooking Bridlington Bay, this beach boasts miles of firm sand, ideal for sunset walks or letting your pooch play in the dog-friendly zones. The noticeably calmer and warmer waters are a lovely place to cool off, or just dip your toes in to immerse yourself in the full seaside experience. Plus, some more shallow sections are ideal for children to have a playful paddle.

If tired legs are giving you trouble, there’s no need for you to miss out! Just hop on the iconic land train to enjoy the views from the clifftops to the coastline in style, simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

The land train isn’t the only way to upgrade to a more comfortable journey. Catch an LNER train to York, then connect to a Northern service all the way up to Bridlington, with beautiful views all the way.

Whitby beach

Another North Yorkshire gem, Whitby Beach is full of classic seaside landscapes and traditional activities, all while preserving the gothic heritage that the town is so famous for.

Backed up by the prestigious Blue Flag Award, this beach has certified charm, making it the ideal spot for swimming or taking a peaceful wander at low tide. Plus, all you need to do is look up from the shore to marvel at Whitby's most famous landmarks. See the spectacular ruins of Whitby Abbey, as well as the stone steps that inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic novel, Dracula.

If you’re looking to take a trip back in time, Whitby Beach captures the essence of the Victorian seaside with their iconic pavilion. This late 19th century building has been modernised, but has maintained its legacy as a social hub, featuring a cinema, theatre, and live music event spaces.

And when it’s time for a spot of lunch, you can take your taste buds on a trip too. Indulge in freshly caught fish and crunchy chips from one of over a dozen local fish and chips shops - all just a short stroll from the seafront.

Enjoy your escape that much more with a seamless journey from start to finish. Once you arrive at Whitby train station, you’re just a short bus ride away from some fun in the sun.

Honourable mention -Scarborough North Bay Beach

A local favourite, North Bay Beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Scarborough town. Sheltered by the ancient ruins of Scarborough Castle, this bay's rugged, natural beauty is truly a sight to behold, and offers something for everyone - from chilled out sun seekers to those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

For a traditional day out, you can hire one of North Bay’s iconic, brightly-coloured chalets for your own private space on the promenade. They come stocked with beach day basics like deck chairs, and even a kettle for a nice comforting brew when a chilly North Sea breeze rolls in. And with its pristine Blue Flag-recognised sands, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a brisk sunrise walk or to catch the North Sea’s most reliable swells for surfing. 

If you want to venture further out but worry about weary legs, the Scarborough North Bay Railway has you covered. One of the oldest miniature railways in the UK, it offers a scenic journey from the award winning Peasholm Park all the way to the Sea Life Centre. Just hop on board after enjoying the tranquil lake in the park, then watch the Scarborough shoreline drift past in complete comfort. 

If your North Bay itinerary includes the miniature railway, why not let the train take the strain of your entire trip? Once you arrive at York, just take a TransPennine Express service and you’ll be in Scarborough in as little as 50 minutes. Book tickets for your entire journey with LNER, so you can glide through ticket gates and arrive fully refreshed.

Whitley Bay beach

Renowned for its revitalised Edwardian elegance, Whitley Bay has been a popular destination in the North East for a number of years. Stretching for two miles between the village of Cullercoats and St Mary’s Island, the wide and flat landscape makes the horizon appear endless at low tide, perfect for photographers looking to capture a frame-worthy seaside shot.

Whitley Bay is home to many stunning landmarks just waiting to be explored. If you want to take a look out to sea like a true sailor then pay a visit to St Mary’s Lighthouse, where you can admire seals and birds that occupy the rugged rocks below, before climbing the 137 steps for views that stretch for miles.

If the weather takes a turn or high tide blocks your path to exploring the lighthouse, fear not - there’s still plenty to do! Have a browse around Whitley Bay’s iconic Spanish City, once a legendary Edwardian pleasure palace, this white-domed building has been restored to its former glory with a modern twist. Here, you can find a traditional seaside lunch of fish and chips, or if you’ve dreamed of having a cup of tea under the sea, head to the 1910 restaurant for a whimsical afternoon tea, served beneath the building’s magnificent rotunda.

All of this and so much more is just a couple of trains away, just hop on an LNER service to Newcastle then grab the Tyne and Wear Metro, it’s as simple as that! Then once you arrive at Whitley Bay station, you’re less than a mile from the shoreline, putting the very best of the British seaside well within your reach.

Tynemouth Longsands beach

One of the most famous surfing beaches in the UK, wave enthusiasts everywhere flock to Tynemouth Longsands every summer in the hopes of mastering the North Sea’s legendary white water. 

If you prefer a more slow-paced getaway, you can pull up a deck chair and watch hundreds of surfers dotted across the water. Enjoy the feeling of the fine, deep sand between your toes or take a dip in the Blue Flag accredited, crystal clear waters instead of venturing out into the surf. 

Despite its popularity, the steep cliffs that frame Tynemouth Longsands create a calm, secluded feel unique to this stretch of coastline. At the southern end of the beach, the dramatic ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle loom over the shoreline - cementing the beach’s status as another stunning destination where the North’s rugged medieval heritage is a vital component of its seaside charm. 

Much like the trip to Whitley Bay, a seamless journey of an LNER service to Newcastle followed by a quick Metro ride brings you straight to the Grade II listed Victorian-era Tynemouth Station. From there, you’re less than a mile from Tynemouth Longsands, where you can rent a board and be out on the waves in minutes.

South Shields Beach

Less than half an hour away from Newcastle City Centre lies South Shields Beach, where locals and holiday makers alike flock for a getaway full of fun, sun and world-famous food.

Similar to Nairn Beach, South Shields shoreline is split in two, with Sandhaven Beach featuring an award winning stretch of sand ideal for long summer days of relaxing or having a kickabout.

For those thrill seekers out there, South Shields Beach is home to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, the largest funfair in the North East. You can enjoy everything from traditional teacup rides and waltzers to white-knuckle coasters and retro arcade games all in one place. 

Then when it’s time for your evening meal, the locals will tell you there’s only one place to go in South Shields. Ocean Road, otherwise known as The Curry Mile, is world renowned for its incredible concentration of award-winning curry houses. But if you don’t think spice and the seaside are the combo for you, you’ll find traditional fish and chip shops that are just as highly regarded. 

If the infectious energy of South Shields is calling your name, after arriving on an LNER service to Newcastle, take the Metro to South Shields station where you’re just a brief, scenic stroll away from the shoreline.

Honourable Mention - Seaton Carew Beach

Aside from all of the sandy stretches and warm waters, Seaton Carew on the coast of Hartlepool has underwater wonders that make it a truly special destination.

At specific, very low tides, the ripples reveal the remains of a submerged prehistoric forest. If you look closely, you can see tree trunks sticking out of the sand, a fascinating relic of a landscape that thrived over 6,000 years ago. 

The incredibly flat sand makes for miles of shallow water at higher tides, perfect for paddling and inexperienced swimmers. Plus, Seaton Carew is one of the few beaches in the area that is consistently monitored by RNLI lifeguards, so you can swim safely without any stress.

The promenade features expertly resorted, Grade II listed art deco buildings that give the whole town a vintage vibe that makes for a beautiful backdrop to your seaside getaway. Or, if you love a tall tale, you can find subtle nods around the coastline to the famous Hartlepool Monkey, a piece of Napoleonic local folklore that has fascinated residents for years. 

If you have your heart set on Hartlepool, travelling by train is the easiest way to make it happen. After setting off an LNER service to Darlington, you’re just a couple of connections away from the sunny shores of Seaton Carew.