WHITLEY BAY LIFE
Whitley Bay is a seaside town on the north-east coast, just 20 minutes from the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Located in the borough of North Tyneside, known simply as Whitley as early back as the year 1100 the town became known as Whitley Bay during the 1890s to stop confusion with the other beach town Whitby, further down the coastline in North Yorkshire. Many locals still refer to the area as Whitley.
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St Mary's Island features one of the town's landmarks St Mary's Lighthouse, which can only be reached during low tide. The island is also home to a vast array of sea life including seals, dolphins and various breeds of birds which many people spend hours on end watching from afar.
The town is connected very well by public transport with 4 Metro stations in the area (West Monkseaton, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay and Cullercoats) in addition to being served by many local bus routes which can link travellers to the local area and beyond. Newcastle International Airport is also just a short drive away.
Like many seaside towns in England, Whitley Bay relied heavily on tourism in earlier years. Home to the Spanish City funfair and many amusement attractions, the town went though several years of hardship when these areas were closed down in 2000 for regeneration. In the summer of 2018, the stunning Dome on the original Spanish City funfair site was reopened after a huge investment by North Tyneside Council. Now the Spanish City is one of the jewels in Whitley Bay's crown, having won many awards and helping to instigate a rebirth of the whole town.
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Now Whitley Bay is the place where people want to live. It is the place where people want to set up their business and the place where people love to visit. Home to a very special independent shopping district featuring a community cinema and beautiful entertainment venues along with thriving businesses of all types. The town continues to grow and while there is always work to do, Whitley Bay is fighting back.