WHEN the sun finally shines, there's nowhere better than the British seaside for some good old-fashioned fun - and if you're in need of some new staycation inspiration this summer, look no further. As part of our Best Of British travel series, The Sun's travel team have picked our favourite UK seaside towns, featuring everything from dolphin-spotting beaches to celeb-favourite fish and chip shops. Win one of 8 incredible holidays to Florida, Spain , the Caribbean and a Kent safari by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here The North East is a much-overlooked part of the country for seaside towns, with Tynemouth standing out among the best of the ones on offer.
Longsands Beach is, in my opinion, the finest family beach in the UK with its mile-long expanse of shoreline blessed with perfect golden sands, a deep inky-blue sea home to both seals and dolphins , and fantastic child-friendly food and entertainment a stone's throw away. While some locals will be scattered across the sand, or out surfing in the fresh North Sea water, plenty will also be found in Crusoe's , a wonderful little cafe right on the beach, serving everything from breakfast to booze, making it the perfect stop for seaside refreshments. The beach is overlooked by the spectacular Tynemouth Priory and Castle , a 2,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon monastery, looked after by English Heritage .
Every summer , the atmospheric ruins of the priory host the Mouth of the Tyne music festival, with previous headliner.
