Blyth Northumberland

Explore Blyth

Industrial heritage, spectacular sea views, and one of the best fish and chip restaurants in the county describe Blyth in a nutshell, with its still-working port, buzzing quayside, and promenade lined with brightly painted beach huts.

The Industrial Port

Blyth’s brightly coloured beach huts, bustling port and abundance of heritage give it an irresistible charm (not to mention its mouth-watering fish and chips...). The historical port is still a working port today, and you can watch sailing boats drifting in and out from the town’s quayside.

On the quayside you’ll find The Commissioner’s Quay Inn, which takes full advantage of its waterside location and offers unrivalled views of the port and beyond. Admire the low sun shimmering across the North Sea from the waterfront terrace, or head inside for the inn’s cosy alcoves, rudders used as wall hangings and overall industrial heritage-inspired decor. A focal point of the quayside is ‘Spirit of the Staithes’, a sculpture designed by artist Simon Packard and unveiled by Princess Anne in 2003. Whilst at first glance it appears to be abstract artwork, comprised of tangled steel arms and gold panels, when viewed from a specific angle you will see the shape of a train pulling a coal truck in commemoration of the area's coal mining heritage. Blyth Harbour is a perfect place to set your fishing rod down and watch the boats come in. Don't worry if you don't catch anything, there are many food establishments serving up the fresh catch of the day.

Sitting on the promenade close to South Beach, Blyth Bandstand built in around 1929 is an iconic coastal landmark that regularly plays host to live music and events.

Head to Coastline Restaurant and takeaway some of the most delicious fish and chips in the county, or grab a gelato-to-go and savour it on the golden sands of South Beach. Rent one of the 20 huts that sit along the beach and use it to store your seaside essentials and stop the seagulls from stealing your scran.

For the history buff amongst you, Blyth also has its own lighthouse, The High Light Lighthouse. Built in 1888 and deactivated in 1985, it is now preserved for the nation. Blyth Battery, a coastal defence artillery battery, built in 1916 to protect the Port of Blyth is now open as a Military and Local Heritage museum.

Not a fan of sand, then head towards the quayside and en-route pay a visit to Ridley Park. Full of attractions and a range of activities, including tennis courts and a bowling green, as well as play areas suitable for children of all ages. Cool off at the park's popular water play area during the summer months. The water park is open from the Spring Bank holiday weekend until the end of September. Ridley Park features woodland areas, perfect for families and walkers to enjoy. There is a cafe on site selling delicious home cooked local delights as well as refreshments and ice creams to keep the kids cool.

Don't miss the Christmas Party Nights at The Commissioners Quay Inn to help get you into the Christmas spirit this winter.

Markets

Head to Northumberland’s bustling, bunting-strewn markets and be charmed by independent stalls, local food outlets and our passionate producers’ Northumbrian accents! Have an authentic and traditional shopping experience and take away fresh food.

Enjoy a family a lunch in a Northumberland pub

Pubs

Rub shoulders with locals, taste Northumbrian drinks or dine with your dog in one of Northumberland’s dog friendly pubs. From seafront pubs with beachside beer gardens to cosy, countryside inns with roaring log fires, we’ve got pubs a-plenty.

Events

Where else can you find a puffin festival, a fire festival, and a cavalcade of 150 horses and riders setting off to ‘ride the bounds’? Whatever you’re looking for, Northumberland holds year-round events for families, foodies, and festival-lovers.

Places to stay near Blyth

A dog friendly, waterfront Inn, snug B&Bs, holiday parks and neighbouring towns with cottages, guest houses and a host of hotels offer sweet dreams during your trip to Blyth.

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Blyth Inn

The Commissioners Quay Inn

The Commissioners Quay Inn is the jewel in the crown of Blyth’s harbour, with all day dining and contemporary rooms.

What's nearby?

Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval Hall is an English Baroque country house where outstanding architecture, woodland walks and a 300 year old Weeping Ash Tree await. Walk along the coastline and you'll reach the lovely village of Seaton Sluice, part of Blyth Valley, with it's quaint sleepy harbour and the oldest pub in the village, situated right next to the bridge leading to Rocky Island.

Explore Seaton Delaval Hall

Things to do in Blyth

Activity

Attraction

Eating Out

Tourist Information

Shopping

Pubs, Bars & Inns Blyth

The Commissioners Quay Inn Restaurant & Bar

Commissioners Quay Inn is the jewel in the crown of Blyth’s impressive harbour development. Maximising every inch of its water’s edge location, the Commissioners Quay Inn is the place to eat, drink, sleep and explore from.

Markets Blyth

Blyth Market Day

Browse the stalls of friendly local traders, featuring a host of items including local food, textiles, gifts and plants.Please be aware that the goods on offer at our markets are dependent on the market traders who attend. This is subject to a number of factors, including weather conditions.When is it?Wednesday: 9am (Please note this is a carboot & fleamarket), Friday: 9am-3:30pm and Saturday: 9am-3:30pm Stall enquiries can be made here

Blyth FAQs

Blyth is a town situated in Northumberland, the largest town to sit along Northumberland’s coastline, looking out over the North Sea. Located approximately 13 miles northeast of the city centre of Newcastle.
The town has a rich history tied to the maritime and coal mining industries, and today it has a vibrant community of welcoming locals.

Blyth is located in the county of Northumberland, known for its scenic countryside landscapes, historic site and breathtaking Northumberland coastline. The county is renowned for its rural charm, historic castles, weekend getaways made even more popular by local legend Robson Green, iconic filming locations and more.

Visitors to Blyth can enjoy a variety of activities, including relaxing on Blyth Beach, which offers beautiful views along the sandy shoreline of the Northumberland coast, and plenty of opportunities for bird spotting and wildlife watching. The town's Quayside is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with a marina and views of the River Blyth. For those interested in Northumberland’s history, the Blyth Battery, a coastal defence from World War II, is a fascinating historic site to visit. The town hosts local markets and events throughout the year, providing entertainment for all ages. So whether you fancy an ice cream on the beach, a walk along the banks of the river or to tuck into some fresh seafood or the classic option of fish and chips, Blyth has so many things to do for visitors and locals alike.

Blyth is famous for its maritime heritage and historic port. In the past, it was a significant centre for coal mining and shipbuilding. Today, Blyth is known for its beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for enjoying walks along the Northumberland coastline, tucking into fish and chips, spotting wildlife, enjoying watersports, and cultural events and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Blyth is approximately 13 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne. The journey between the two locations typically takes around 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Public transportation options, such as buses, are also available, making Blyth and the Northumberland coastline and countryside easily accessible from Newcastle for both locals and visitors to travel to.

Blyth is a town in Northumberland that combines Northumberland’s fascinating history with contemporary development, cultural events and breathtaking views of the Northumberland coast. It offers a blend of coastal beauty, community spirit, and modern amenities. The town is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it an appealing place to live and to plan a weekend escape to, a half term visit or a family day trip. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the scenic beach, vibrant Quayside, green spaces, shops and variety of places to eat, including the freshest catch of the day.

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