With its sweeping coastline, characterful streets, and rich historical charm, this northern seaside town has quietly built a loyal following – yet still flies under the radar for many tourists.
While places like Whitby, Scarborough and Blackpool often dominate coastal getaway lists, this lesser-known gem has now been officially recognised as one of the best underrated destinations in the UK.
According to a new ranking published by Betway, which analysed over 50 towns across the country based on the number of independent shops, cultural landmarks, restaurants, live music events, TikTok popularity and even average summer temperatures, Tynemouth came out near the top. In fact, it was named the fourth most underrated town in the UK overall – and the highest-ranked spot in the North of England.
Just eight miles from Newcastle, this vibrant coastal town is no secret to locals, but it still retains an air of discovery for many visitors.
Tynemouth is steeped in history, with the imposing ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle perched dramatically above the sea. Rated four stars and above by almost every visitor, the site dates back over 2,000 years and has been home to monks, kings, and soldiers – and offers panoramic views across the North Sea.
But this isn’t just a place for history buffs. Tynemouth’s beaches – particularly King Edward’s Bay and Longsands – are some of the most beloved in the UK. Regularly voted among the best city beaches in Europe, they attract surfers, dog walkers, cold-water swimmers and families alike.
In summer months, the long stretches of sand and clean water make it an idyllic coastal retreat, even with average summer temperatures of just 14.3°C.
The town also boasts a vibrant music and arts scene, with 84 live music events scheduled – more than many larger towns on the list.
Tynemouth Market, held every weekend in the Victorian-era Metro station, is another key draw, packed with vintage finds, vinyl records, books and street food stalls.
And while the town may not be overrun with restaurants, the ones it does have punch well above their weight – with 67% of them rated four stars or more.
Despite its many charms, the town has managed to remain relatively under the radar on social media, with just 8,573 TikTok posts – a fraction of the attention received by bigger destinations.
The Betway study placed Hastings in first place overall, thanks to its booming music scene and strong foodie culture, while Royal Leamington Spa and Shrewsbury followed closely behind.
The top ten also included charming coastal and historic spots like Folkestone, Bury St Edmunds, and Weymouth – each with their own mix of cultural landmarks, indie shops, and growing social buzz.