South Shields, a coastal town in the North of England, was once dubbed the second worst beach location in the country by The Telegraph’s ‘seaside gentrification index’.
This index rated various seaside resorts out of 100 based on factors such as housing, high streets, renovation and conservation.
It also took into account how these destinations had evolved – or failed to – over the past three decades.
South Shields found itself near the bottom of this list, only surpassing Rhyl in north Wales, with a disappointing score of just 11/100.
However, not everyone shares this negative view of South Shields.
In 2022, one of its beaches – Sandhaven – was recognised as one of the top 50 beaches in the UK. With its golden sands, azure sea, and the dramatic backdrop of Trow Rocks and the Leas to the south, it’s easy to understand why.
The historic architecture of Tynemouth to the North adds a cinematic touch to the beach. Sandhaven Beach, which has previously won a Blue Flag award for its cleanliness and excellent facilities, has been receiving glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, reports the Mirror.
One visitor from Birmingham wrote: “It’s a nice clean beach, kids facilities with there’s an amusements park, boat rides opposites the amusements, and Ocean Road for all your food. Can’t fault it the slightest, not even the three-hour drive up north, its well worth it.”
Another raved: “I had never heard of this beach until talking to locals in a nearby pub. What a pleasant surprise! I believe this is probably the cleanest and most beautiful beach area in the UK. Miles of clean, sandy ‘proper’ beach. Everything was so well maintained, yet not too busy.”
South Shields, home to Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, boasts more than just celebrity connections.
The Telegraph also shone a light on local dining hotspots, noting: “That’s not to say South Shields is without options of its own: the likes of Bravi, Italianish, Mambo, and cosy Davinci’s ensure the town is strong on Italian and Mediterranean comfort dining.
“The Grotto is a quality hotel.”