Whitley Bay, Seaside resort town in North Tyneside, England
Whitley Bay is a coastal town in North Tyneside, England, stretching along several sandy beaches and bordered to the north by a white lighthouse on a small island. The seafront promenade connects residential neighborhoods with shops, eateries and a park that reaches the edge of the cliffs.
The area belonged to Tynemouth Priory from 1100 and developed into a holiday destination after the railway link opened in 1882. Workers from nearby industrial cities began traveling here on weekends, which triggered the construction of hotels and entertainment venues.
The name Spanish City came from an architectural style that reminded people of southern European buildings, though the structure never had any real connection to Spain. Visitors today see the white domed roof as a landmark when they walk along the promenade and pass the cafés.
The metro stations bring travelers from Newcastle to the beach in about 30 minutes, with trains running regularly even late in the evening. Access to most beach sections runs through stairs or ramps leading down from the promenade, and the paths along the cliffs are suitable for longer walks.
Coal pieces surface at low tide during the cold season at some beach sections, where old seams are exposed by cliff erosion. Walkers sometimes collect the black chunks as a keepsake, though they are not a real souvenir in the traditional sense.
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