It's been named one of the best beaches in the UK and even on earth, one of country's best dog-friendly beaches, and it's in one of the UK's best places to live.
Just when you thought every possible accolade had been bestowed upon Tynemouth Longsands, it's been given another one: one of the best beaches for swimming in the UK.
And while taking a dip in the North Sea might be many people's idea of a nightmare no matter what time of year it is, cold water swimming has a lot of benefits for physical and mental wellbeing. Especially since the pandemic, communities of swimmers have built up around the beach - as well as at nearby Cullercoats and King Edward's Bays.
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Jacqui Croskery is the founder of the Chatter Challenge, an open water swimming challenge, and splits her time between Tynemouth Longsands and King Edward's Bay. She said: "When it's calm, I know people who swim regularly there and the fact that you can swim the entire length of Longsands makes it a bit of an achievement to get to St George's Church and back from the south end where the swimming pool was.
"Some people swim between Longsands and King Edward's Bay when it's really flat, so it's about the personal challenges people take. Also, there are good coffee shops there, there's easy parking and it's accessible to loads of people because of the ramp."
Sarah Goldsborough also swims at Longsands and is onto her 172nd consecutive day of cold water swimming (at the time of writing). She said: "I have done cold water therapy every single day since February 6 for my mental health - that's how I got started and since then I've been addicted!
"Longsands is always clean, fresh and it's always clearer when you walk in, there's no much seaweed or anything like that. The sand's beautiful, the scenery is amazing, if you want something therapeutic and a nice walk, I'd recommend Tynemouth all the way."
Jacqui added: "Obviously the positive effects on your physical and mental health are massive. It's not just the water, it's that sense of community and belonging."
While reading about the clean and cold waters of Longsands might have you reaching for your swimming costume and towel, Jacqui stresses that there are precautions that should be taken. She added: "Make sure you have warm clothes for afterwards.
"You need to be visible in the water so I would suggests a tow float. Never go on your own, always check apps like Magic Seaweed so that you know what the swell and windspeed are going to be and that you're keeping safe."
Jacqui appeared on BBC One current affairs show We Are England back in January, with a lot of interest developing in the Chatter Challenge. After lots of positive feedback, it's due to start again on Monday August 1.
Of Tynemouth Longsands, Guardian Travel's Ella Foote wrote: "This award-winning beach – which features sand, rocks, dunes and cliffs – is home to the TOSers (Tynemouth Outdoor Swimmers), and there are swimmers here all year round. You can get some good distance in and spend time in the sea while the crowds are on the beach.
"This whole coastline is a delight – swim at King Edward’s Bay with a view of the medieval priory and fortress, while the breakwater at Cullercoats gives some protection at high tide if the sea is more bouncy."
To read the full Guardian article on 10 of the best UK beaches for swimming, click here. For more information on the Chatter Challenge and safety advice, visit the website.
Where is your favourite beach to go swimming in the North East? Let us know!
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