Open‑top Tide Tour bus to run between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay

Representatives from the local community, including North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards, Tynemouth Priory, CBK Adventures, and doughnut shop Deep North enjoyed a preview of the coast’s newest attraction <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Representatives from the local community, including North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards, Tynemouth Priory, CBK Adventures, and doughnut shop Deep North enjoyed a preview of the coast’s newest attraction (Image: Supplied)
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An open-top bus service is being launched along the North East coast this summer, linking to popular seaside towns.

The Tide Tour will run between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, offering a new way to explore the North Tyneside coastline.

Go North East will operate the service with funding support from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.

Ben Gilligan, managing director at Go North East, said: "In the North East, we’re so lucky to have fantastic beaches like Whitley Bay and Tynemouth on our doorstep with plenty of activities for families to enjoy.

"The Tide Tour is a great way to explore this part of the region while taking in some sea air from the top deck."

The route will serve family-friendly destinations including Tynemouth Aquarium, Spanish City, Cullercoats, Waves Leisure Pool and Whitley Bay Holiday Park.

It launches on July 18 and will run daily until August 31.

Passengers can use the TNE Day Saver (£7.50 for adults, £3 for under-21s), which covers travel on any bus, Metro or the Shields Ferry and includes unlimited use of the Tide Tour for the day.

Travel is further supported by the Mayor’s Fares scheme.

Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "Our incredible coastline is one of the best parts of the North East and I want as many people as possible to enjoy it this summer.

"Passengers will be able to use our Mayor’s Fares and kids will go free over the school holidays, making it an even more affordable day out by the sea linking up our best-loved attractions."

The Tide Tour will operate Monday to Sunday, with seven departures each day between 10am and 4pm.

Passengers are free to hop on and off the bus at any stop along the route.

Tickets can be purchased from the driver or through the Go North East app.

The service will also connect conveniently to Metro stations at Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Cullercoats, making it easy for visitors to extend their journey or travel from other parts of the region.

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