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It might have been a wet Sunday yesterday, but that didn’t stop us heading into Tynemouth and jumping onboard the Spirit of the Bay.
Spirit of the Bay is North Tynesides very own little Land Train which takes its passengers on a fun and informative tour of the Tynemouth and North Shields coastline.
We arrived in Tynemouth and were lucky enough to find a parking space in Front Street (although it may be easier to get the metro on busier days) and made our way over to the Tynemouth Priory Bus stop. The Land Train is currently running every Saturday and Sunday every hour on the hour from 12 until 3. We boarded at 1.00.
Spirit of the Bay route
With 4 pick up and drop off points on the coastal route, we got on at Tynemouth Priory and then set off on our journey. Taking us first of all along Front Street passing all the quirky shops and restaurants, then down onto the Fish Quay and Fiddlers Green.
We then continued along North Shields Beach and past the Black Middens. Past Collingwood Monument and Tynemouth Battery and The Watch House. Back up towards Tynemouth Priory, then on towards the Mini Golf and Bowling Lake. Past the Blue Reef Aquarium, then the Surf Café and back to where we began at the Priory.
The Spirit of the Bay Land Train
Then Land Train itself is split into carriages with two seats facing each other so essentialy you’re sat as a group of four. As mentioned earlier, the weather wasn’t the best, although rain doesn’t bother me at all. I’m really not a spring or summer girl, preferring the autumn/winter months so the rain didn’t spoil the experience in any way for me. Infact if anything, added to it. With the rain covers sheltering us and blankets in each carriage, this only made for a cosier experience.
My girls spent the entire journey waving excitedly at passers by who kindly waved back. We mainly travel by car so even a trip on the metro or bus is exciting for the girls, so a Land Train was just something else.
‘I had such a lovely time. It was the best train ride I have ever been on’ – Emily Sharp
I think our favourite part of the journey was heading down towards the Fish Quay and round past Fiddlers Green onto the beach. It did actually feel at one point as if we were heading into the sea and did wonder if it was actually a Land Train/boat. Obviously that’s just my overactive imagination but I bet plenty of children on the journey may wonder that too.
Passengers are then given the opportunity to jump off the train at North Shields beach to stop and take photos.
Again, the rain didn’t stop us and Jessica and Emily had a quick run about the beach, and were kindly invited to sit in the drivers seat which they thought was fantastic. As did my husband who took up this photo opportunity too. Honestly, it’s like having three kids sometimes.
Although I’ve lived in Whitley Bay all my life, I only discovered Fiddlers Green and The Watch House last year when we took part in a sponsored walk with Jessicas school. I feel there may be a few people who aren’t familiar with North Shields Beach which is a great little spot and probably a surprise for anyone on the Spirit of the Bay who hasn’t been there before.
After around 45 minutes our journey came to an end as we arrived back at Tynemouth Priory.
‘I loved the train ride. My favourite bit was sitting the drivers seat’ – Jessica Sharp
We then took a walk down to Tynemouth Market at the metro station where we bought some cakes and gemstones (Emilys really into crystals and magic at the minute). Then for a look around Land of Green Ginger. I’m loving the additions of Alfie and Fins Gin bar, The Blind Pig and Let It Snow Productions Fairytale cottage. I’ll be suggesting to Emily to have her next birthday party there.
We then finished the day with a delicious carvery at The Gibraltar Rock. You really can make a whole day of it in Tynemouth, in any weather.
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon in Tynemouth and our tour on the Spirit of the Bay and can imagine this to be very popular during the summer months as it was a great little way to fill in an afternoon and a fascinating addition to the area. We were in Brighton last summer and we would’ve loved to have seen something like this there also being a seaside resort with lots to see.
In addition to the regular Spirit of the Bay journey, Cygnet Events also host a number of seasonal events throughout the year. Including the Summer Fayre, the Ghost Train over Halloween, and the Christmas Santa Express.
And over the Easter holidays, Spirit of the Bay will be inviting everyone to jump onboard to a Mad Hatters Tea Party. Passengers will ride the train and meet the characters from the Popular Childrens novel along with the Easter Bunny.
Tickets are priced at £10 each and that includes a drink, snack and Easter Egg and can be booked here.
The Spirit of The Bay Land Train is also available for hire for exclusive use such as parties or events.
This experience was kindly gifted to us in exchange for an honest review.
If you wish to ride the Land Train prices are £4 return/full route £2.50 single and Children £3 return/full route, £2 single. Under 2’s are free.
Thank you so much to Cygnet Events, and Spirit of the Bays driver and lovely informative conductor.
For more information about Spirit of the Bay, check out their website or Facebook page
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Thank you for reading and have a great week
Lou x