Durham and Northumberland

20 Surf spots
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Positives
  • Good surfing geology
  • Slab reefs and open beachbreaks
  • Uncrowded Northumberland
  • Urban and country vibe
Negatives
  • Industrial city pollution issues
  • Winter best
  • Cold and uninviting
  • Some crowded spots

Durham and Northumberland surf travel guide

The North East is home to two contrasting surf experiences, the urban, polluted waves around Tyneside and Middlesbrough and the pristine, uncrowded wilds of Northumbria.

Surf spots in Durham and Northumberland

Research the 20 surf breaks in Durham and Northumberland and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 20 breaks in Durham and Northumberland.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Durham and Northumberland

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
35,548,200
Population
55,980,000
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
GBP
Exchange rate
$1 = £0.7 GBP

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+44
Dialing out
00
Emergencies
112
Language
English
Electricity
Plug Type
g
Visas

Since Brexit, unrestricted travel between the UK and the EU is over. The current system allows for visa free travel for up to 90/180 days a year. Beyond 90 days things get very complicated so check online for the details. US, Canada, OZ, NZ and some others follow the same 90-180 day rules. Most other countries need a visa before arrival. more info here 

Getting Around

The coastal roads around Newcastle and Sunderland get very busy during summer and weekends and short distances can take a lot longer than expected. It's an hour and a half from Newcastle to Bamburgh in the north via the coastal roads and an hour down to the breaks around Hartlepool.

Accommodation

Endless options all along the coast so choose between the busy city beach areas around Newcastle or Sunderland or the empty villages and beaches in the north of the region where you can surf alone.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Newcastle nightlife is legendary.

Hazards & hassles

Very cold and dirty water around the big city rivermouth breaks.

Handy Hints

It's easy to avoid the city crowds by heading north and there are some excellent waves if you look around. Tynemouthsurfco has a handy webcam for Longsands (pictures only)

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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