New Tide Tour open-top bus service launches for summer

A new open-top bus service is giving residents and visitors a new way to explore the North East coast this summer.

The Tide Tour runs between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, connecting some of the region’s best-loved seaside spots and attractions while offering spectacular coastal views along the way.

Funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness as part of a commitment to making travel more affordable and accessible across the region, the service will operate from 18 July to 31 August. Buses run every hour between 10am and 4pm, giving passengers the freedom to hop on and off throughout the day.

The Tide Tour is best enjoyed with a TNE Day Saver. For just £7.50 for adults and £3 for under-21s, passengers can enjoy unlimited travel all day, making it easy to explore the coast and beyond on a single ticket.

Children aged 11 and under can also travel free on the bus during the summer holidays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, helping make a family day out even more affordable.

The ticket can be used on Metro and the Shields Ferry, as well as buses, making it easy to enjoy a multimodal day out across the region. The Tide Tour also connects conveniently with Metro stations at Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay.

Concessionary passes, and Network One multi operator tickets and passes (valid in Zone 3), are also valid for use on the Tide Tour. Please note that day, week and 28-day tickets which are valid on Go North East services only (All Zones, Newcastle & North Tyne, Tyne & Wear, Family) are not valid on the Tide Tour.

Passengers can use the service to visit some of the North East coast’s most popular attractions and experiences, including Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Tynemouth Aquarium, Tynemouth Park, Longsands Surf School, CBK Adventures, Spanish City, Waves Leisure Centre, St Mary’s Lighthouse, and Whitley Bay Mini Golf and FootGolf.

Many attractions along the route offer exclusive discounts for Tide Tour passengers, including:

• 20% off entry to Tynemouth Priory and Castle
• £2 off admission to Tynemouth Aquarium
• Three hours of surfboard hire for £10 at Longsands Surf School
• 10% off equipment hire at CBK Adventures using code GONORTHEAST10
• 10% off at Kahvi Coffee with your Tide Tour ticket
• 15% off at Trenchers Restaurant, Spanish City with your Tide Tour ticket
• Discounted Ease Card pricing at St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay Mini Golf and Waves Leisure Centre

All discounts are available with any ticket or pass type valid on the Tide Tour by showing a paper ticket, app QR code or smart card.

Plan your journey today at Journey planner – Travel North East