Thanks - we love it.
The beaches are fab, and yet we also have moors and fells and hills on our doorstep.
Ashington is about the same distance from us, and just a bit further north. Canny little place, albeit having seen more prosperous days, bless its heart. Lots of lovely people there, and of course home to the Charlton bros footballers and Jackie Milburn.
I hail from Whitley Bay originally - well actually a village about 5 mins drive from there, but everyone knows Whitley Bay.
If ever you get a chance to visit Craster, Druridge Bay or Seaton Sluice beaches, they're fac. And Newbiggin by the sea - that's a very quaint old little place. Alnmouth and Amble too -super beaches.