Seaburn Bay

About:

Seaburn Bay, nestled on the North Sea coast just north of Sunderland, offers a charming blend of seaside ambience and sociable resort town energy. Stretching around 1.5 km, the gently sloping sandy beach is backed by a broad, well-maintained promenade that links it to historic Roker Bay to the south.

The beachfront is enhanced by a vibrant strip known as Queen’s Parade, lined with cafés, traditional fish-and-chip shops, ice cream kiosks, pubs, and eateries representing Italian, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Two family-run hotels—the Grand Hotel and Seaburn Inn—and an array of guesthouses provide overnight stays with sea views. The area also features amusement arcades and children’s playgrounds, complemented by well-kept open parkland nestled among low-density, mid-20th-century housing.

Seaburn’s history extends back to prehistory, with geological formations in the cliffs dating to about 238 million years ago. The modern seafront was largely shaped during the 1930s, when a redevelopment scheme introduced a promenade, funfair and Seaburn Hall—once a lively dance and entertainment venue. Mid-century amusement features included zoos, pitch-and-putt courses, a boating lake, skating rink, miniature railway and the famed Big Dipper roller coaster, topping out in popularity before later redevelopment.

A true highlight was Seaburn’s role in hosting the Sunderland International Airshow—the largest free annual air show in Europe—until 2019. This renowned event drew in excess of one million spectators across the seafront, offering displays from the Red Arrows and Typhoon jets.

Today, Seaburn retains its Blue Flag sandy beach status, ideal for beach games, sunbathing, gentle swimming and coastal walks. A broad promenade invites scooter or cycle rides and strolls, linking Seaburn through Roker and beyond. Lifeguards aren’t always on duty, so swimmers should stay cautious. Visitors can conveniently access the beach via Sea Road or Seaburn Metro station, which offers step-free access, bike pods, and a small park-and-ride facility.

Community highlights include the annual Boxing Day dip—a local charity swim dating back to 1974 that sees around a thousand brave souls plunge into the North Sea. Seaburn’s careful balance of seaside nostalgia and modern comfort—ample amenities, clean sands, recreational spaces, and transport links—makes it a warm and inviting destination. Whether visiting for a day by the sea or a weekend retreat, Seaburn Bay offers a slice of classic British coastal life in a picturesque, easily accessible setting.