AD - We paid for our stay and food/drinks ourselves. This was not a press visit. However the links in this post are affiliate links. Prices and photos/info are based on a visit in November 2023 and are subject to change. Always check with the business direct for the most up to date info and prices.
I was over the moon when the old Park Hotel was taken over by the Inn Collection Group with the promise of a grand refurbishment.
I'm a huge fan of this Northern chain and have enjoyed previous stays at the Kings Head Inn when we climbed Roseberry Topping, The Kingslodge Inn where we stayed for a girls city break in Durham, a date night at The Lindisfarne Inn (we explored Holy Island afterwards) and a family stay at the Seaton Lane Inn which we used as a base for visiting Seaham and spent the afternoon hunting for sea glass.
I've also enjoyed lovely meals and drinks at The Commissioners Quay in Blyth, the Amble Inn and the Hogs Head in Alnwick.
I do have to be honest and say I'm not overly keen on the Bamburgh Castle Inn as the past few times we've visited, the service hasn't been the best/they've ran out of a lot of menu items/it's super expensive. There's a lot of competition in Seahouses now and I do feel like they need to up their game.
I do feel like they are the exception to the rule though and generally, I'm a huge Inn Collection Group fan.
I'm a huge fan of this Northern chain and have enjoyed previous stays at the Kings Head Inn when we climbed Roseberry Topping, The Kingslodge Inn where we stayed for a girls city break in Durham, a date night at The Lindisfarne Inn (we explored Holy Island afterwards) and a family stay at the Seaton Lane Inn which we used as a base for visiting Seaham and spent the afternoon hunting for sea glass.
I've also enjoyed lovely meals and drinks at The Commissioners Quay in Blyth, the Amble Inn and the Hogs Head in Alnwick.
I do have to be honest and say I'm not overly keen on the Bamburgh Castle Inn as the past few times we've visited, the service hasn't been the best/they've ran out of a lot of menu items/it's super expensive. There's a lot of competition in Seahouses now and I do feel like they need to up their game.
I do feel like they are the exception to the rule though and generally, I'm a huge Inn Collection Group fan.
Me being me, I booked us a room as soon as bookings opened - before the hotel even had a proper opening date. Due to this I did have to change our reservation twice due to a delayed opening date and the room type we booked was not available (more on that later) but these things are to be expected.
I paid £150 for a family superior room with balcony on seaview for up to 4 guests including breakfast on a Thursday night in November which I thought was pretty decent.
As a comparison, the Premier Inn Whitley Bay was coming up at £89.90 for a family of 4 including breakfast.
The hotel has two free customer car parks. I couldn't see any signage and we didn't have to mention our car reg on check in which I was surprised about. I remember the old Park Hotel had a big barrier system into their car park and I'm sure it was £12 for a token!!
I do feel like they will bring some kind of system for parking in as otherwise I feel like the car park is likely to be abused. But for now, it's fine to just turn up.
There were plenty of spaces when we checked at 2pm, 6pm and 9:30am. There are disabled bays and there's a designated taxi waiting area too. If for whatever reason the car park is full on arrival, there is plenty of parking nearby (sometimes paid so do check the signs).
The Tynemouth Castle Inn is easy to get to by public transport with buses stopping nearby and both Cullercoats and Tynemouth Metro Stations being less than a 20 minute easy walk away.
I paid £150 for a family superior room with balcony on seaview for up to 4 guests including breakfast on a Thursday night in November which I thought was pretty decent.
As a comparison, the Premier Inn Whitley Bay was coming up at £89.90 for a family of 4 including breakfast.
The hotel has two free customer car parks. I couldn't see any signage and we didn't have to mention our car reg on check in which I was surprised about. I remember the old Park Hotel had a big barrier system into their car park and I'm sure it was £12 for a token!!
I do feel like they will bring some kind of system for parking in as otherwise I feel like the car park is likely to be abused. But for now, it's fine to just turn up.
There were plenty of spaces when we checked at 2pm, 6pm and 9:30am. There are disabled bays and there's a designated taxi waiting area too. If for whatever reason the car park is full on arrival, there is plenty of parking nearby (sometimes paid so do check the signs).
The Tynemouth Castle Inn is easy to get to by public transport with buses stopping nearby and both Cullercoats and Tynemouth Metro Stations being less than a 20 minute easy walk away.
I think the hotel looks absolutely stunning from the outside. I absolutely love the art deco style. There's quite a bit of outdoor seating and I know I'll be popping in for an al fresco drink here in the warmer months after a dog walk with Fozzy. The view of the coast is fantastic from the terrace.
To the side of the main building is 'Oswins' and 'Cones'. On the day of our visit they weren't open but they looked like they were training staff and like their opening would be imminent. They'll announce on their social media when they are.
Oswins is going to be a fish and chip takeaway and Cones an ice cream parlour. They both look fab and to be finished to a high standard.
As with all of the Inn Collection Group, the Tynemouth Castle Inn is very dog friendly. Dogs are welcome in most of the bar area and there is a doggy station with water bowls, fresh water and treats for you to help yourself to. There's also a doggy menu available at the bar.
We have ordered Fozzy and Ollie treats from the doggy menu at another Inn Collection group pub before and they loved it!
There are some designated pet dog friendly rooms available for an additional charge of £10 per dog per night (up to two dogs per room) and some of the rooms have terraces for direct outdoor access.
Personally, I adore a dog friendly pub and absolutely love seeing dogs in pubs. They make me smile so much! I would really feel comfortable bringing Fozzy here. I know dogs aren't for everyone though and there are designated areas in the bar where dogs are not permitted if they aren't your cup of tea or you have allergies to consider.
Due to the proximity of a dog friendly beach, I do think it's pretty likeley there will be dogs in the bar whenever you visit.
Check in was from 3pm and wow I was blown away as I walked through the bar. It is absolutely gorgeous and you just wouldn't recognise the place from it's past life. It feels so warm and cosy in here and once you're in, it's the kind of pub you'll struggle to leave and I bet many end up staying for 'one more drink'.
Check in was straight forward and I was given a keycard for my room. There is a lift if required.
Check in was straight forward and I was given a keycard for my room. There is a lift if required.
We stayed in a superior seaview room with sofabed which sleeps up to 4 guests. We had originally booked a family superior seaview room with bunk beds which would have been much more suitable for us but a few days before our stay the hotel contacted us to say that the bunk beds had not actually arrived yet so we switched.
My kids refuse to share a sofa bed (which is fair enough) so in the end, decided to make other plans and not stay with us. It is what it is! If your kids are like mine, hopefully the bunkbed rooms will be available soon.
The hotel did offer to split the king bed into a twin for us if that worked better and maybe I'm a little selfish but I didn't want to spend £150 on a room to be on a sofabed.
The balcony rooms all have a side view over a car park and then out towards the sea. If you're looking for uninterrupted sea views, I would recommend booking a Seaview Suite with Sofabed which are positioned at the front of the hotel (these rooms do not have balconies but do have beautiful windows and views).
My kids refuse to share a sofa bed (which is fair enough) so in the end, decided to make other plans and not stay with us. It is what it is! If your kids are like mine, hopefully the bunkbed rooms will be available soon.
The hotel did offer to split the king bed into a twin for us if that worked better and maybe I'm a little selfish but I didn't want to spend £150 on a room to be on a sofabed.
The balcony rooms all have a side view over a car park and then out towards the sea. If you're looking for uninterrupted sea views, I would recommend booking a Seaview Suite with Sofabed which are positioned at the front of the hotel (these rooms do not have balconies but do have beautiful windows and views).
Our room was lovely, vey comfortable with plenty of seating (in fact maybe too much seating - a sofa, two chairs with a table, a chair at the desk and two chairs on the balcony). It felt spacious, clean and had everything we needed including those all important plugs by the bed and enough storage.
There's a hairdryer, safe and iron/ironing board.
You can watch our full room tour on Instagram here: Tynemouth Castle Inn Room Tour Video
There's a hairdryer, safe and iron/ironing board.
You can watch our full room tour on Instagram here: Tynemouth Castle Inn Room Tour Video
The hospitality tray was packed with Ringtons treats which was a big plus from me too.
And there was a mirror at the dressing table and a full length mirror too. Sometimes when I stay in a hotel I feel like the room has been designed by someone who never stays in hotel rooms but that wasn't the case here. It was very functional!
We did have a good night's sleep and weren't disturbed by noise but the beds were on the firm side (not too firm that it was really an issue). The only negative I could say and this is really nit picking is that you can see they are two twin beds pushed together and can feel the gap when lying on the bed.
I feel like the pillows look ridiculous from the angle in the picture above and that they could have done more with the presentation. I would perhaps expect a little better from a superior room. However, this is absolutely not something that was a major issue and was my own realy niggle.
We did have a good night's sleep and weren't disturbed by noise but the beds were on the firm side (not too firm that it was really an issue). The only negative I could say and this is really nit picking is that you can see they are two twin beds pushed together and can feel the gap when lying on the bed.
I feel like the pillows look ridiculous from the angle in the picture above and that they could have done more with the presentation. I would perhaps expect a little better from a superior room. However, this is absolutely not something that was a major issue and was my own realy niggle.
The bathroom was great too, nice and modern with complimentary refillable toiletries and towels. We had a shower - I think some rooms do have baths.
Accessible rooms are also available.
Accessible rooms are also available.
Our room was 106 and just next to Tynemouth Aquarium. We could watch the Seal Talk from our balcony which was cute and a little added bonus!
Onto our evening meal and at the moment, they don't take table bookings for groups of less than 8 (including for residents). They say this is due to no-shows with smaller tables but I'm not sure about this as this rule has been implemented from opening so to me, they haven't given bookings a chance.
There are plenty of systems available where you can pay a deposit or leave a credit card guarantee etc... which I'm sure people would be willing to do.
As someone who likes to plan ahead and as a family of 5 + dog, not being able to book somewhere is a little off putting and it does hinder my chances of going again. It's my pet hate waiting around at the bar for a table when somewhere is busy and it stresses me out, especially with kids and a dog. I'd rather go somewhere I can book.
However that being said, we stayed on the same evening as Tynemouth Late Night Shopping Night and the bar was busy at times but you could always get a table. It's a huge place and we popped down at 6pm and there were plenty of tables available. I do think it may be busier on a weekend but for our mid-week meal, the no-booking rule worked out ok.
Below is a look at the menus, you can see allergen menu links on their Facebook page. Click on the photos to enlarge them if needed.
There are plenty of systems available where you can pay a deposit or leave a credit card guarantee etc... which I'm sure people would be willing to do.
As someone who likes to plan ahead and as a family of 5 + dog, not being able to book somewhere is a little off putting and it does hinder my chances of going again. It's my pet hate waiting around at the bar for a table when somewhere is busy and it stresses me out, especially with kids and a dog. I'd rather go somewhere I can book.
However that being said, we stayed on the same evening as Tynemouth Late Night Shopping Night and the bar was busy at times but you could always get a table. It's a huge place and we popped down at 6pm and there were plenty of tables available. I do think it may be busier on a weekend but for our mid-week meal, the no-booking rule worked out ok.
Below is a look at the menus, you can see allergen menu links on their Facebook page. Click on the photos to enlarge them if needed.
I never expected this place to be cheap and I think you'd be a fool to think this. Some items do seem super pricey (£8 for a bacon sandwich) but others are more reasonable (£10 for a pizza / £7.50 for a kids meal for example).
Kids are given a lovely activity pack with their meal and there are highchairs / some tables have space for pushchairs.
The Inn Collection Group often run special offers including kids eat free in school holidays or free starters/puddings etc..... so it's worth signing up to their newsletter and keeping an eye out for deals in the future.
Check out the Tynemouth Castle Inn specials offer page here. Blue Light Card Holders receive a 20% discount on food and drink when showing their card at the bar (for up to 4 people including card holder).
Prices are as I expected - on the expensive side but en-par with other gastro pub type places in prime locations.
Kids are given a lovely activity pack with their meal and there are highchairs / some tables have space for pushchairs.
The Inn Collection Group often run special offers including kids eat free in school holidays or free starters/puddings etc..... so it's worth signing up to their newsletter and keeping an eye out for deals in the future.
Check out the Tynemouth Castle Inn specials offer page here. Blue Light Card Holders receive a 20% discount on food and drink when showing their card at the bar (for up to 4 people including card holder).
Prices are as I expected - on the expensive side but en-par with other gastro pub type places in prime locations.
It's very chilled - find your own seat and then order and pay at the bar.
The interior is just gorgeous and I loved it so much. It felt so cosy and welcoming and it was like they were playing a personalised playlist for me with Cheryl Cole, Empire of the Sun, Erasure, Duran Duran, Katy Perry and the Scissor Sisters all playing.
It was some of their lesser known hits too and I found myself nodding along and adding songs I'd long forgotten about to my 'favourites' list on spotify across the night.
It was some of their lesser known hits too and I found myself nodding along and adding songs I'd long forgotten about to my 'favourites' list on spotify across the night.
There's a big range of seating from long tables to little booths, benches, chairs, barstools.....
There's lots to look at too with loads of vintage photos and paintings from the area around the walls and little surprises everywhere you look. Excellent attention to detail and all of the staff we encountered were super friendly and had clearly been trained well.
A little word about drinks, again, they are at the very top end of what you'd expect to pay in Tynemouth. £8-£10 for a glass of wine, cocktails from £8, £3 for a cup of tea, £5 for a standard hot chocolate. It's the kind of pub that has bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape on the menu for £65 and five different types of Champagne all at £65+ a bottle.
Make sure you go with a friend/family member who has a blue light card and send them to the bar to get your 20% discount!
It is pricey but oh so welcoming and you can't help but sit back and enjoy a drink here. We got through two bottles of Malbec which was lovely and I have to say, the glassware did feel high quality if you're fussy about that kind of thing.
Food wise, Steve ordered the Venison Mince and Dumplings (£15) which was excellent. It was a large portion and had that lovely homemade taste with lots of depth. I went with the fish and chips (£17) which I also enjoyed. We would recommend both of these dishes.
The chunky chips were really delicious. There is sauce, salt, vinegar and cutlery on all of the tables so no waiting around / having to wander off and find some.
Make sure you go with a friend/family member who has a blue light card and send them to the bar to get your 20% discount!
It is pricey but oh so welcoming and you can't help but sit back and enjoy a drink here. We got through two bottles of Malbec which was lovely and I have to say, the glassware did feel high quality if you're fussy about that kind of thing.
Food wise, Steve ordered the Venison Mince and Dumplings (£15) which was excellent. It was a large portion and had that lovely homemade taste with lots of depth. I went with the fish and chips (£17) which I also enjoyed. We would recommend both of these dishes.
The chunky chips were really delicious. There is sauce, salt, vinegar and cutlery on all of the tables so no waiting around / having to wander off and find some.
However we were let down by the dessert - we ordered sticky toffee pudding (£8.50) which was on the dry side and the accompanying sea salted caramel ice cream didn't have much flavour at all. The ice cream sundaes are £10 each which seems like so much money! I'd save your cash and skip dessert. Buy an ice cream from Di Meos along the coast instead.
The customer toilets are stylish and clean and there is a unisex changing and accessible toilet available.
I like that there is complimentary water at the bar for guests to help themselves to. Sometimes when I get to a bar I am parched and a glass of water whilst browsing the menu / deciding what to order would be very welcome.
Would I dine here again? I've thought long and hard about this and my answer keeps changing but I think I've made up my mind.
I would definitely stay over again and if I was staying over, I would choose to dine here. It's lovely, convenient and I like being able to head straight up to my room after a nice meal and drinks.
Would I visit again with Steve or for a meal with the kids? Probably not. Despite the no-bookings system actually working out ok for us, it puts me off too much. The Tynemouth Castle Inn isn't our local and is around a 30 minute drive from where we live. There are other places I prefer in the area (that I can book and are cheaper) for family meals out. I could maybe be tempted back with a special offer.
However I know I will be popping into the beer garden in the summer months and I think the place lends itself very well to big family meals. If there was a group of 10 or so of us looking to book somewhere for a celebratory meal or get together, I definitely would consider booking here.
I can also see myself meeting up with friends for lunch here when it's not so busy. I sometimes enjoy meeting up with the girls for a walk along the beach and a catch up. We usually dine at the View afterwards but I think Tynemouth Castle Inn will be another contender.
I would definitely stay over again and if I was staying over, I would choose to dine here. It's lovely, convenient and I like being able to head straight up to my room after a nice meal and drinks.
Would I visit again with Steve or for a meal with the kids? Probably not. Despite the no-bookings system actually working out ok for us, it puts me off too much. The Tynemouth Castle Inn isn't our local and is around a 30 minute drive from where we live. There are other places I prefer in the area (that I can book and are cheaper) for family meals out. I could maybe be tempted back with a special offer.
However I know I will be popping into the beer garden in the summer months and I think the place lends itself very well to big family meals. If there was a group of 10 or so of us looking to book somewhere for a celebratory meal or get together, I definitely would consider booking here.
I can also see myself meeting up with friends for lunch here when it's not so busy. I sometimes enjoy meeting up with the girls for a walk along the beach and a catch up. We usually dine at the View afterwards but I think Tynemouth Castle Inn will be another contender.
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Breakfast is served from 7:30am - 9:30am and is included in most room rates. Just pop down to the bar and help yourself. It's all buffet style.
We went down for 8:30am and it was really quiet. However when we left just after 9:30am it was much busier (although this could be because the pub starts serving brunch to non-residents from 9:30am).
We went down for 8:30am and it was really quiet. However when we left just after 9:30am it was much busier (although this could be because the pub starts serving brunch to non-residents from 9:30am).
The toast was of high quality and the coffee was really good. The pastries were super fresh and tasted like they were just out of the oven. The cooked items were on the overdone side which is often the case at a breakfast buffet.
Not to the point where they were inedible but the yolks on all of the fried eggs were not runny and the bacon was pretty tough. Not a deal breaker for us and the staff are really nice so if you did want a fresh egg, I'm sure they would cook one for you if asked.
Overall, a pretty average hotel breakfast. Not amazing. Not terrible.
Not to the point where they were inedible but the yolks on all of the fried eggs were not runny and the bacon was pretty tough. Not a deal breaker for us and the staff are really nice so if you did want a fresh egg, I'm sure they would cook one for you if asked.
Overall, a pretty average hotel breakfast. Not amazing. Not terrible.
I like how close it is to the beach, that it offers free parking, that the bar is so welcoming and the food and drinks are great (if a little on the expensive side - but I would be happy to pay the prices again as we had an enjoyable evening).
Usually when I stay somewhere I do have things that put me off going back as I am SO fussy but nothing bad stands out here at all. Despite only being open for a few weeks when we stayed, we had a smooth and enjoyable stay.
My kids don't always like coming away with us now they're teenagers but when they were younger, I could definitely see us enjoying a little staycation by the coast here too. It's the perfect spot with loads to see and do in the area for both adults and kids.
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Find out more, check prices and book here: Book The Tynemouth Castle Inn
Lovely review and we echo alot of your sentiments about the place however a word of warning for anyone staying in a room on the ground floor at the rear of the hotel - it's very close to the metro line and you hear it rumble past each time thru the night and in the morning
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