Beachgoers enjoying a summers day in Whitburn Beach in May 1979 in their 70s attire and even bringing their cars onto the beach.

placeholder image — Beachgoers enjoying a summers day in Whitburn Beach in May 1979 in their 70s attire and even bringing their cars onto the beach.

Our beautiful coastline: 13 wonderfully retro photos which prove just that

By Chris Cordner

Digital specialist in nostalgia

Published 23rd Feb 2025, 10:00 GMT

Breathe in the sea air as we celebrate the marvellous scenery on our doorsteps.

From Seaham to Sandhaven and Seaburn to Souter, our coastline is filled with beauty as these archive scenes from the Sunderland Echo and Shields Gazette archives show.

Tell us about your favourite seaside view by emailing [email protected]

A rainbow over Souter Lighthouse in this Shields Gazette photo from 2024.

13. A spiritual scene

A rainbow over Souter Lighthouse in this Shields Gazette photo from 2024. | sg

Seaham Beauty Seaburn Sunderland Echo Shields Gazette

News you can trust since 1849

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice