Life on the North East coast is about more than beautiful beaches and sea views — it’s about community, connection and finding your people. Whether you’re new to the area, looking to make new friends, or simply fancy trying something different, there’s a brilliant mix of social groups, clubs and activities to discover.
From women’s friendship groups and walking clubs to creative meet-ups, fitness communities, book clubs and relaxed social gatherings, there’s something for every interest and every stage of life. Around Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth, North Shields and beyond, local groups are bringing people together and making it easier to feel part of the community.
So, step away from the screen, get out and about, and discover some of the people and groups making the North East coast such a welcoming place to live, visit and connect.
Find Your People By The Sea
Northern Soul Sisters
A community where women can come together, be themselves and make genuine connections. Its activities combine socialising, outdoor adventure and well being, with things such as coastal walks, country adventures and sea dips.
Kelly who runs the group is passionate about bringing people together and getting outdoors and enjoying the North East coastline. She is also a lovely, interesting person to chat to. The group combines women, friendship, well being, outdoor adventure and the coast — all in a very local setting.
Northern Soul Sisters isn't simply a traditional walking or fitness group. There's a strong emphasis on:
Making new friends, particularly for women who might otherwise come along alone
Well being and switching off
Music, food and social evenings
A relaxed, friendly atmosphere rather than competitive fitness
Creating a sense of community and belonging
Dip Club
Dip Club is a welcoming, community-led cold-water swimming club that brings people together through a shared love of the sea, outdoor adventures and well being. More than just a sea swim, it's about meeting new people, building friendships, challenging yourself and enjoying everything the beautiful North East coastline has to offer.
Whether you're a seasoned sea swimmer or a complete beginner looking to try something new, Dip Club is all about creating a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where everyone can get involved at their own pace. From early-morning dips and beautiful sunrises to fun themed swims and social meet-ups, there's always an opportunity to connect with like-minded people.
It's about embracing the cold, enjoying the natural highs, stepping outside your comfort zone and leaving the beach feeling refreshed, positive and part of something special.
Come for the dip, stay for the friendships!
Locations: Cullercoats, Tynemouth, Longsands, Whitley Bay, Blyth, Newbiggin, South Shields and Seaburn.
Groove with Melanie
Groove with Melanie is a feel-good group dance and movement experience in the North East, led by Melanie.
Unlike a traditional dance class, Groove is about enjoying movement, expressing yourself and having fun rather than learning complicated choreography.
What happens at a Groove session?
Great music: A mixture of pop, rock, disco, Latin, reggae and other styles.
Free movement: No complicated routines or pressure to get the moves right.
Silent disco experience: Some sessions use wireless headphones.
Community: Everyone moves together but expresses themselves individually.
Well being: An opportunity to release stress, boost your mood and connect with others.
The 22 Social
The 22 Social is a little different from a traditional running club. The Social experience is just as important as the running.
The 22 Social could be for you if you are…
New to running.
Wanting to meet new friends.
Looking for a regular social routine.
Interested in health and well being.
Enjoy a coffee and community as much as exercise.
Panama Swimming Club Whitley Bay
Panama Swimming Club is one of the North East's best-known historic sea-swimming communities. Based on Whitley Bay's Northern Promenade, it has been bringing people together through outdoor swimming since 1930.
What makes it particularly interesting is that it isn't a competitive swimming club. It's a community of people who share a love of the sea, outdoor swimming, friendship and well being.
The club welcomes:
Experienced sea swimmers.
People who enjoy regular cold-water dips.
Occasional swimmers.
People interested in improving their confidence in the sea.
Adults of different ages and abilities.
There are organised swims four times a week, making it a regular social activity rather than simply somewhere to go for an occasional dip. Other activities include seasonal swimming events, summer solstice swimming, Christmas and New Year swimming traditions and social events.
We’re still looking…
There are so many brilliant people bringing our coastal communities together, and we’d love your help finding more of them.
From run and walking groups to journaling circles, creative workshops and coastal meet ups, we’re growing The Salt Club’s directory of local social groups and experiences.
Run a group yourself, or know someone we should feature? Send us a message, we’d love to hear about them.