Spanish City
The North East's most iconic seafront building, the Grade II listed Spanish City dome originally opened in 1910 as a concert hall and tearoom. Beautifully restored and reopened in 2018, it now houses restaurants, a tearoom, and event spaces beneath its landmark dome.
About Spanish City
Spanish City is a landmark seafront building in Whitley Bay, originally opened in 1910 as a concert hall, tearoom and entertainment complex known for its distinctive white dome. After years of decline and closure, the Grade II listed building underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2018. Today it houses a collection of dining and event venues beneath the restored dome, including Trenchers fish and chip restaurant, the 1910 restaurant, Valerie's Tearoom and a champagne bar, as well as wedding and event spaces. Overlooking the promenade and the North Sea, it remains one of the North East coast's most recognisable buildings and a focal point of the town's seafront regeneration.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Spanish City.
STACK Street-Food Venue Moves Closer at Spanish City's Empress Ballroom
Plans for a STACK street-food, bar and live-music venue in Whitley Bay's historic Empress Ballroom have taken a step forward, with a licence granted and around 140 jobs promised.
£11m Seafront Route Linking Tynemouth and Whitley Bay Celebrated
A five-mile walking, wheeling and cycling route between Tynemouth and St Mary's Lighthouse has been completed and celebrated with a launch weekend on the coast.
Best Wedding Venues in Whitley Bay
From the restored Spanish City dome to a lighthouse on a tidal island — some of the most distinctive wedding settings on the North East coast.
Feast by the Sea Returns to Spanish City Plaza on 25-26 July
The Feast by the Sea street-food festival is back at Spanish City Plaza on 25-26 July 2026, with regional vendors, bars, kids' rides and entertainment beneath the dome.
Whitley Bay Carnival Returns with a 'Folk' Theme on 11 July
The free seafront carnival is back on Saturday 11 July 2026 with a Folk theme, a parade of giant puppets from the Metro station to the seafront, and a full day of entertainment.
Local Museums and Archives Near Whitley Bay
St Mary's Lighthouse, the Stephenson Railway Museum, Segedunum Roman Fort, and Newcastle's free galleries -- a guide to the museums and heritage sites within easy reach of Whitley Bay.
Historic Trades and Crafts of Whitley Bay and Cullercoats
Coal mining, salt panning, the Cullercoats fishwives, and the Victorian entertainment industry -- the trades that shaped Whitley Bay before the seaside resort arrived.
Whitley Bay at War: The Coast Defences
Coastal guns, anti-invasion beach obstacles, searchlight batteries, the wartime role of St Mary's Lighthouse, evacuees, and rationing on the coast -- Whitley Bay in the Second World War.
Victorian Whitley Bay: Architecture of a Seaside Resort
How the railway created a resort from nothing -- the Spanish City dome, the Rex Hotel, Edwardian promenades, cinemas, and the seafront terraces that gave Whitley Bay its character.
Heritage Walking Trail: Whitley Bay
A 3-mile walking trail through the story of Whitley Bay -- from the Spanish City dome and Edwardian seafront to the Panama Dip, Watts Slope, St Mary's Lighthouse, and the places where a fishing village became Tyneside's playground.
Whitley Bay: The Rise and Fall of the Seaside Resort
From a fishing village of 300 people to Tyneside's playground, through golden-age ballrooms and revolving beach chalets to boarded-up hotels -- and back again. The story of Whitley Bay.
Upcoming Events
Events that feature or are connected to Spanish City.
Past Events
Recent events connected to Spanish City.
Princess Afternoon Tea — Spanish City
26 July 2026 · Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, NE26 1BG
Line Dance & Dine — Spanish City
10 July 2026 · Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, NE26 1BG
Comedy Night: The Lost Voice Guy — Spanish City
26 June 2026 · Spanish City, Whitley Bay, NE26 1BG
More Sports & Leisure in Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay Playhouse
A state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment venue hosting music, drama, comedy, dance, and family shows throughout the year. The Playhouse is a cultural centrepiece for the town with a busy programme of touring productions and local events.
Waves Leisure Centre
A popular leisure centre near the seafront with a swimming pool featuring wave machine and flumes, gym, spa facilities, and soft play area. A go-to destination for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
St Mary's Lighthouse
A much-loved landmark on a small tidal island just north of Whitley Bay, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Climb the 137 steps for spectacular coastal views, explore the visitor centre and nature reserve, or enjoy world-class birdwatching from the hide.
What's On
Fossil Frolics — Family Fossil Hunt at St Mary's
10:00 AM · St Mary's Lighthouse & Visitor Centre, St Mary's Island, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS
Summer Funfair — North Tyneside
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM · North Tyneside
1910 Lobster Supper at Spanish City
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM · Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, NE26 1BG
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