Sweet William Charter Boat

The Sweet William sits moored at Whitley Bay, a working charter boat that takes groups out onto the North Sea for proper fishing expeditions. It's not a museum piece or a static attraction - you're actually getting aboard and casting lines into the water, which makes it a genuine day out rather than just another look-at-something experience.

You'll spend your time doing proper sea fishing, which means hauling in whatever's biting that day. Most trips last several hours, so bring layers and expect to get a bit damp. The crew know what they're doing and the boat's well-maintained, though it's fair to say this is for people who actually want to fish, not those just after a "nice boat ride." Families with older kids (say, 10 plus) who don't mind getting their hands dirty will get the most out of it. Younger children might struggle with the waiting and the cold.

Admission is free in the sense that you're paying per trip rather than an entry fee - contact them direct for current pricing and available dates. The boat operates from Whitley Bay's marina, which is a pleasant enough stretch of coast with fish and chip shops and beach access if you want to kill time before or after.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park or Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, the Sweet William makes for a different kind of day out from the usual park entertainment. It's proper old-school seaside activity - no screens, just you and the North Sea.