Top 15 Attractions in South Shields, Tyne and Wear

A vibrant coastal destination featuring a remarkable Blue Flag Beach, South Shields is located at the mouth of the Tyne, facing North Shields on the opposite bank of the river.

Historically, like the entirety of Tyne and Wear, South Shields transitioned from a shipbuilding hub to a center for heavy industries, such as coal mining and glassmaking, during the 19th century.

Notably, the author Catherine Cookson was born in South Shields in 1906, and her influence continues to resonate through the newly established Word library and heritage center, inaugurated in 2016. Presently, South Shields is a welcoming seaside town, complete with an amusement park for children, a network of coastal parks, and a rich historical narrative.

For example, Arbeia serves as the easternmost fort on Hadrian’s Wall and functioned as the supply center for the entire Roman defense system.

Let us delve into the most notable activities in South Shields:

1. Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum

As the most archaeologically explored Roman military supply base within the empire, Arbeia was established at the mouth of the Tyne in 160 AD and eventually became the supply depot for all 17 forts along Hadrian’s Wall.

The site underwent its initial excavation in the 1870s, and reconstructions of the commanding officer’s house, barracks, and gatehouse have been established over their original foundations.

The museum houses numerous artifacts uncovered during the excavations, illustrating the diverse international community that once inhabited this settlement.

Among the exhibits is a stele commemorating a freed Moorish slave and a freed British woman from the Catuvellauni tribe (located in what is now South East England). Visitors can explore the luxurious commander’s residence, ascend the west gate, learn about the daily life of Roman soldiers, and view an array of artifacts from along the wall.

2. South and North Marine Parks

An essential component of South Shields’ coastline, these two Victorian parks are positioned adjacent to the beach and the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

During the summer months, South Marine Park is teeming with activities.

The park features a miniature railway, a boating lake with pedal boat rentals, two soft play areas, panoramic sea views, and a café.

Pride of place is given to the restored Victorian bandstand, which hosts concerts on summer weekends alongside the Proms in the Park events held in July.

In contrast, the quieter North Marine Park extends toward Arbeia and the mouth of the Tyne, providing facilities for bowls and petanque, as well as a panoramic viewpoint from which to observe river traffic and consider the expanse of the North Sea.

3. Souter Lighthouse

This National Trust property is an essential visit, especially for those with an interest in Victorian technology.

At its completion in 1871, the Souter Lighthouse was the most advanced lighthouse in the world, uniquely designed and constructed to utilize alternating electric current.

The strategic location was pivotal, as the South Tyneside coastline had been the site of numerous shipwrecks due to concealed reefs.

The structure, characterized by its distinctive red and white bands, has become a recognizable symbol in the North East. Since its decommissioning in 1988, it has transformed into a popular visitor attraction.

The historic machinery is exhibited indoors, and visitors can ascend the 76 steps to enjoy magnificent views.

At the recreated lighthouse keeper’s cottage, one can learn about the daily routines of the individuals who operated the lighthouse, while the 2.5 miles of Magnesian limestone cliffs and grassy foreshore in this area merit further exploration.

4. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Visitors to South Shields with children and teenagers are virtually compelled to devote some time to this amusement park by the seaside.

The extensive array of attractions in Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is noteworthy, featuring roller coasters, a giant inflatable beach slide, a pirate ship ride, spinning attractions, carousels, dodgems, a dry “Urban Wave” for aspiring surfers, soft play areas, and a haunted house.

Additionally, the park includes arcades, laser tag, a laser maze, bowling, an adventure golf course themed around smuggling, and miniature cars that allow children to take the driver’s seat.

5. Sandhaven Beach

Commencing at the South Tyne Pier, Sandhaven Beach is a splendid sandy expanse, bordered by dunes and spacious enough to feel quite secluded even during peak summer.

This beach has earned the Blue Flag designation (an international benchmark for quality), and is particularly enjoyable in summer, when children can construct sandcastles, wade into the pristine waters, and explore rock pools at low tide.

RNLI lifeguards are stationed at Sandhaven Beach from the end of May until early September, and surf lessons are available when conditions permit.

As you travel further south, the coastline becomes increasingly rocky until it reaches the Trow Rocks, a prominent headland reinforced by a Victorian gun emplacement.

6. South Shields Museum and Art Gallery

Situated away from the coast, this free museum presents an enlightening opportunity to explore the history of South Shields from various perspectives.

The Victorian-era building itself is a historical artifact, having been constructed over 150 years ago.

Exhibitions focus on coal mining and shipbuilding, and visitors can gain insight into the Jarrow March of 1936, when unemployed shipbuilders marched from Jarrow to London to protest against unemployment and poverty.

The Creature Corner invites brave children to meet and handle live snakes and spiders, and there are exhibits dedicated to the acclaimed author Dame Catherine Cookson, a prominent figure from South Shields.

On the first floor, the art gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, including one in 2018-19 showcasing the Scottish painter Dame Ethel Walker from the turn of the century.

7. The Word, National Centre for the Written Word

Located by the Tyne, this visually striking new landmark enhances the architectural landscape of South Shields.

Opened in 2016, The Word serves as a cultural center hosting a wide range of exhibitions, activities, and experiences tailored for all ages.

For children, this includes seasonal arts and crafts workshops, storytelling sessions, and cooking classes.

The “FabLab” is a state-of-the-art creative space equipped for aspiring young designers, featuring a 3D printer as well as laser and vinyl cutters.

The facility also hosts numerous demonstrations and courses regularly.

Beyond these offerings, The Word presents multiple exhibitions simultaneously. For example, in late 2018, one exhibition examined the impact of the First World War on South Tyneside, whereas children could explore themes surrounding beloved monsters, including characters from Monster’s Inc and literary figures such as Dracula.

8. The Customs House

Serving as South Tyneside’s sole professional performing arts venue, The Customs House is situated in a Neoclassical building established adjacent to the ferry landing on Mill Dam in 1848. Its facilities include a 437-seat main auditorium, a smaller studio theatre, a restaurant, and an exhibition space.

This venue offers a diverse array of performances, catering to various tastes, whether one prefers ballet, serious drama, musicals, comedy, pantomimes, or live music.

Moreover, The Customs House screens films almost every evening, presenting a selection of new Hollywood productions, independent films, and classic features.

9. Marsden Beach

As you approach Souter Lighthouse, the stunning Magnesian coastline comes into full view at Marsden Beach.

The layered cliffs, dating back 250 million years, have been shaped by the sea, leading to formations such as Marsden Rock.

This remarkable structure rises nearly 30 meters above the seabed, positioned approximately 100 meters from the cliff edge.

The porous surfaces of the rock provide habitats for numerous seabird species, including cormorants, gulls, fulmars, and black-legged kittiwakes.

Visitors can take the lift down to Marsden’s Grotto, a unique formation known as a cave bar, which was historically used by smugglers.

During low tide, there is the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life found within the beach’s various rock pools.

10. Shields Ferry

A key experience in South Shields involves taking the ferry across the Tyne to North Shields.

This ferry service operates every half hour from the terminal adjacent to The Word, departing at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. The ferry crossing has been in operation since 1377, with the current journey time lasting merely seven minutes.

Given the lack of a bridge in this section of the river, the ferry represents a vital transport option, providing an alternative to the Tyne and Wear Metro, which necessitates a trip into Newcastle city center and back.

The north bank of the river offers various attractions to explore, as detailed in subsequent sections.

11. Bents Park

The third in a series of parks along South Shields’ coast, Bents Park was established in 1901 on previously sand-covered dunes to deter industrial encroachment on the waterfront.

Comprising primarily open lawns, the park features winding tree-lined areas offering some respite from the coastal breezes.

The expansive grounds make Bents Park a prime venue for outdoor events, including the South Tyneside Festival, which features prominent concerts and family-oriented events throughout three months of summer.

12. Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm Village and Bede

Located just a ten-minute drive or a few short stops on the Tyne and Wear Metro, this museum is dedicated to the life of the 7th-century Benedictine monk, Venerable Bede.

Bede, considered the “Father of English History,” resided in the Monkwearmouth–Jarrow Abbey, a renowned educational center until its destruction by Vikings in the 9th century.

The museum showcases archaeological artifacts and provides insights into his life. Additionally, it features a recreated Anglo-Saxon farm and village, transporting visitors back to the Northumbria of centuries before the Norman Conquest.

The farm has recently been repurposed as an animal sanctuary, housing 70 rare domestic breeds and offering educational insights into the interactions between Anglo-Saxons and their livestock.

Adjacent to the Georgian Jarrow Hall House is a herb garden designed according to the 9th-century Plan of St Gall, which even supplies ingredients for the Hive Coffee Company café housed within.

13. North East Maritime Trust

Situated alongside the Tyne on Wapping Street, this organization is dedicated to preserving North East England’s rich shipbuilding legacy.

From the era of sail to the late 20th century, shipbuilding and the multitude of related trades represented a major sector of employment in the region.

Visitors can explore the trust’s workshops on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, where historic vessels are being restored using traditional materials and techniques passed through generations.

The enthusiastic volunteers are eager to field inquiries and showcase their craftsmanship.

14. Old Low Light Heritage Centre

A ten-minute walk along the Tyne from the North Shields Ferry Terminal leads to this museum, which chronicles the history of the North Shields Fish Quay.

Housed within the Old Low Light, a navigational beacon first established in the 17th century and later reconstructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, the museum informs visitors about the River Tyne’s role in supporting livelihoods for centuries. It includes narratives from contemporary fishermen active on the river.

Children have the opportunity to dress in maritime attire, and there is abundant information about the river’s wildlife, which has flourished since the decline of heavy industry.

A notable experience includes ascending to the light’s viewing platform for an unparalleled view of the Tyne’s natural beauty.

On pleasant days, visitors can unwind on the café’s terrace, enjoying a refreshing beverage or cup of tea.

15. Tynemouth Castle and Priory

A short walk and one Metro stop from the North Shields Terminal will introduce you to what was once among the largest fortified enclosures in England.

The medieval castle and its ancient priory are situated in a dramatic landscape atop a rugged headland.

Founded in the early 7th century, the priory served as the burial site for three Northumbrian kings during the 7th and 8th centuries.

One of the most striking features is the 13th-century chapel, characterized by a picturesque painted ceiling adorned with coats of arms and exquisite stained glass windows.

Furthermore, the headland historically served as a vital defensive location at the mouth of the Tyne, with restored gun emplacements, a guardhouse, and an armory from the Second World War now accessible to the public.