South Shields

South Shields seafront is a beautiful place to visit all year round. There is always plenty to do and explore no matter what the weather. This town is primarily concerned with industry, however has a thriving tourist trade that is growing every year.

The golden stretch of Sandhaven Beach, with its backdrop of dunes, is especially popular with visitors. Littlehaven Beach lies at the mouth of the River Tyne and offers excellent sailing, windsurfing and angling opportunities, as well as panoramic views of the estuary. There is fun for all the family, at the Ocean Beach Amusement Park South Shields; with an exciting choice of the latest fairground rides, alongside traditional rides for younger children.

  Watch Video              !!  Stay Safe on the Beach

There's a long and proud maritime tradition and a rich heritage of seafaring , shipbuilding and lifesaving heritage in South Tyneside, which is home of the nation's first purpose designed lifeboat. This piece of unique maritime history has pride of place in a monument between the North and South Marine Parks, one of the original lifeboats is beautifully preserved at the Wouldhave Memorial.

The Volunteer Life Brigade, whose skills and dedication have saved countless lives since 1866, are trained at the distinctive wooden Watch House, situated on the South Pier. The Watch House contains a unique collection of shipwreck history and local maritime memorabilia. The elegant Customs House, housing a cinema, theatre, gallery and restaurant, stands in the quaint cobbled streets at Mill Dam, South Shields.

South Shields is going from strength to strength, with its lively shopping area and popular open air markets, in the bustling town centre. The Metro system brings visitors into the heart of the newly refurbished Market place and main shopping area, where High Street stores and restaurants offer great choices.

Markets are held four days a week (three in winter) in a traditional square, with the 18th century Old Town Hall at its heart. The historic church of St. Hilda stands on the south side of the Market Place. There has been a church on this site since 647 AD and the present church dates back to 1790.

There are wonderful parks, beaches and places to picnic. No better sunny afternoon can be spent other than a ride with Mike aboard the Santa Fe -a miniature railway system around South park, and to feed the numerous swans on the nearby lake. There is a wonderful promenade along the sea shore and the short walk into town passes an esplanade of colourful victorian, old fashioned and comfortable guest houses.

South shields is a cosmopolitan town and this is reflected by the number of delicious smelling Oriental and European restaurants here. However, you may never again taste fish and chips straight out of the wrapper as wonderful again - until you return to South Shields.

Watch out for the giant seagulls though.....because they like fish and chips too, and they are NOT afraid to take them away from you if you are not paying attention!

Take a trip on the ferry across to North Shields and watch the trawlers unloading their catch. This is also the place of the world's first and only fish-filleting schools!