Best Hotels and B&Bs in South Shields

South Shields is one of the most underrated seaside towns in the North East, and there is a decent range of accommodation for visitors — from established seafront hotels to intimate B&Bs on Ocean Road. Here are the best places to stay.

Little Haven Hotel

Little Haven Hotel on River Drive sits at the mouth of the Tyne with views over the river and Littlehaven Beach. It has 62 en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant serving a well-regarded Sunday lunch, and a location that is hard to beat — the ferry landing, The Customs House, and the town centre are all within walking distance.

The hotel is also licensed for weddings and is popular for special occasions. If you want somewhere with character and a view, this is the strongest option in the town.

Best for: 62-bedroom hotel at the mouth of the Tyne with river views, a restaurant, and wedding facilities — the best-located hotel in South Shields.

---

The Sea Hotel

The Sea Hotel on Sea Road is a Best Western property overlooking South Marine Park and Littlehaven Beach. It has 34 en-suite rooms, a refurbished function suite, and easy access to the seafront, Bents Park, and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

The Sea Hotel is a solid mid-range choice for families and couples. Its position on Sea Road means you can walk to the beach, the park, and the seafront restaurants within minutes.

Best for: Best Western seafront hotel with 34 rooms overlooking South Marine Park — a reliable choice for families visiting the beaches.

---

Marsden Grotto

Marsden Grotto is not a conventional hotel, but it has ten boutique rooms perched within the cliffs at Marsden Bay, each looking directly out over Marsden Rock and the North Sea. It is one of the most unusual places to stay in the North East.

The Grotto also operates as a cave bar, seafood restaurant, and wedding venue. If you want a memorable stay rather than a standard hotel room, this is the one.

Best for: Ten boutique rooms built into the cliffs at Marsden Bay — one of the most unusual places to stay in the North East.

---

Forest Guest House

Forest Guest House at 117 Ocean Road is a family-run B&B in a renovated period property. It is well placed for Ocean Road restaurants, the seafront, and the town centre, and is popular with couples and solo travellers.

The guest house has been recently refurbished and offers a traditional bed and breakfast experience at a reasonable price point.

Best for: Family-run B&B on Ocean Road — well placed for the restaurants, the seafront, and the town centre.

---

Sandhaven Rooms

Sandhaven Rooms at 79 Ocean Road is a small B&B a short walk from Sandhaven Beach. It offers clean, simple rooms with strong reviews for its location, friendliness, and value for money.

If you want to be close to the beach without paying hotel prices, Sandhaven Rooms is a good bet.

Best for: Small B&B on Ocean Road with strong reviews for value and location — a short walk from Sandhaven Beach.

---

Tips for Visitors

South Shields is well served by the Tyne and Wear Metro, so you do not necessarily need a car. If you are arriving by train, South Shields Metro station is a ten-minute walk from the seafront via Ocean Road.

For seafront parking, pay-and-display car parks along Sea Road charge approximately 1.20 pounds per hour. The St Hilda Street car park in the town centre is free.

---

Looking for more? See our guides to things to do, restaurants, and a weekend itinerary for South Shields.