The Customs House: Your Complete Guide

The Customs House is South Tyneside's premier arts venue, housed in a listed building overlooking the River Tyne at Mill Dam. Since it opened in 1994, it has become one of the most important cultural spaces in the North East — a theatre, cinema, gallery, restaurant, and bar all under one roof. Whether you are booking tickets for a show, catching a film, or just stopping in for a coffee with river views, here is everything you need to know.

The Building

The original Customs House was built in 1864, when South Shields was granted its own customs jurisdiction after centuries of control by Newcastle. The building sits in the Mill Dam conservation area, right on the south bank of the River Tyne, adjacent to the Shields Ferry landing. The views up and down the river are impressive, and the building itself is a handsome piece of Victorian civic architecture.

The venue opened as an arts centre in November 1994 after a major restoration and extension. It now houses a 442-seat main theatre, a 132-seat studio (which doubles as a cinema), gallery spaces, a private dining room, and an events suite.

Best for: The Customs House is in the Mill Dam conservation area, directly next to the Shields Ferry landing — a short walk from South Shields Metro Station.

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Theatre

The 442-seat main theatre hosts a year-round programme of drama, comedy, music, dance, and family shows. The annual pantomime, written by local writer Ray Spencer (also the venue's director), is a South Tyneside institution — it regularly sells out months in advance and has a loyal following across the region.

Beyond pantomime, the programme includes touring productions, stand-up comedy, tribute acts, and original work. The 132-seat studio is used for smaller, more intimate performances and community productions.

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Cinema

The Customs House cinema shows a mixture of new releases, independent films, and classic screenings in the studio space. Ticket prices are typically lower than multiplex chains, and the atmosphere is far more personal. A Movie Meal Deal is available — film ticket plus a meal at the on-site restaurant — which makes for a good-value evening out.

Check the programme at customshouse.co.uk/cinema or call the box office.

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Gallery

The gallery spaces host a rolling programme of exhibitions, ranging from professional touring shows to work by local and community artists. Admission to the gallery is always free. The Customs House has a particular strength in supporting emerging North East artists and showcasing work that reflects the local community.

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Food and Drink: Bella's Bar and Bistro

Bella's Bar and Bistro is the on-site restaurant and bar, occupying a spacious, light-filled space with views over the river. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm during the day, and reopens one hour before showtime on performance evenings.

The daytime menu includes hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, soups, and cakes, with the menu changing weekly. On show nights, a pre-theatre menu is available. You can book a table by calling 0191 427 3737.

Best for: Bella's Bar and Bistro is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm, and one hour before showtime. Book on 0191 427 3737.

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How to Book

The box office is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm. You can book tickets in person, by phone on 0191 454 1234, or online at customshouse.co.uk. Online booking is available 24 hours a day.

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Getting There

By Metro: South Shields Metro Station is a short walk from The Customs House. Turn left out of the station, head down towards the river, and you will see the building on your right. The journey from Newcastle Monument takes approximately 28 minutes.

By Ferry: The Shields Ferry landing is immediately adjacent to The Customs House — less than 300 yards. The ferry runs between South Shields and North Shields roughly every half hour.

By Car: There is free parking directly opposite the venue. Additional parking is available in the town centre car parks, all within a few minutes' walk.

On Foot: From Ocean Road, head north towards the river. From the seafront, the walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes along the riverside path.

Best for: Free parking directly opposite the venue. South Shields Metro Station and the Shields Ferry landing are both a short walk away.

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What Else is Nearby

Mill Dam is a characterful area worth exploring before or after a show. The Steamboat, the multi-award-winning CAMRA real ale pub, is just a few doors away at 27 Mill Dam. The riverside path connects to the Littlehaven and Sandhaven beaches in one direction and to the ferry landing in the other. For the full story of this area, read our History of South Shields guide.

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Practical Information