The Shields Ferry: Crossing the Tyne

The Shields Ferry is one of the oldest river crossings in the North East, connecting South Shields to North Shields across the mouth of the River Tyne. The seven-minute crossing is a practical commuter route, a scenic day out in its own right, and one of the most enjoyable ways to arrive in or leave South Shields.

Timetable

The ferry runs a half-hourly service throughout the day:

• From North Shields: departures on the hour and at half past the hour
• From South Shields: departures at quarter past and quarter to the hour

Services run Monday to Saturday from early morning to early evening, with a reduced Sunday service. Check the Nexus website for exact times, as the schedule varies slightly by day.

The crossing takes approximately seven minutes.

Best for: The ferry runs every 30 minutes. It is often quicker than driving through the Tyne Tunnel, especially at peak times.

Fares

Up to three children aged 11 and under travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. You can pay by contactless, Pop card, or cash. Metro tickets and passes are also accepted on the ferry.

What Is at Each End

South Shields (Market Dock)

The South Shields ferry landing is at Market Dock, right beside The Customs House theatre and arts venue. From here you are within a few minutes' walk of:

• The Customs House -- South Tyneside's premier arts venue with a 440-seat theatre, cinema, gallery, and restaurant
• The Steamboat -- multi-award-winning CAMRA Pub of the Year at 27 Mill Dam, a two-minute walk from the landing
• Mill Dam -- a conservation area of historic buildings along the riverside
• The town centre -- a ten-minute walk via King Street to the Metro station, Ocean Road, and the seafront

North Shields (Fish Quay)

The North Shields ferry landing is on the Fish Quay, one of the most characterful stretches of waterfront in the North East. From here you can:

• Walk along the Fish Quay to browse independent restaurants, cafes, and the Quayside fish merchants
• Head uphill to Northumberland Square and North Shields town centre
• Follow the coastal path east to Tynemouth, reaching the Priory and Castle in about 25 minutes on foot
• Visit the Tyne Brand Fish Quay building and the quayside galleries

Best for: The ferry is the best way to combine South Shields and North Shields Fish Quay in one day out. Cross over for lunch on the Fish Quay, then ferry back.

History

There has been a ferry crossing between North Shields and South Shields since at least 1377, making it one of the oldest ferry services in England. From 1816, a steam packet operated on the route.

In 1830, the North and South Shields Ferry Company began carrying passengers, cattle, and goods across the Tyne, with landings at Market Place in North Shields and Ferry Street in South Shields. The company operated under a Parliamentary Act and ran the service for several decades.

In 1863, the Tyne Improvement Commission acquired the ferry and improved the service with new boats and better landings. The crossing has run in various forms ever since, surviving two world wars, the opening of the Tyne Tunnel in 1967, and periodic suspensions for maintenance and storm damage.

Today the ferry is operated by Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, who also run the Metro. The current vessel, the Spirit of the Tyne, entered service in 2008.

Practical Tips

• Check for service disruptions before travelling. The ferry occasionally suspends operations due to storm damage, high winds, or vessel maintenance. Disruption notices are posted on the Nexus website and their social media channels. When the ferry is suspended, a replacement bus service runs via the Tyne Tunnel.
• Bikes are welcome on the ferry at no extra charge, making it a useful link for cyclists exploring both sides of the river.
• The views from the crossing are excellent. As you cross, you pass between the North and South Piers at the mouth of the Tyne, with views of the harbour, the lighthouse on the South Pier, and (on clear days) the coast stretching north towards Tynemouth.
• Connecting to the Metro: South Shields Metro station is a ten-minute walk from the ferry landing via King Street. North Shields Metro station is a five-minute walk uphill from the Fish Quay.
• Little Haven Hotel on River Drive is a short walk from the ferry landing and offers river views from its restaurant, if you want a meal near the crossing point.

Using the Ferry for a Day Out

The Shields Ferry works brilliantly as part of a day out combining both sides of the river. Here is one suggested itinerary:

1. Start at South Shields Metro station and walk down to Market Dock
2. Take the ferry across to North Shields Fish Quay
3. Explore the Fish Quay -- lunch at one of the seafood restaurants
4. Walk the coastal path from the Fish Quay to Tynemouth for the Priory, King Edward's Bay, and Front Street
5. Take the Metro from Tynemouth back to South Shields (two stops)

Or in reverse: arrive at North Shields by Metro, ferry across to South Shields, and spend the afternoon on the seafront, at Arbeia, or on Ocean Road.

Further Reading

• A Weekend in South Shields
• Things to Do in South Shields
• Where to Park in South Shields

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The Shields Ferry is one of those simple pleasures that makes living near the Tyne special. Seven minutes on the water, the open sea ahead of you, and two towns full of character at either end.