Summer Holiday Activities in South Shields

South Shields is one of the best places in the North East for a family summer. The town has golden beaches, a free-admission funfair, a Roman fort, a world-class library, and easy access to coastal walks and water sports. Here is how to make the most of the summer holidays, whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring.

Beaches

The beaches are the main attraction. Sandhaven Beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer months, gently shelving golden sand, and is right next to the seafront facilities. Littlehaven Beach, just to the north, is quieter and popular with families who want a bit more space. Marsden Bay, further south along The Leas, is more dramatic — limestone cliffs, seabird colonies, and rock pools to explore.

All the beaches are free, and you can easily spend a full day at any of them.

Best for: Sandhaven Beach has summer lifeguards, golden sand, and is right next to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, crazy golf, and the seafront cafes.

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Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is the biggest free-admission fun park in the North East, with over 40 rides and attractions on the seafront. Entry is free — you only pay for individual rides using contactless Fun Cards or wristbands. There are rides for toddlers, older children, and adults, plus amusement arcades and game stalls.

It is open daily throughout the summer holidays and is right next to Sandhaven Beach, making it easy to combine a beach day with a ride on the rollercoaster.

Address: Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD

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South Marine Park

South Marine Park is the green heart of the South Shields seafront. Children can ride pedalos and rowing boats on the boating lake, take a trip on the Lakeshore Railroad miniature steam railway, and play in two well-equipped play parks. There are gardens, a bandstand, and wide open spaces for picnics and football.

The park connects directly to the seafront and is free to enter.

Address: Sea Road, South Shields

Best for: South Marine Park has a boating lake with pedalos, a miniature steam railway, two play parks, and connects directly to the seafront. Free entry.

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Arbeia Roman Fort

Arbeia Roman Fort is one of the most impressive Roman sites in the North East and a gateway to the Hadrian's Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site. Children can explore full-scale reconstructions of a Roman gatehouse, barracks, and commanding officer's house. The museum displays significant finds from excavations, and there are interactive activities for families during the summer.

Admission is free, and the fort is open from late March to the end of September.

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

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The Word

The Word on Market Place is the National Centre for the Written Word and one of the most impressive libraries in the country. Far more than just books, it has interactive digital exhibits, a fabrication lab where children can make things, a performance space, and a rooftop terrace with views over the town.

The Word runs a programme of free family events and workshops throughout the summer holidays. Admission is always free.

Address: 45 Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1DX

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Water Sports

South Shields Surf School runs surfing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons for children aged 8 to 16 on Sandhaven Beach. They offer week-long summer holiday clubs as well as individual lessons. Equipment is provided.

Haven Point is the alternative on a rainy day. The leisure centre has a 25-metre pool, an 18-metre teaching pool, and leisure waters with slides, sprays, and water play — ideal for younger children.

Address (Surf School): Promenade, Sandhaven Beach, NE33 2LD

Address (Haven Point): Pier Parade, NE33 2JS

Best for: South Shields Surf School runs week-long holiday clubs for ages 8 to 16 on Sandhaven Beach. Haven Point is the indoor alternative with slides and water play.

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The Customs House

The Customs House at Mill Dam is South Tyneside's premier arts venue, with a 440-seat theatre, a cinema, an art gallery, and a bar and restaurant. During the summer holidays, the programme typically includes family-friendly shows, children's theatre, and film screenings.

Check the website for the current schedule.

Address: Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1ES

Phone: 0191 454 1234

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Coastal Walks

The Leas coastal walk from Bents Park to Marsden Bay is around 3 miles of open cliff-top grassland with dramatic sea views. It is flat and suitable for pushchairs, and children will enjoy spotting seabirds, butterflies, and wildflowers. At the Marsden end you can visit Souter Lighthouse, managed by the National Trust, with a visitor exhibition and tea room.

The shorter walk from Littlehaven Beach to Tynemouth is around 2 miles, mostly paved, and passes the Fish Quay — a good option for an ice cream stop.

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Free Summer Events

The This is South Tyneside Festival runs throughout the summer with free events across the borough. The headline events are the South Tyneside Sunday Concerts at Bents Park, typically held over four Sundays in July and August with well-known music acts. Entry is free.

There are also family fun days, face painting, crafts, and games at various locations during the holidays.

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Rainy Day Options

When the weather turns, South Shields still has plenty to offer:

• Haven Point — swimming, slides, and water play
• The Word — interactive exhibits and the fabrication lab
• The Customs House — cinema and theatre
• Ocean Beach Pleasure Park — the indoor amusement arcades stay open whatever the weather
• Bowling — The Dunes entertainment centre on Sea Road has ten-pin bowling and soft play

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Budget Tips

• Beaches, parks, and coastal walks are all free.
• Arbeia Roman Fort and The Word are free to visit.
• Ocean Beach Pleasure Park has free entry — you only pay for rides.
• The HAF Programme offers free holiday activities and food for children on free school meals. Check the South Tyneside Council website for details.
• Picnics at Bents Park or South Marine Park save money on eating out. Colmans takeaway fish and chips make an excellent picnic option.

Best for: Many of the best summer activities in South Shields are completely free, including the beaches, Arbeia Roman Fort, The Word, South Marine Park, and the Bents Park concerts.

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Looking for more? See our guides to free things to do, the best beaches, and after-school clubs.