Where to Go Swimming in South Shields

South Shields is one of the best places in the North East for swimmers. The town has a state-of-the-art leisure pool on the seafront, a dry leisure centre with gym and sports facilities, open-water swimming in the sea, and an active community of outdoor swimmers. Here is where to go.

Haven Point

Haven Point on Pier Parade is the main swimming facility in South Shields and one of the best in the region. Opened as a modern replacement for the former Temple Park pool, it sits right on the seafront near the mouth of the River Tyne.

The centre has a 25-metre competition pool with an adjustable floor, making it suitable for lane swimming, lessons, and training. Alongside it is an 18-metre teaching pool for younger swimmers and beginners. The leisure waters area has slides, sprays, a bubble spa, and a water-play zone — ideal for families with young children.

Beyond swimming, Haven Point has a sauna and steam room, an 86-station gym, two dance studios with fitness classes, a cafe with an outdoor terrace, and a rooftop viewing gallery.

Address: Pier Parade, South Shields, NE33 2JS

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-20:00, Saturday 09:30-17:00, Sunday 09:30-16:30

Prices: Adults £5.20, children (5-17) £3.75, under-fives £1.10, seniors £3.75, family (2 adults, 4 children) £17.95

Phone: 0191 424 7800

Best for: Haven Point has a 25-metre competition pool, an 18-metre teaching pool, leisure waters with slides, plus a gym, sauna, and rooftop viewing gallery — all on the seafront.

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Temple Park Centre

Temple Park Centre on John Reid Road is now a dry leisure centre — the pool closed when Haven Point opened — but it remains an important part of the South Shields fitness scene. The gym has been extended, and the centre offers badminton and squash courts, a 3G football pitch, and a gymnastics club.

If you are looking for a gym session before or after your swim at Haven Point, Temple Park is worth knowing about. It is approximately two miles from the town centre, with good car parking.

Address: John Reid Road, South Shields, NE34 8QN

Phone: 0191 456 9119

Best for: Temple Park is no longer a pool — it is now a dry leisure centre with a gym, 3G pitch, squash and badminton courts, and gymnastics.

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Open-Water and Sea Swimming

South Shields has a growing open-water swimming community. Littlehaven Beach is one of the most popular spots, thanks to its relatively sheltered position near the river mouth. The South Shields Sea Swimmers group meets on Saturday mornings at 9am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm — all abilities are welcome, and experienced swimmers are always on hand to help newcomers.

Sandhaven Beach is lifeguard-patrolled during the summer months, making it the safest option for casual sea swimming. The beach shelves gently and the sand is firm underfoot.

Marsden Beach is used by more experienced swimmers, but there are no lifeguards and the currents can be strong. It is not recommended for beginners.

Safety Tips for Sea Swimming

• Always swim with others, never alone.
• Check the tide times and weather forecast before you go.
• Wear a brightly coloured swim cap so you are visible from shore.
• Acclimatise gradually — the North Sea is cold even in summer. Water temperatures typically range from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.
• If you are new to open-water swimming, join the South Shields Sea Swimmers for your first few sessions.

Best for: The South Shields Sea Swimmers meet at Littlehaven Beach on Saturdays at 9am and Wednesdays at 6:30pm. All abilities welcome.

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Surfing and Paddleboarding

South Shields Surf School operates from Sandhaven Beach, offering lessons in surfing and stand-up paddleboarding for adults and children. Equipment hire is available if you already know what you are doing. The school runs holiday clubs for ages 8 to 16 during the summer.

Address: Promenade, Sandhaven Beach, South Shields, NE33 2LD

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Which Option Is Best for You?

• Families with young children: Haven Point leisure waters with slides and water play.
• Lane swimmers and fitness swimmers: Haven Point 25-metre competition pool.
• Beginners wanting to try the sea: Sandhaven Beach in summer (lifeguard-patrolled).
• Regular open-water swimmers: Littlehaven Beach with the South Shields Sea Swimmers group.
• Children learning to swim: Haven Point 18-metre teaching pool with swim lesson programmes.
• Surfers and paddleboarders: South Shields Surf School at Sandhaven Beach.

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Looking for more? See our guides to the best beaches, things to do, and a weekend in South Shields.