Arbeia Roman Fort
UNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. Full-scale Roman reconstructions, a museum of significant finds, and free admission from late March to September.
About Arbeia Roman Fort
Arbeia Roman Fort on Baring Street in South Shields represents the urban side of Hadrian's Wall and offers visitors a glimpse of life on the edge of the Roman Empire. The site is managed by North East Museums on behalf of South Tyneside Council. It features a reconstructed Roman West Gate and a museum displaying archaeological finds, including tombstones and other artefacts excavated at the fort, alongside a changing programme of exhibitions. Admission is free, with donations welcomed, and no advance booking is required. It forms part of the wider Hadrian's Wall World Heritage landscape and is a key heritage attraction for the town.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Arbeia Roman Fort.
Christmas Markets in South Shields
A twilight Christmas market at Hedworth Hall on 10 December, Saturday stalls in the Market Place, and North Shields Christmas Market a ferry ride away on 5 and 6 December 2026. Where to do your Christmas market shopping from South Shields.
Family Activities in South Shields: Days Out with the Kids
A days-out-with-the-kids roundup for South Shields, grouped by type: the coast, the parks, the big attractions, and rainy-day indoor options for every age.
The Lost Buildings of South Shields
From the Tyne Dock arches to grand seaside cinemas and the Ingham Infirmary, a tour of the South Shields landmarks that have vanished, and what stands there now.
South Shields in World War Two
How a busy Tyne port and shipbuilding town lived through the Second World War, from the devastating October 1941 raid on the Market Place to the war work of Readhead's shipyard.
The History of South Shields' High Street and Shopping Streets
How King Street, the Market Place and Ocean Road grew from Georgian fields into South Shields' shopping heart, and where the town centre is heading next.
Interesting Facts About South Shields
From a Roman fort whose Latin name means 'place of the Arabs' to a pub carved into a cliff by dynamite, South Shields is full of surprises. Here are our favourite facts.
South Shields on Screen: Film and TV Locations
From Catherine Cookson's Tyneside dramas to Brenda Blethyn's Vera on the Marsden coast, a guide to the film and television made in and around South Shields.
Local Museums and Archives Near South Shields
Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields Museum, The Word, the Customs House, and Bede's World -- a guide to the museums, galleries, and archives in and near South Shields.
Heritage Walking Trail: A Self-Guided Tour of South Shields
From the Roman fort at Arbeia to the Herd Groyne Lighthouse, a self-guided walking trail through nearly 2,000 years of history -- Romans, lifeboats, seafarers, and the mouth of the Tyne.
Arbeia Roman Fort: The Complete Visitor Guide
Everything you need to know before visiting Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, from reconstructed Roman buildings and museum highlights to opening hours, accessibility, and family activities.
A Weekend in South Shields
A two-day itinerary for visitors to South Shields, from the beaches and seafront to Arbeia Roman Fort, Ocean Road, and the Marsden coastal walk.
Things to Do in South Shields
From the Roman ruins at Arbeia to the beaches of Sandhaven and the theatres at The Customs House, here is your complete guide to things to do in South Shields.
Free Things to Do in South Shields
Roman ruins, golden beaches, a world-class library, free summer concerts, and more, here are the best free things to do in South Shields.
History of South Shields
From the Roman garrison at Arbeia to the Yemeni seafarers of the twentieth century, the history of South Shields is a story of trade, migration, and resilience at the mouth of the Tyne.
Catherine Cookson Trail in South Shields
Dame Catherine Cookson was born in South Shields and set her novels in the streets around Tyne Dock. Here is your guide to the places that shaped her life and her writing.
Summer Holiday Activities in South Shields
From golden beaches and a free funfair to Roman ruins and rainy-day soft play, here is your guide to keeping the family entertained in South Shields this summer.
Famous People from South Shields
From Dame Catherine Cookson to Sir Ridley Scott, Eric Idle, and Jade Thirlwall, South Shields has produced a remarkable number of famous people for a town of its size.
Best Photography Spots in South Shields
From the iconic Herd Groyne Lighthouse to the seabird colonies at Marsden Rock, here are the best photography spots in South Shields.
School Holidays in South Shields
South Tyneside Council term dates for 2026/27, plus tips on what to do during half term and summer holidays in South Shields.
Bede's World and Jarrow: A Day Trip from South Shields
A complete guide to visiting Jarrow Hall, St Paul's Church, and the Anglo-Saxon heritage sites just a short Metro ride from South Shields.
Halloween in South Shields
Family Halloween in South Shields: spooky sessions at The Word, autumn walks by the coast and marine park, and haunted history at Arbeia Roman Fort.
More Community in South Shields
Luna Blu NE
South Shields community interest company using creative arts therapy to support mental health and emotional wellbeing, with workshops for young people, adults, families and older people.
The Customs House
South Tyneside's premier arts venue in a listed building overlooking the River Tyne. Home to a 440-seat theatre, cinema, art gallery, restaurant, and bar.
The Word
National Centre for the Written Word. A striking modern library with interactive digital exhibits, a fabrication lab, performance space, events programme, and a rooftop terrace. Free admission.
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What's On
An Afternoon with Ann Cleeves
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM · The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF
Shipwrecks and Smugglers Family Trail at Souter Lighthouse
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM · Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Coast Road, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, SR6 7NH
South Shields Market
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM · Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF