Sports & Leisure

South Marine Park

The green heart of the South Shields seafront with a boating lake, the Lakeshore Railroad miniature steam railway, two play parks, gardens, and a bandstand.

Sea Road, South Shields 0191 454 7761 Visit website

About South Marine Park

South Marine Park is a Victorian seaside park on the South Shields seafront, forming part of a chain of parks developed from the 1870s on reclaimed land. For well over a century it has been a place for walking, relaxing, playing and socialising. Its centrepiece is a boating lake, popular for rowing and pedalos and home to swans, ducks and geese, around which runs the Lakeshore Railroad, a miniature steam railway first opened in 1972 and among the country's few public steam-worked narrow-gauge lines. The park also offers play areas, formal gardens and green open space, making it a well-loved family destination on the coast.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature South Marine Park.

Friends of Readhead Park Appeal to Keep Free Picnic in the Park Running

The volunteer-run community day returns to Readhead Park on Saturday 22 August, but organisers say they need around £3,000 in local backing to cover essential costs and keep the day free for families.

Six South Tyneside Parks Retain Prestigious Green Flag Status

North Marine, South Marine, Readhead and West Park are among six South Tyneside green spaces recognised as among the best-managed in the country, backed by dedicated Friends groups and volunteers.

Vote Now: Help South Shields' Marine Parks Win a National Seaside Award

The public vote is open until 1 September to put the North and South Marine Parks on the Seaside Heritage Network's 2026 Bucket and Spade List. Here is how residents can cast a vote.

Volunteer Groups in South Shields

From the Volunteer Life Brigade's 24/7 coastal rescue to Hospitality and Hope's food poverty work, Friends of the Parks, and COAST wildlife projects.

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.

Best Playgrounds in South Shields

From the seafront play parks at South Marine Park to the adventure playground at Bents Park, here are the best playgrounds and outdoor play areas for children in South Shields.

Best Beaches in South Shields

From the golden sands of Sandhaven to the dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies at Marsden Bay, here is your complete guide to the beaches of South Shields.

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.

Best Walks from South Shields

Four coastal and park walks from South Shields, from the clifftop path along The Leas to Marsden Bay, to a seafront stroll from Littlehaven to Tynemouth. With distances, terrain notes, and tips for every route.

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.

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.

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.

Running and Cycling in South Shields

From the weekly parkrun along The Leas to the C2C cycle route finish line, here is your guide to running and cycling in South Shields.

South Marine Park: The Complete Guide

Boating lake, miniature steam railway, play areas, bandstand concerts, and over a century of history, everything you need to know about South Marine Park in South Shields.

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More Sports & Leisure in South Shields

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The Gym South Shields

Budget 24/7 gym with no contract, open every day of the year. Memberships from around seventeen pounds a month with free fitness classes and on-site parking.

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