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.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature South Marine Park.
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.
More Sports & Leisure in South Shields
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
The North East's biggest free-admission fun park with over 40 rides and attractions. Entry is free — you only pay for rides using contactless Fun Cards or wristbands.
Temple Park Centre
South Tyneside Council's flagship leisure centre with the largest fitness suite in the borough — close to 100 stations. Also offers swimming, badminton, squash, fitness classes, and function rooms.
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.