South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
Free museum and art gallery celebrating the rich heritage of South Tyneside. Permanent displays on local history, maritime heritage, and the town's multicultural story, plus changing exhibitions.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature South Shields Museum and Art Gallery.
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.
Historic Trades and Crafts of South Shields
Glass making, shipbuilding, alkali works, salt panning, and the marine trades -- the industries that built South Shields at the mouth of the Tyne.
South Shields Docks: A Maritime Heritage Guide
Mill Dam, the coal staithes, the Shields Ferry, the Volunteer Life Brigade, and shipbuilding on the Tyne -- the maritime heritage of South Shields at the mouth of the river.
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.
The Arab Quarter: Ocean Road's Multicultural Heritage
How Yemeni seafarers settled in South Shields from the 1890s, built one of the UK's first purpose-built mosques, created Ocean Road's famous food scene, and shaped the town's unique multicultural identity.
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.
Ocean Road: The Complete Guide to South Shields' Famous Food Street
From the legendary curry houses to Colmans fish and chips and independent cafes, here is your complete guide to eating, drinking, and exploring Ocean Road 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.
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.
Rainy Day Activities in South Shields
Swimming, soft play, bowling, a world-class library, and a cave bar — here is what to do in South Shields when the weather turns.
Churches in South Shields
A guide to the main churches and places of worship in South Shields, from the ancient parish church of St Hilda's to the Al-Azhar Mosque -- one of the first purpose-built mosques in Britain.
More Community in South Shields
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.
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.