Visit South Shields
Everything you need for a day at the coast — how to get here by Metro or car and where to park, the award-winning beaches and seafront, Arbeia Roman Fort, The Word, where to eat, and what's on. Plus the town's Visitor Information point.
Getting Here & Parking
South Shields is an easy day at the coast — it’s on the Metro, so you can leave the car at home, and where you do drive, seafront and town-centre parking is largely free.
Getting here
South Shields is on the Tyne and Wear Metro, about 30 minutes from Newcastle, with the station roughly a 12-minute walk from Arbeia and the seafront. By car it’s reached via the A19 and A194.
Parking (largely free)
The Word offers free parking for up to three hours in the town centre, with more free parking along the seafront and the streets near Arbeia and the beaches, plus town-centre car parks.
Upcoming Events
View all →We Will Rock You — Customs House Summer School
Fri 7:00 PM, Sat 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM, Sun 6:00 PM · The Customs House
£16Pop Up Choir with Beccy Owen
10:30am - 2:30pm · The Word
FREEMignard: The Power of Posing — National Gallery Masterpiece Tour
During opening hours (runs to 7 November) · South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
FREEGreat North Feast in the Park
From 11:00 AM (29-31 August) · Bents Park
Free entryFeatured Guides
More Guides
All guides →
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.
Best Restaurants in South Shields
From Ocean Road curries to Colmans on the seafront, here are the best restaurants in South Shields.
Best Coffee Shops in South Shields
From a seafront institution serving ice cream since 1942 to a social enterprise cafe on Ocean Road, here are the best coffee shops and cafes in South Shields.
Where to Park in South Shields
A practical guide to car parks along the seafront, in the town centre, and on Ocean Road, plus Metro alternatives for visiting South Shields.
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.
Where to Eat & Drink
A few local favourites — from the famous Colmans fish and chips and the Seafood Temple to seafront bars and a Minchella's ice cream. See the full list on the eat & drink guide.
Colmans Fish and Chips
Food & DrinkA South Shields institution serving fish and chips for over five generations. One of the best-known chippies in the North East.
Colmans Seafood Temple
Food & DrinkFish restaurant, cocktail bar, and oyster bar on the South Shields seafront with panoramic sea views. The fine-dining sibling of the Colmans empire.
The Sand Dancer
Food & DrinkSeafront pub right on Sandhaven Beach with a beer garden overlooking the sea. Dog-friendly with a dedicated dog treats menu. Regular live music.
The Steamboat
Food & DrinkMulti-award-winning CAMRA Pub of the Year in the Mill Dam conservation area. Seven ever-changing cask ales and ciders on handpump with a ship-themed interior.
Minchella and Co
Food & DrinkA South Shields seafront institution since 1942, serving ice cream and coffee from the elevated walkway overlooking the coast.
Cafe India
Food & DrinkEstablished in 2001 on Ocean Road, Cafe India serves generous portions of Indian cuisine with a 5-star food hygiene rating and consistently strong reviews.