South Shields factfile

How to get to South Shields
South Shields is a coastal town in Tyne and Wear on the south bank of the mouth of the River Tyne. It is well-supplied with transport links. The main East Coast Railway line runs near to South Shields, and you can reach the town by car via the A1(M), A19 (via the Tyne Tunnel) and A194 major trunk roads.

Newcastle's international airport is just 24 km (15 mi) away, and International Ferry services run from nearby North Shields to Scandinavia and Holland.

Shopping in South Shields
South Shields boasts a wide range of shops catering for every taste. Its main shopping areas are King Street and Waterloo Square, where you'll find a range of high-street names in a pedestrianised area. For more high-street choices, try nearby Fowler Street, Ocean Road, the Denmark Centre and Queen Street.

If shopping in the open air is more to your taste, South Shields market takes place in the town square and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The traditional marketplace has the 18th-century town hall at its centre and offers a wide range of goods from food to clothing.

Eating and drinking in South Shields
Whether you fancy a stroll on the beach with some traditional fish and chips or a slap-up meal in an upmarket bistro, South Shields will have something to tempt you. If it's a curry you're after, head to Ocean Road, famous in the area for its many Indian restaurants.

Things to see and do around South Shields
South Shields offers a wealth of ways to while away your time. Don't miss the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery. The town also offers everything you need for a traditional day at the seaside: as well as beautiful beaches, there is also a fairground and promenade.

Famous landmarks in South Shields
The Souter Lighthouse in South Shields was the most advanced of its day, the first lighthouse in the world to be lit by reliable electrical means. Visitors can explore the engine room and the rest of the building, learning how lighthouses work on the way.

Natural beauty spots around South Shields
The Leas, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is the beginning of the beautiful 3.2 km/2 mi stretch of countryside stretching to Lizard Point. With its high, grass-topped sandstone cliffs overlooking the sea, the sumptuous landscape is a National Trust protected area. The famous Marsden Rock is home to one of the largest seabird colonies in Britain.