Local Area

Arbeia Roman Fort
Arbeia Roman Fort housed a garrison and once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne. The excavated remains, stunning reconstructions of original buildings and finds discovered at the site combine to give a unique insight into life in Roman Britain. Built in the AD 160s, this Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site stood guard at the mouth of the River Tyne and controlled the main port of entry to the Roman Empire in Britain. Originally built to house a garrison, Arbeia soon became the military supply base for the 17 forts along the length of Hadrian's Wall.

Bedes World
Bede's World in Jarrow, represents the extraordinary life of the Venerable Bede who lived and worked there 1300 years ago. Find out what life was like for Bede and his fellow monks and how much of Bedes work is of continuing importance to us today. This unique attraction will entrance visitors with its blend of history, visual and hands on displays, Christian Heritage and farm life.

Customs House, The
Situated in a listed building overlooking the River Tyne The Customs House consists of a theatre, cinema and art gallery. Built in the 1860's and beautifully renovated a few years ago, the Customs House has a growing reputation as the focus of artistic and cultural life on South Tyneside.

Cycling
South Tyneside offers cyclists a comprehensive network of routes, ranging from strategic routes such as the Coastal Cycleway between Sunderland and South Shields, to off-road leisure routes along the river corridors such as the River Don at Primrose. Inner urban routes and routes on re-used mineral lines forming part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) and the Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route enables visitors to travel by bicycle throughout South Tyneside and visit attractions along the way.

Dunes Adventure Island
A new leisure development right in the heart of South Shields seafront featuring an impressive indoor play area, ten-pin bowling alley, function rooms and dining outlets. It is the perfect place for all the family!

North and South Marine Parks, The
Established in 1886 by the South Shields Corporation. Visitors can enjoy gentle walks through South Marine Park with its boating lake, birds and miniature steam railway. Take a rest while feeding the swans or ducks or take in a game of Bowls or a round of the putting green in North Marine Park. The Marine Park holds a special place in the heart of local residents and visitors alike. For over 100 years it has been a place for walking, dancing, relaxing, playing and socialising. The park is a popular destination for tourists, day trippers, schools and community groups alike. The park also has attractions that appeal to a younger audience thanks to the £250,000 new play area complete with water play features and adventure climbing frames. A firm favourite with all ages is the boating lake. As well as enjoying a leisurely row or pedal around the lake, visitors can get up close to a huge number of swans, ducks and geese who have made the park their home. For those who prefer to let the train take the strain, the miniature steam railway operates throughout the main season and this is a great way for young and old to see more of the park. There are now park rangers based in the park and they organise a range of fun activities throughout the year.

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Situated next to Sandhaven Beach, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is a large amusement park incorporating rides, amusements and games providing you with the best family entertainment. The Park regularly changes attractions and rides to provide visitors with new exciting experiences year on year.

Open Air Market
South Shields Market is the focal point for the town centre and attracts thousands of visitors and bargain hunters from near and far. The long-established Market offers all the best to be found in an open-air traditional marketplace. It is one of the oldest and most popular markets in the Northeast. The market is held in a traditional square with the Eighteenth century old town hall at its heart. The historic church of St Hilda stands on the South side of the marketplace and there has been a church on the site since 647 A.D. One of the finest open air markets in the North East, it has been recently modernised to include a new paved area and a tree lined border.

Souter Lighthouse
The lighthouse started operating in 1871 and was, at the time, the most advanced in the world. You can explore the lighthouse, starting in the Engine Room. Learn about how lighthouses work through video, displays and a variety of navigational equipment.

South Shields Museum & Gallery
South Shields Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most successful local museums in the country and is situated in the heart of South Shields. The museum's major collections celebrate the strong natural and social history of the area.