A dog-friendly day out on North Shields Fish Quay

Posted: 25 Aug 2022

North Shields Fish Quay has lots to entertain you and your dog - from heritage and culture to sandy beaches and spectacular views, great dog-friendly places to drink and dine to an unexpected celebrity connection and art - it's somewhere you can go back to time after time. You'll see almost as many historical plaques as you see dog water bowls. 

   Dog and crab water bowlOld Low Light plaqueDog in restaurant

If you're coming from south of the Tyne, start your day out by crossing the Tyne on the Shields Ferry - dogs are of course welcome on board. The crossing takes just 7 minutes - just enough time for photo opportunities, but not long enough for your dog to get bored.

When you arrive at North Shields, turn right at the top of the ferry landing and keep walking parallel to the river for about 10 minutes, along New Quay, Clive St, Liddell St and Bell St, passing interesting buildings old and new, many with an industrial past, until you can see the Tyne again. You're now on the Fish Quay.  

Fishing boats

North Shields Fish Quay is still a busy and active fishing port - it's the largest prawn port in England.  You'll see fishing boats and businesses connected to the fishing industry - and can buy fresh fish from several outlets. And of course there are plenty of places to enjoy fish and chips!

 Lindisfarne fishmongersPhil's Plaice fishmongers

As you walk along to the centre of the Fish Quay, look above and to your left and you'll see the Fish Quay High Lighthouse, and then the North Shields Old High Lighthouse. And you'll see the Fish Quay Low Lighthouse ahead of you to the right. The Old Low Light is now a heritage centre.

If you’re feeling energetic, climb one of the interestingly named flights of stairs on your left up when you're near the first two lighthouses, and you'll reach Laurel Park in Dockwray Square, where there's a statue of Stan Laurel, of comedy movie star duo Laurel and Hardy, who lived in the square from 1897-1901. The park's enclosed, so it's an opportunity to let your dog have a run around. There are great views from just outside the park too. 

  Dog on stairsStan Laurel statue

Heading back towards the river just past the Fish Quay itself, you'll find Fish Quay Sands, also known as Low Lights beach, somewhere for you and your dog to get some sand between your toes and paws. Dogs are allowed on it all year round. It has fabulous views of the mouth of the Tyne and the piers either side. And if that wasn't enough to tempt you - there's usually an ice-cream van there too.  

Low Lights beach

Right next to this little beach is Fiddler’s Green, a memorial to North Shields fishermen lost at sea by local renowned sculptor Ray Lonsdale a former Durham steelworker, and the man behind the famous ‘Tommy’ sculpture in Seaham. 

Fiddler's Green

Look out for the art bus stop as well as lots of on-street and public art. 

  Art stopArt

There's the 17th century Clifford’s Fort to explore just along from here too, as well as the Old Low Light Heritage Centre.

Old Low Light Heritage Centre

You're spoilt for choice for dog-friendly places to have a drink or something to eat - with about 10 places where your dog will be welcome inside, and plenty of outdoor seating for those that don't or for on sunnier days. Try Three Tanner’s Bank, The Loading Bay, The Ship’s Cat, Juke Shed, Allards, Los Lobos, Salty Sea Dog, Saltwater Tavern or Quay Tap House, Dodgin’s Yard, Allards, and The Old Low Light. 

Seats outside restaurant  

Another route which you could do all at once, or do segments on different visits, is to follow the North Shields Heritage Trail (a joint project between North Tyneside Council and Nexus), which starts on North Shields Ferry Landing, takes you to Cliffords Fort and then up into North Shields town centre. 17 fascinating information boards explain and portray the history of the spot you're standing in. Find out more about the North Shields Heritage Trail here.   

Heritage trail information

Options for your return trip

If you don’t fancy tackling any hills, just head back the way you came. You'll probably spot things you missed on your outward journey. 

But if you and your dog still have some energy to use up, you could head to Tynemouth Metro station, get the Metro (dogs are welcome on Metro too!) to North Shields Metro station, and walk down the hill back to North Shields ferry landing. 

  • The most direct route to Tynemouth is walking up Tanner’s Bank, going under the brand new Metro bridge. Turn right onto Tynemouth Road and then left onto Station Terrace to reach Tynemouth Metro Station.  At the time of writing (August 2022), this route is currently closed, while work following on from replacing the bridge is completed. 
  • A longer, but more scenic route, is to carry on along the banks of Tyne, on the riverside walkway, taking in the wonderful views across to South Shields and out to the piers and the mouth of the Tyne. Head inland and uphill to reach the village of Tynemouth. Or head slightly inland after the Low Lights car park and walk through trees and terraced paths to Oxford Street car park and then north to Tynemouth Road and access to Tynemouth Metro station.

From Tynemouth Metro station, travel just one stop to North Shields.   Turn right out of the Metro station, right again onto Railway Street, then left onto Borough Road and follow it down to the river, turning right at the bottom to see the entrance to the ferry landing for your journey home. 

The Shields Ferry timetable is here. 

If you're just travelling on the ferry, save money on single fares by buying a Ferry Day Ticket - which is even cheaper if you buy it using a Pop Pay As You Go card.  

Kids go free on the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult.

And you can take your dog for free on Metro and the Shields Ferry all day, every day too. 
 

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