Get out and about in South Tyneside  

This year we’re celebrating 40 years of the Metro line to South Shields opening. Over 200million customer journeys have taken place since it opened in March 1984.  

Take a look at our list of great places to visit using Metro in South Tyneside. Where have we missed? Let us know.  

(image from Visit South Tyneside Home - Visit South Tyneside)

At the Seafront  

1. Beach – Miles of golden sands for beach fun, and promenades for walks with stunning views, whatever the weather. Use South Shields Metro Station 

2. South Marine Park – With a miniature steam train, boating lake, play areas, loads of green spaces and a great cafe, you could easily spend a whole day here. Use South Shields Metro Station 

3. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park -  From kids rides and thrill rides, to hook a duck and candy floss, there’s all the fun of the fair right one the seafront. Use South Shields Metro station 

4. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf -  A 12-hole, pirate themed mini adventure golf course on the seafront. Use South Shields Metro station 

5. Dunes Family Entertainment Centre – With bowling, soft play, interactive darts, games arcade, sports bar and more, this is the perfect rainy day option. Use South Shields Metro station. 

6. South Tyneside Festival – Free summer concerts in Bents Park at South Shields seafront. Jason Donovan is already confirmed for 2024. Use South Shields Metro station 

Get active 

7. Haven Point swimming pool - A fantastic, family friendly leisure complex right on the seafront with splash pools and slides. Use South Shields Metro station. 

8. Public art at the seafront - Enjoy a walk along the seafront taking in some stunning pieces of public art. Use South Shields Metro station 

9. Surf School - Whether you’re interested in surfing, paddle boarding, body boarding or rockpooling, South Shields Surf have got everything you need to enjoy the sea. Use South Shields Metro station. 

10. Join Bede’s Way cycle path - a 13-mile route between the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Paul’s Church in Jarrow and St Peter’s in Sunderland. And you can hop back on the Metro with your bike at St Peter’s station in Sunderland. 

11. Hebburn Central – Swimming pools, sports courts, soft play and a cafe – plenty to keep the whole family entertained and active. Use Hebburn Metro station. 

12. Great North Run - Taking place on Sunday 8 September 2024, the iconic half marathon finishes at South Shields seafront with a display by the Red Arrows.  If you’re not running, get down there to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the finishers. Use South Shields Metro station. 

13. South Shields Football Club - Enjoy some local football without the hefty ticket price and watch the Mariners playing in the National League North. Their Foundation also runs activities and grassroots football for local young people. Use Bede Metro station. 

History, heritage and culture  

14. The Word - A state of the art cultural venue in the heart of South Shields. Exhibitions, experiences, activities and facilities for all ages to enjoy. Free entry. Use South Shields Metro station. 

15. South Shields Museum - Celebrating the rich heritage of South Tyneside with displays, exhibitions and art on its social, industrial and maritime history. Free entry. Use South Shields Metro station. 

16. Arbeia Roman Fort - Immerse yourself in the world of the Romans, where 600 Roman troops once lived on a key supply base, in the heart of South Shields. Use South Shields Metro station. 

17. Jarrow Hall- Step back in time and immerse yourself in Anglo-Saxon life in the time of Bede, in this living history farm and village. Use Jarrow Metro station.  

18. St Paul’s Church - One of Europe’s most influential centre of learning in the 7^th century, and the home of the Venerable Bede. Use Jarrow Metro station.  

19. Barbour factory shop – Barbour clothing was founded in South Shields in 1894, you can grab a bargain at this discount outlet. Use Bede Metro station. 

20. The Customs House – Enjoy a varied programme of live performances, from comedy, music and plays to children’s shows and truly epic pantomime. Use South Shields Metro station.  

21. South Shields market - Every Friday and Saturday in the market square. Use South Shields Metro station. 

22. Shields Ferry – There’s been ferries over the Tyne for centuries, and ours is the last remaining. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Souths Shields ferry landing from South Shields Interchange, and from there you’re a 7-minute ferry ride away from North Shields, with easy access to Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Cullercoats 

Food and drink  

23. A curry on Ocean Road – You're spoilt for choice with fantastic Indian restaurants in South Shields. Head to the ‘curry mile’ on Ocean Road for top Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants. Use South Shields Metro station. 

24. Ice cream at Minchella’s - No trip to the seaside is complete without an ice-cream, and Minchella’s is the best around. Use South Shields Metro  

25. Colman’s Seafood Temple - Mouth-watering locally sourced sea food with amazing views of the sea, Colman’s Seafood Temple takes traditional fish and chips to the next level. Use South Shields Metro station. 

26. Hebburn food markets - Enjoy locally produced food and drinks and support local businesses on the second Saturday of every month. Use Hebburn Metro station.