Places to visit in South Tyneside

If you're looking for a refreshing change of scene, why not visit South Tyneside?

You can find many local tourist attractions and reach popular places of interest by simply catching the ferry from North Shields over to South Shields - it only takes 7 minutes to cross the river. The map below shows you places to visit, things to do and see all year round, or visit What's On in South Tyneside for more ideas.

Many local visitor attractions are within a reasonably short walking distance from the ferry. However, several buses also operate from the town centre which can take you to these destinations. See Plan your journey from North Shields.

We advise you to check with the venues directly with regard to their opening times and any Covid-19 restrictions.

Map of South Tyneside

Visitor attractions

Cinema, theatre, restaurant, arts and entertainment venue. Website
Only a minute's walk from the ferry landing.

National Centre for the Written Word. Interactive facilities, workshops and shows. Website
Only a minute's walk from the ferry landing.

Traditional Market (Monday and Saturday), and Flea Market (Friday).
Only a minute's walk from the ferry landing.

Exhibiting social, industrial and maritime history. Website
10 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing.

Fascinating excavated Roman military supply base. Website
18 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

Entertainment centre with ten pin bowling, arcade, soft play and more. Website
20 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

Thrilling funfair rides, arcades, laserforce, urban wave and more. Website
20 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

12-hole outdoor pirate-themed golf course. Website
20 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

Popular with boating lake, miniature steam railway and picnic areas. Website
20 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

State-of-the-art seafront venue with fun leisure waterslides and more. Website
20 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

Golden sand dunes, promenade and seaside attractions.
20 minutes walk (approx) from the ferry landing / bus(es) also go to this destination.

Other places of interest & public art

Built in 1882, it still acts as a navigational aid to ships entering the River Tyne. Find out more here.

by Juan Munoz

Situated next to Littlehaven Beach at the mouth of the Tyne, 22 mysterious figures stand in various poses; some deep in conversation with one another, others simply gazing out to sea. Find out more here.

by Broadbent

This impressive sculpture overlooks the entrance to the River Tyne. It's raised position allows you to peer through it and out towards the sea. Find out more here.

by Broadbent

The Sail is a cast concrete and aluminium structure based on the traditional fishing cobles that guided large vessels safely into port. A circle cut out of the sculpture also offers views out into the ocean. Find out more here.

South Tyneside Pier

Built to shelter the mouth of the Tyne from the force of the sea and prevent ship wrecks. Open to the public during daylight hours. Find out more here.

The world's second oldest lifeboat in existence is on public display at the start of Pier Parade. It sits as a permanent reminder of the skill and bravery of the men of the Tyne Lifeboat Institution. Find out more here.

The silhouette of a soldier commemorates all those who lost their lives in the First World War. It is part of the 'There But Not There' project, a national art installation which represents the fallen British and Commonwealth First World War soldiers within the communities they left behind. Find out more here.

by Michelle Castles

This unique piece of art shows life-size models of a man swimming the butterfly stroke, handcrafted from wire mesh it was created to help inspire people to get involved in sport. Find out more here.

by Irene Brown

The 'Spirit of South Shields' harbours a ship safely in one arm whilst raising her other arm in greeting. She is seen as the protector - guiding the ship through the seas safely. Find out more here.

by Irene Brown

Seven brightly polished ships - Collier Brigs (sailing ships that carried coal) - reflect patterns of both moving sky and water to give the impression of a fleet heading out to sea. Find out more here.

Visitors to South Marine Park, on South Shields Seafront, can follow an art trail featuring ten sculptures reflecting the heritage and natural environment of the park. Find out more here.

A series of 'fun' bollards carved from stone, representing traditional elements of a seaside town, have been installed at various junctions along Ocean Roa, South Shields' famous street linking the town centre with the seafront. Find out more here.

by Andrew Mckeown

This six metre Beacon celebrates South Tyneside's lost shipping industries. Made from weathering corten steel it features words and occupations linked to those industries. Find out more here.

Places to eat & drink

Enjoy dining along this famous road, popular for its many Indian curry houses, but also offering a selection of other award winning international cuisine.

Find places to eat and drink in South Shields town centre, seafront and on the outskirts of the town. Places to eat and drink outdoors - Visit South Tyneside.