South Tyneside

A metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear in Northeast England, with the River Tyne on its northern border and the North Sea along its east border. It includes the towns of South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn, and the villages of Whitburn, Cleadon and Boldon.

Our favorite destination in England.

The view of the North Sea is amazing, the people are very friendly, we appreciate Geordie humor, and the food is banging. We love the pace, vibe, Roman history and all the activities and shopping.

When To Visit:

  • High Season

    • June to August is peak season for South Tyneside, and the North East Coast normally.
    • Sandhaven Beach and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park are at their liveliest. The seafront restaurants and ice cream parlors are buzzing, and the long northern summer evenings — daylight well past 9pm — are lovely.
    • The South Tyneside Festival, one of the region’s biggest free outdoor events, runs through the summer and draws large crowds.
    • Accommodations book up quickly, particularly seafront Airbnbs and hotels. Of course, summer prices reflect the demand.

  • Shoulder Seasons

    • April to May and September to October is the sweet spot.
    • The crowds thin considerably, accommodation prices drop, and South Tyneside’s outdoor attractions — the coastal walks, Arbeia, St Paul’s, Marsden Bay — are far more peacefully enjoyed.
    • Spring brings wildflowers to the clifftops and the return of seabirds to Marsden Rock. September and October deliver some of the year’s most dramatic coastal light — golden, low and cinematic in a way that photographers particularly appreciate.
    • Most restaurants, attractions and the market operate full schedules through both shoulder periods

  • Low Season

    • November to March. Winter on the North East coast is not for the faint-hearted. The North Sea wind is bracing and the weather is genuinely unpredictable.
    • However, there is a rugged beauty to South Tyneside in winter that has its own appeal. The Marsden Grotto feels especially atmospheric on a stormy evening. Indoor attractions like The Word become even more appealing, and the food and pub scene comes into its own.
    • Visitor numbers drop sharply, prices follow suit, and you’ll have Arbeia and St Paul’s almost entirely to yourself. Some seasonal businesses and attractions operate reduced hours or close entirely, so checking ahead is essential.

  • Best Times

    • For most, late May or early June strikes the ideal balance.
    • The school holidays haven’t started, so crowds are manageable, and prices are still reasonable.
    • The weather — while never guaranteed in the North East — is usually at its most cooperative. The long early summer evenings are perfect for coastal walks, sunset watching from the Conversation Piece, and lingering over dinner at Colmans with the North Sea turning gold outside the window.
    • However, September comes very close, especially for couples or single travelers without school-age children.
    • Summer crowds have gone, the sea has had all summer to marginally warm up, and the softer autumn light really. sets off the entire coastline.

  • Note

    • North East weather is famously unpredictable any time of year. A warm, sunny morning can give way to a sharp, sea fret by afternoon. Layering is always wise, regardless of the season.
    • A word of warning for North American and Australian visitors in particular — air conditioning is simply not part of British hospitality culture.
    • Even in the height of summer, you won’t find it in most hotels, Airbnbs, pubs or restaurants across South Tyneside. The good news is that the North East coast is one of the cooler, breezier parts of England, which takes the edge off considerably.
    • Pack a portable fan for overnight comfort during warmer spells, choose north or east facing rooms where possible, and you’ll be absolutely fine.

Activities:

 Souter Lighthouse  

Standing proudly on the clifftops between South Shields and Whitburn, Souter Lighthouse is one of the North East’s most treasured landmarks. As the world’s first purpose-built electrically powered lighthouse, it made history when it first shone its light in 1871. After over a century guiding sailors safely along the rocky coastline, it was decommissioned in 1988 and is now lovingly cared for by the National Trust — offering a brilliant day out for the whole family.

  Herd Groyne Lighthouse   

Perched proudly at the mouth of the River Tyne, the iconic Herd Groyne Lighthouse is one of South Shields’ most beloved landmarks. An absolute essential on any visit to the North East coast. This Victorian sentinel has stood guard since 1882. Remarkably, it still earns its keep — guiding vessels safely in and out of the Tyne just as it has for over 140 years.

From the lighthouse, a gentle stroll along the seafront leads you to the charming Little Haven Hotel. The perfect spot to warm up with a proper Geordie cuppa. Just a stone’s throw away, don’t miss the Conversation Piece: the much-loved ‘Weebles’ sculpture that has become a quirky symbol of South Shields itself. As the day winds down, find yourself a perch on the prom and watch the sun dip over the Tyne.

 Arbeia, Roman Fort   

From the Groyne, a ten-minute stroll inland takes you back nearly two millennia. Arbeia Roman Fort was the logistical heart of Hadrian’s Wall. A vast military supply base that kept Rome’s northern frontier fed, armed and fighting fit from AD 160. Today, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses some of the finest Roman Britain exhibits you’ll find anywhere in the country. Standing atop the reconstructed tower and gazing out over those ancient foundations, the sheer weight of history is genuinely humbling. It is often called the Gateway Fort to Hadrians Wall, and entry is free.

 Sandhaven Beach & Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Stretching along South Shields’ eastern coastline, Sandhaven Beach is the jewel of the local shoreline. Named UK Beach of the Year in 2022. This expansive stretch of golden sand offers generous picnic areas, clean waters, and the kind of unhurried atmosphere that makes a beach day feel like a holiday. A South Shields institution since the 1920s. The Spanish City-style seafront backdrop makes it particularly photogenic.

At its northern end, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park adds a brilliant bonus — a free admission fun fair with over 40 rides, attractions and game stalls that will have the kids absolutely buzzing. On a warm summer’s day, you’d be hard pressed to find a better family day out anywhere on the North East coast.

 Saint Paul’s Church      

Just outside South Shields lies one of England’s most overlooked treasures. St Paul’s Church and Monastery in Jarrow. Dating back to AD 681, it was home to the Venerable Bede — the remarkable monk widely known as ‘The Father of English History’ for his extraordinary influence on both scholarship and the Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England (www.brittanica.com). What struck us most wasn’t just the age of the place — though 1,300 years is hard to wrap your head around — it was the fact that services are still held here regularly. Few places in Britain carry that kind of unbroken thread between past and present.

  South Shields Market Place & The Word

If you want to see South Shields at its most authentic, set your alarm for a Friday or Saturday morning. The town market — among the oldest in the North East — is the kind of place where you slow down without even meaning to. Browse handcrafted stalls and local finds along King Street before rewarding yourself with something fresh from Cooplands bakery. We couldn’t resist. Just steps away, The Word — the National Centre for the Written Word — stopped us in our tracks the moment we walked in. Free admission, a jaw-dropping interior of staircases and balconies, and a programme of experiences and activities that goes far beyond anything you’d expect from a library. As self-confessed book lovers, we were absolutely in our element. The Word also hosts regular events, author talks and exhibitions. Two hours disappeared without us noticing. Clear your morning — you’ll want the time.

 The Marsden Grotto   

Few places in England have a story quite like the Marsden Grotto. In 1782, a man named Jack Bates (Jack the Blaster) dynamited a home directly into the face of a coastal cliff at Marsden Bay. What began as one man’s spectacular bid for rent-free living grew over the centuries into something altogether more colorful. A reputation steeped in smuggling, secrecy and more than a little notoriety along the way. Today, that same dramatic clifftop cavity is one of the North East’s most unique hospitality experiences — a hotel, restaurant and bar carved into living rock, with the North Sea stretching endlessly before it.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, the Grotto earns a visit on atmosphere alone. Pull up a seat on the beach patio, order a drink, and let the sound of the waves and seagulls do the rest. The surrounding Marsden Bay coastline is part of a designated heritage coast, making the whole area feel like a discovery rather than just a single attraction.

  Barbour Outlet       

We’ll be upfront — Barbour is one of our absolute favourite clothing brands, and the fact that it was born right here in South Shields in 1894 makes visiting the Jarrow factory outlet feel like something of a homecoming. The outlet carries the full range: classic Barbour heritage pieces alongside Barbour International, the motorcycle-inspired line that launched in 1936 and developed its own loyal following. Men, women, children and — crucially — dogs are all catered for. Ours have the jackets to prove it. What keeps us coming back every single visit to England is the combination of genuine British craftsmanship, extraordinary durability, and outlet prices that make the whole experience feel like a very well-kept secret.

Barbour holds three Royal Warrants — from the King, the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Uniquely, Barbour will re-wax and repair old jackets rather than encouraging you to replace them.  If you leave South Tyneside without at least browsing, you’ll regret it.

Food:

 Eaststreet 19       

Eaststreet 19 is our favorite restaurant in South Tyneside. Established in 2018, Master Chef Lee brings his Mexican roots and California culinary talents to his restaurant in Whitburn. From a full English breakfast to a huge breakfast burrito to wonderful French toast, you will not be disappointed. A cozy, unique vibe just adds to the experience. You will get addicted to breakfast and coffee/tea here.

 Colmans Seafood Temple      

South Tyneside has no shortage of seafood options — this is the North East coast, after all — but Colmans Seafood Temple sits in a league of its own. A South Shields institution since 1905, Colmans has been synonymous with exceptional locally sourced seafood for generations. The setting alone would justify the visit. Floor to ceiling views across the North Sea that shift with the light and the weather. Beautiful!. But it’s the food that keeps people coming back. Fresh and cooked with the confidence of a kitchen that knows its ingredients intimately. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or gathering the whole family around a large table, Colmans handles both with equal grace. And when the last plate is cleared, the beach is right there — a  bracing North East stroll to round off the evening in the best possible way.

 Wisteria Kitchen   

Pull yourself away from the coast for an hour and head inland to East Boldon — because Wisteria Kitchen is worth the detour. A cosy village restaurant with an unexpectedly international menu. You can enjoy American steak and eggs or opt for the timeless ritual of Afternoon Tea without missing a beat. The staff are warm, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the food hits exactly the right note for a long, unhurried lunch. The best-kept secrets in any destination are rarely on the main road. Remember that.

 Friez & Burgz   

Some menus try to do everything. Friez & Burgz near South Shields Town Hall has taken the opposite approach — and it’s all the better for it. A short, focused menu anchored by the double smashed cheeseburger: crispy, cheesy, completely over-the-top and absolutely worth every napkin. Emphasis on a lot of napkins. The smash burger technique is to press patties flat on a screaming hot griddle for maximum crust and caramelization. This is not a neat, tidy lunch. This is a burger done the way burgers are supposed to be done. No frills, no fuss — just the best burger fix in South Shields.

 Minchella & Co      

Before you leave South Tyneside, there is one final, non-negotiable stop. Minchella & Co is a South Shields icon since the 1930s. A family ice cream parlor with generations of history and, in our considered opinion, the finest ice cream in England. Bold claim. We stand by it. The shakes are decadent, the coffee is excellent, and the seafront setting delivers exactly the kind of unhurried, watch-the-world-go-by energy that every good trip deserves at its close. Some places you visit once. Minchella’s is the reason people come back to South Shields. Their Easter sundae is spectacular!

Lodging:

As we have so many friends in South Tyneside, for the past several years we’ve been fortunate enough to stay with friends in Whitburn and Jarrow.

     

Choosing where to stay can make or break a trip, and in South Shields we struck gold. Our Airbnb on Seafield Terrace sat directly across from South Marine Park — a gorgeous green open space that gave the whole stay a wonderfully calm, unhurried feel. Yet despite that peaceful setting, we were never more than two minutes from Ocean Road’s impressive stretch of restaurants and shops. The walk to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park took all of ten minutes at a gentle pace. Our host Melanie was simply brilliant — warm, attentive and clearly proud of her home, a comfortable two-bedroom retreat that felt like a proper base rather than just somewhere to sleep. Affordable, central and genuinely looked after. In South Shields, this is the kind of stay we’d book again without a moment’s hesitation.

Though there are many places to stay in South Tyneside, we recommend South Shields in the Marine Parks and Ocean Road areas. Especially in the summer. Within walking distance to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. The Clifton, Little Haven Hotel, Forest Guest House, The Balmoral & Terrace, and South Shore Guest House are all highly rated.

We love it here

Ask most visitors to name their England destinations and the same cities come up every time — London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham. We understand why. But after everything South Tyneside has given us over the years, we’d make the case for the North East with the quiet confidence of people who know something others haven’t quite discovered yet.

Beautiful coastline, extraordinary history stretching back to the Romans and beyond, food that ranges from legendary fish and chips to Victorian ice cream parlors that have been perfecting their craft for generations, and people whose warmth and famous Geordie welcome are entirely genuine. The pace here is slower and all the better for it. Getting here could not be easier — Newcastle International Airport connects directly to destinations across Europe and beyond, while London King’s Cross puts you on the East Coast Mainline with South Shields reachable in a few hours by train. We return to South Tyneside every time we visit England, drawn back by the friends we’ve made here, the places we love and the nagging feeling that there is always something more to discover. We think you’ll feel exactly the same way.

Buddy and Jordan

Have you visited South Tyneside? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. If you found this helpful, join our Newsletter for weekly travel tips delivered straight to your inbox.