What to do in South Shields

Activities, attractions and tours

Out and about at Trow Rocks, South Shields today
Out and about at Trow Rocks, South Shields today
Over looking the harbour
Be prepared for a lot of steps!
Beautiful bay next to Souter Lighthouse #northeast #england

South Shields Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that South Shields has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to South Shields, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to South Shields with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in South Shields

South Shields is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in South Shields, and make it a breeze to explore South Shields and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in South Shields to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to South Shields, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in South Shields.

South Shields attractions

South Shields has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in South Shields to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of South Shields.

Looking for things to do in South Shields can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of South Shields or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to South Shields attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in South Shields

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Unlock Newcastle's Secrets: A Historic In-App Audio Tour: £9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in South Shields

Popular places to visit

St. James\' Park

St. James' Park

Attend an intense soccer game at one of the United Kingdom’s largest and oldest stadiums. See it perched on a hill in the city center.

St. James' Park
Quayside which includes a river or creek, modern architecture and a bridge

Quayside

Cross a futuristic tilting bridge, peruse artistic centers and relax with a drink in this modern part of the city.

Quayside
Sage Gateshead which includes modern architecture and a city

The Glasshouse

This riverside concert hall of futuristic design is among Europe’s leading venues. Enjoy its spectacular acoustics, divine auditoriums and international acts.

The Glasshouse
Northumbria University

Northumbria University

The gleaming silver campus in central Newcastle is one of the U.K.’s newest universities. Its students have voted the city the country’s best for students.

Northumbria University
Crossing the Tyne @ Newcastle, UK

University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne during your trip to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its lively bars.

University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal featuring theatre scenes and interior views

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal

Enjoy artisanal ice cream between acts at a show in the stylish setting of one of England’s most glamorous and acclaimed theaters.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal
Castle Keep featuring heritage architecture and a city

Castle Keep

Visit the tower from which the city takes its name to hear wicked tales of frightening ghouls and life in the dungeon.

Castle Keep
Gateshead Millennium Bridge featuring a city, a river or creek and modern architecture

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Marvel at the impressive architectural feat of the tilting of this curved bridge and its tall arch allowing boats to pass.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Angel of the North showing outdoor art and a monument

Angel of the North

Look up at one of England’s most iconic sculptures welcoming you to the northern part of the country with a warm embrace.

Angel of the North

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from South Shields

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, uk, 04,25.2022,Apedale pit wheel memorial and coal tub located in Apedale community park, formerly opencast mining

Boldon Colliery

Lovely morning walk in local park that don't even know existed

Wallsend

Sunderland

Sunderland

Newcastle-upon-Tyne which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Panorama of houses in North Shields in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

North Shields

Jarrow Hall, Bede's World, near to Jarrow, South Tyneside, Great Britain. Bede's World is a museum in Jarrow dedicated to the life and times of the Venerable Bede (673-735AD) <a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venerable_Bede" rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venerable_Bede">Link</a><img style="padding-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="http://s0.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/> He was a monk, author and scholar who lived at the Abbey Church of St Peter and St Paul, Wearmouth-Jarrow, a double monastery at Jarrow and Monkwearmouth, today part of Sunderland <a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede%27s_World" rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede%27s_World">Link</a><img style="padding-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="http://s0.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/> The oficial web site of the museum is here <a title="http://www.bedesworld.co.uk/index.php" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bedesworld.co.uk/index.php">Link</a><img style="padding-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="http://s0.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/> The joint monastery site is (in 2010) the UK's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. See other images of <a href="/snippet/2249" title="See other images in Bede's World">Bede's World</a>
Photo by Andrew Curtis (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Jarrow

Parish church of St Nicholas, West Boldon. Much early 13th-century fabric, but the core of the building is believed to date from AD 920 and some Saxon features remain. The early 13th-century stone spire is a great rarity.
Photo by Barabbas1312 (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

West Boldon

Parish church of St Nicholas, West Boldon. Much early 13th-century fabric, but the core of the building is believed to date from AD 920 and some Saxon features remain. The early 13th-century stone spire is a great rarity.
Photo by Barabbas1312 (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

East Boldon

Frequently asked questions

Is South Shields worth visiting?
Renowned for its nature and history, finding awesome things to do in South Shields is a cinch. Make sure to add Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in South Shields?
Once you've visited major attractions like Castle Keep and Chinatown, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in South Shields.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Shields?
You can't leave without visiting Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal, ranked the top tourist attraction in South Shields.
Is three days enough to stay in South Shields?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city sights, including Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, Tynemouth Castle and Longsands Beach. The average stay in South Shields is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Newcastle-upon-Tyne isn't far away.
Is South Shields a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, South Shields is a good place to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Wet 'n' Wild Water Park and Tynemouth Castle. Then take a stroll through Tynemouth, located 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre, and Westoe, which is roughly 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in South Shields with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all the family, take a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in South Shields with kids.

What to do in South Shields for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in South Shields, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Utilita Arena Newcastle or The Marsden Grotto.
Are there free things to do in South Shields?
In South Shields, Longsands Beach is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in South Shields.

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