Roman heritage and coastal scenery give South Tyneside two distinct ways to explore. In South Shields, Arbeia offers a glimpse into the history of the Roman frontier; elsewhere, the focus turns to clifftop grassland, wildflower meadows and coastal activities. There are also museums, cultural centres and events. This makes it possible to shape your trip around your own interests, without any single theme fully explaining the region.
Roman Traces and Regional History
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, forms part of the Hadrian’s Wall element of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site. The permanent “The Story of South Tyneside” gallery at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery takes a different perspective on time: it traces the region’s development from Roman times to the present day. Together, they offer two distinct perspectives on history—a connection to an element of the World Heritage Site and a long sweep of regional history.
Jarrow Hall includes an Anglo-Saxon farm, an Anglo-Saxon village and the Bede Museum. St Paul’s Church and Monastic Site is next door. History enthusiasts will find several distinct subjects here: the components of the Jarrow Hall offering and the neighbouring ecclesiastical and monastic site. Souter Lighthouse also tells the story of a technological first: it was the first lighthouse in the United Kingdom designed to operate with electric light.
The Coast: Scenery and Activities
South Shields Foreshore is South Tyneside’s main destination for coastal leisure and tourism activities. The region’s coastline is internationally significant and includes the Durham Coast Special Area of Conservation and the Northumbrian Coast Special Protection Area and Ramsar site. Coastal experiences here sit alongside landscapes shaped by these conservation designations.
The Leas encompasses two and a half miles of clifftop grassland and wildflower meadows. The England Coast Path offers expansive views. The combination of open grassland, meadows and coastal path creates a scenic contrast with the museums and historic sites. The Leas is therefore a destination in its own right within South Tyneside’s varied attractions, especially for a visit focused on the landscape.
If you want to get out on the water yourself, South Shields Surf School offers stand-up paddleboarding or surfing lessons, as well as equipment hire. Haven Point Pool & Leisure Complex offers swimming and water sports lessons through Swim England’s Learn to Swim Programme. The two offer different activities and settings. Courses, hire and programme details may change, so check what is currently available in advance.
Culture, Events and Leisure
The Word is a cultural centre in the heart of South Shields, offering experiences, activities and facilities for people of all ages. It hosts the annual Write Festival. The annual South Tyneside Festival brings together free live music, family activities and entertainment, as well as a creative carnival parade in summer. Dates and programmes can change, so it’s worth checking the latest event information before your trip.
Another cultural attraction is The Customs House, with live performances, cinema, visual arts and projects for adults, families, children and young people. Its programme ranges from individual types of events to projects for different age groups. Which performances and activities suit your visit depends on the programme at the time.
North Marine Park also combines different leisure facilities. The park has been restored to its original Victorian character and includes a Roman- and maritime-themed children’s play area and a fitness trail for adults. The play area’s design draws on themes from history and the coast; the trail is intended for adults.
Planning Your Trip
South Tyneside is connected to the Tyne and Wear Metro network. For your travel plans, check the latest services, as routes and offerings may change. You can then choose accommodation based on what you most want to explore: Roman and regional history, coastal scenery, cultural events or leisure activities.
Explore more destinations: South Shields, North Tyneside, Hartlepool, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, Redcar And Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Gateshead.
For the wider travel guide: North East England.
