Things to do and people to see.
Life can be pretty hectic for everyone. We all navigate through our days, second by second. It’s common to feel overwhelmed with work, home responsibilities, kids, pets, and all the other surprises life throws our way.
Check out our region, the parks, places to go, things to do and time to relax and enjoy time out.
Bring a coat, you are going to be outside!
Arbeia
South Shields Roman Fort.
The Roman Fort of Arbeia (South Shields), was originally built during the reign of Hadrian c.129AD. South Shields was located just four miles beyond the eastern end of Hadrian’s wall of Segedunum (Wallsend) and would have prevented anyone by-passing the wall by simply crossing the River Tyne
Bring something to feed the ducks with!
South and Marine Park
There’s loads going on in the South Marine Park in Spring.
The park has a miniature railway, a boating lake hiring out pedal boats, two soft play areas, distant sea views and a cafe.
The quieter North Marine Park stretches up to Arbeia and the mouth of the Tyne, and has facilities for bowls and petanque, as well as a commanding viewpoint where you can watch the river traffic and ponder the North Sea.
Beaches – Sandhaven
It’s a Blue Flag-awarded beach, which means it meets high standards for cleanliness and safety
- Northern End: This part of the beach is lively and family-friendly, with attractions like the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, Smugglers Cove Crazy Golf, and a skate park. It’s ideal for kids and families, especially in summer when there’s a programme of free entertainment and daily beach cleaning
- Southern End: Perfect for walking and birdwatching. It’s part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the abundance of seabirds
Souter Lighthouse
Souter Lighthouse stands proud on the coastline midway between the Tyne and the Wear. Climb to the top to take in the views, set out on a coastal walk along the cliffs, or explore the best of nature in the reclaimed colliery land at Whitburn Coastal Park. Whether you like learning about the past, exploring by bicycle or stretching your legs in the great outdoors, there’s something for you on a visit to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas.
Ferry Trips
Nexus runs the only remaining passenger ferry service on the River Tyne today which connects the local communities of North and South Tyneside.
The current fleet consists of two vessels, the Pride of the Tyne and the Spirit of the Tyne. Only one ferry is used for passenger service. This operates a regular 30 minute frequency from each side of the river, seven days a week. The crossing itself only takes 7 minutes. The full timetable can be found by clicking on this link Timetable | nexus.org.uk
South Tyneside Libraries will be hosting a range of events throughout January where you can try a new activity, find a hobby, learn new skills and meet new people.
Booking may be required for some workshops.
Activities will take place at The Word, Jarrow Focus, Hebburn Central and Cleadon Park libraries.
Enjoy browsing a variety of stalls in the friendly atmosphere at one of the oldest open-air markets in the North East.
The market is held in a traditional square with the eighteenth century old Town Hall at its heart.
This unique sculpture has been designed to encourage beach visitors to keep our coastline tidy.
You can ‘feed’ the giant metal fish with single use plastic bottles. These will then be taken away for recycling.
Little Haven
Situated next to Littlehaven Beach at the mouth of the Tyne in South Shields, the 22 mysterious figures stand in various poses; some deep in conversation with one another, others simply gazing out to sea.
Each figure is approximately 1.5 metres high and weighs approximately a quarter of a ton.
They are a fitting tribute to South Tyneside’s glorious coast and a poignant posthumous monument to the work of internationally acclaimed Spanish sculptor Juan Munoz.
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Nothing to say, except watch out for the Dinosaurs!
Parade with Pride at This is South Tyneside Festival
One of the most popular events on the South Tyneside calendar will fill the area with Pride, thanks to a new partnership.
The South Tyneside Summer Parade was one of the highlights of the three-month long free This is South Tyneside Festival, with hundreds of schools, community groups and young people’s organisations taking part in the event through South Shields.