North Shields
Things to do in North Shields, Tyne and Wear
Photo © helder magalhaes, Google Maps
North Shields works well as a base for a short break on Tyne and Wear's coast. There are a couple of hotels and guest houses in the area, including the Premier Inn near the ferry terminal, rated 4.3 from nearly 800 reviews. The town has genuine pull as a destination too: Tynemouth Aquarium draws visitors with a solid 4.6 rating, while the Stephenson Railway Museum and The Exchange Theatre both rate 4.5. For families, there's Inflata Nation, an inflatable theme park, and KiKis Kabin adds something different to the mix.
This is a working coastal town rather than a manicured resort. What makes it interesting is the mix of attractions for different ages and moods: maritime history, live theatre, somewhere to splash about indoors on a wet afternoon, and proper places to eat that locals actually use.
Where to stay in North Shields(2)
All hotels in North Shields →
Premier Inn North Shields Ferry Terminal
Coble Dene Road, North Shields
Kingsmere Guest House
9 Urfa Terrace, South Shields
Elmswood Guest House
77 Ocean Road, South Shields
Little Haven Hotel
River Drive, South Shields
The Clifton Guest House
101 Ocean Road, South Shields
Comfy-stays - Ocean Road
107 Ocean Road, South Shields
Forest Guest House
117 Ocean Road, South Shields
Beechwood Guest House
119 Ocean Road, South Shields
Things to Do in North Shields(6)
All attractions in North Shields →Where to Eat in North Shields(19)
All restaurants in North Shields →About eating out in North Shields
Food and drink are where North Shields really opens up. There are twenty-odd restaurants and cafes scattered through the town. The Arcade Warehouse and Sambuca Percy Main both rate 4.4, while The Lock and King Seaways sit at 4.3. These aren't all sit-down restaurants—some appear to be casual spots or takeaways—but the breadth suggests you won't go hungry. Hello World Studios has amassed over 4,600 reviews, which speaks to its draw, even if the rating is more modest at 3.6.
Attractions Near North Shields
All attractions in North Shields →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of North Shields.
1 mi
Arbeia Roman Fort
South Shields · ⭐ 4.6
1 mi
South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
South Shields · ⭐ 4.4
1 mi
Haven Point
South Shields · ⭐ 4.4
2 mi
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
South Shields · ⭐ 4.3
The Dunes Adventure Island
South Shields
Sunderland Stadium of Light Tour
Sunderland
2 mi
ODEON Silverlink
Wallsend · ⭐ 4.4
2 mi
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tynemouth · ⭐ 4.6
Camping in North Shields
All campsites in North Shields →
Sandhaven Caravan Park
⭐ 4.5
Sandhaven Holiday Park
⭐ 4.5
Lizard Lane Holiday Park
⭐ 4.7
Whitley Bay Holiday Park
⭐ 4.2
Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
⭐ 4.6 · from £25/night
Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
⭐ 4.6
Orchard Stables
⭐ 4.8
Stampley Moss Farm
⭐ 4.9 · from £20/night
Self-Catering Cottages in North Shields
All cottages in North Shields →
The Apartment
1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £718
Surfholme
2 bed · sleeps 3 · from £782
Kings Apartment
2 bed · sleeps 3
Auty House
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £1,735
Harriet House
4 bed · sleeps 8 · from £2,231
The View Old Coastguard Cottage
5 bed · sleeps 10 · from £1,122
Shoreline Angel
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £1,092
Heaton Apartment
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £818
Common questions about North Shields
Where can I stay in North Shields?
We list 2 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around North Shields.
What is there to do in North Shields?
We list 6 attractions and things to do in and around North Shields.
Where can I eat in North Shields?
We list 19 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around North Shields.
Staycation ideas for North Shields
The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations
Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.
Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather
When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.
The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain
From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.
The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids
From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.