North Shields — a working river town with 800 years of fishing
Set on the north bank of the River Tyne in North Tyneside, North Shields has grown around its Fish Quay since 1225. From its medieval origins to its regenerated riverside today, this is a place with genuine maritime character.
What Makes It Special
Thinking about moving to North Shields? Here's what the community loves about living here.
The Fish Quay
A working fish quay that has become one of the region's best dining destinations, with seafood restaurants, cafes, and bars strung along the riverside beneath the High and Low Lights.
The River Tyne
Life on the north bank means the river is never far away. The Shields Ferry, the last passenger ferry on the Tyne, still crosses to South Shields, and riverside walks lead out towards the mouth of the Tyne.
Maritime Heritage
Clifford's Fort of 1672, the High and Low Lights, and the Old Low Light Heritage Centre tell the story of eight centuries of fishing and seafaring on the Tyne.
Connected
The Tyne & Wear Metro Yellow Line serves North Shields and Percy Main, looping the coast and running into central Newcastle. The A19 and Tyne Tunnel are close by, with the A187 and A193 heading towards the city.
Community Spirit
The Exchange 1856 arts venue, residents' groups, sports clubs, and a busy calendar of quayside events give North Shields a real sense of togetherness. People here look out for each other.
Green Space
Northumberland Park, a Victorian park close to the town centre, offers lawns and mature trees a short walk from the river and the Georgian streets around Northumberland Square.
800 Years of Fishing on the Tyne
Founded in 1225 by Prior Germanus of Tynemouth Priory as a fishing settlement, North Shields took its name from the "shiels", the fishermen's huts on the riverbank. From medieval origins to the Fish Quay's modern revival, it has stories worth telling. Explore our timeline, heritage articles, and neighbourhood histories.
Explore North Shields's HistoryExplore North Shields
North Shields runs from the riverside Fish Quay up to a Georgian town centre. Here are some of the places that give it its character.
The Fish Quay
The working quay on the riverside, now a dining destination, marking 800 years of fishing in North Shields in 2025.
The Shields Ferry
The last passenger ferry on the Tyne, still crossing the river between North Shields and South Shields.
The High & Low Lights
Historic navigation lights on the riverbank, alongside the Old Low Light Heritage Centre and Clifford's Fort of 1672.
The Georgian Town Centre
Howard Street and Northumberland Square, a Georgian centre that climbs up from the riverside above the quay.
Northumberland Park
A Victorian park close to the town centre, with lawns and mature trees a short walk from the river.
The Exchange 1856
A restored arts and music venue in the heart of the town, hosting gigs, comedy, and community events.
Key Facts
North bank of the River Tyne
North Tyneside Council
Part of North Tyneside (~210,000)
NE29, NE30
North Shields, Percy Main (Yellow Line)
River Tyne (Fish Quay and Shields Ferry)
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly North Shields.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. Free, one email a week.
This Weekend
Heritage Talk: The Fish Quay Through Artists' Eyes
See booking · Old Low Light Heritage Centre
Crank It Up! 2026, Beamish Museum
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Beamish Museum
Heritage Open Day at Woodhorn
See listing · Woodhorn Museum
AJ Bell Great North Run 2026
10:30 AM · Newcastle to South Shields