The Best Playgrounds in North Shields

When the sun is out, few things beat a good playground, and North Shields has some brilliant ones, from a Victorian park with a zip line to an award-winning nature park built from the town's dockland heritage. All are free, and all are maintained by North Tyneside Council. Here is our guide to the best playgrounds and play areas in and around North Shields.

Northumberland Park

The jewel in the town's crown, Northumberland Park sits between North Shields and Tynemouth and has been drawing families since it opened in 1885. As well as woodland paths, gardens, a bandstand and a tea room, it has a dedicated children's play area with a zip line and a BMX pump track, so there is plenty to keep older children busy too. It is the pick of the bunch for a proper day out.

Best for: Best for a big day out, with a zip line, pump track and a tea room for the grown-ups.

Redburn and Chirton Dene Park

Over at Royal Quays, Redburn and Chirton Dene Park is a green-flag nature park created as part of the docklands regeneration, with sculptures made from old dock materials dotted through it. It has a play site alongside its ponds and walks, though there are water features, so younger children need supervising near the edges. A lovely spot that combines play with a bit of wildlife-watching.

Best for: Best for combining a play with a nature walk on the east side of town.

Smaller neighbourhood play sites

Beyond the two big parks, North Shields has plenty of local play areas dotted through its neighbourhoods, so most families have one within walking distance:

• Pearson Park and Alexander Scott Park — handy town-side greens with play equipment.
• Holmlands play site — for the Preston and Billy Mill side.
• Percy Main and East Howdon play sites — for the western and southern edges of the town.

Tips for a playground trip

• Northumberland Park is the best all-rounder for a longer visit, with the tea room and toilets on site.
• Check the weather — the coast is close, so it can be breezy; the more sheltered parks are a better bet on windy days.
• The nearby beaches at Tynemouth and Cullercoats make a great add-on if you fancy combining the swings with the sand.

---

Know a great play area in North Shields we should feature? Get in touch.