Family Days Out in North Shields

North Shields is a genuinely good place for a family day out. The working Fish Quay, a big Victorian park and a proper ferry ride across the Tyne give children plenty to do, and much of it is free or cheap. Here are our favourite things to do with the family in the town, with a rainy-day option or two for good measure.

Watch the boats on the Fish Quay

Start on the Fish Quay, where there is always something happening on the water. Children love watching the fishing boats come and go, spotting the two lighthouses, and finishing up with fish and chips by the river. The Old Low Light Heritage Centre has family-friendly exhibitions about the town's fishing and lifeboat history, and it is all flat, open and easy with a pushchair.

Northumberland Park

A short walk from the centre, Northumberland Park is a family favourite. As well as woodland and lakeside paths, there is a good play area, a butterfly meadow, and a pond where children can look out for ducks and even kingfishers. Curiosities like the old pet cemetery keep older children interested, and the visitor centre and tea room mean you can warm up with a hot chocolate. It is a Green Flag park, well kept and safe.

Ride the Shields Ferry

For a small adventure, hop on the Shields Ferry, the last passenger ferry on the Tyne. The crossing to South Shields takes only about seven minutes, but for children the ride itself is the treat, out on the open river with the piers and boats all around. It runs roughly every half hour, seven days a week; check the Nexus timetable before you set off, and you can simply ride over and back.

Street food at Salt Market Social

When you need feeding, or the weather turns, Salt Market Social is a big, family-friendly street-food hall in a converted warehouse on the Quay. With a rotating choice of food traders there is usually something to please everyone, and the roomy indoor space is a good bet on a wet day.

Waterside walking at Royal Quays

West of the town, the Royal Quays area around the old Albert Edward Dock and its marina makes for easy, safe waterside walking, following the restored Chirton Burn through Chirton Dene Park. It is level, buggy-friendly and a change of scene from the Fish Quay, with boats to look at in the marina.

Making a day of it

For more ideas, see our guides to things to do in North Shields and the best places to eat and drink on the Fish Quay, and remember that the beaches and priory at neighbouring Tynemouth are only a short hop away up the coast.