Museums and Heritage Centres in North Shields

For a town of its size, North Shields punches well above its weight for heritage, with a genuinely world-significant railway museum and a much-loved heritage centre in the oldest building on the Fish Quay. Both are free to enter, and both tell stories that shaped not just the town but the wider world. Here is our guide to the museums and heritage of North Shields.

Stephenson Steam Railway

At Middle Engine Lane, Stephenson Steam Railway celebrates the railway revolution that George and Robert Stephenson helped launch from right here in North Tyneside. Its star exhibit is George Stephenson's locomotive 'Billy', a forerunner of the world-famous Rocket and the third-oldest surviving steam locomotive in the world, alongside interactive galleries on how trains work and the impact of coal and steam. On scheduled days you can ride a heritage train pulled by a steam or diesel engine down the line toward Percy Main.

Best for: Best for: a genuinely world-class collection, free entry and heritage train rides. Note trains don't run on Saturdays.

Old Low Light Heritage Centre

Down on the Fish Quay, the Old Low Light Heritage Centre occupies the oldest building on the Quay, a Grade II listed former lighthouse. Its heritage gallery tells the story of North Shields and its fishing community through changing exhibitions, and the building also has a café, a community space and a viewing platform over the river. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm.

Best for: Best for: the story of the town and its Fish Quay, plus a café and a cracking river view.

More heritage nearby

North Shields sits within one of the richest heritage corners of the North East, so it is easy to build a bigger day out:

• Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend, a short hop away, marks the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, with a museum and reconstructed bathhouse.
• Clifford's Fort on the Fish Quay, a 17th-century coastal defence, sits right beside the Old Low Light.
• The whole Fish Quay heritage trail links these riverside stories on foot.

Planning a visit

Both of the town's main heritage attractions are free to enter, though donations are welcome and charges apply for the steam railway's train rides. Opening days vary, particularly for the railway's running days, so check ahead before setting out, especially in winter.

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This guide covers the town's main museums and heritage centres; always check current opening days and times before visiting.