The Best Photography Spots in North Shields

Few towns pack as much into a short walk as North Shields, where a working harbour, historic lighthouses, Georgian streets and a big river-mouth sky give photographers endless material. Whether you shoot on a phone or a full kit, here are the best spots to capture the character of the town.

The Fish Quay

The heart of it all. The Fish Quay is a working harbour where trawlers still land their catch, and the mix of boats, nets, quayside buildings and reflections is a gift at any time of day. Early morning, when the boats are in and the light is low, is hard to beat, and the restored quayside buildings add colour and texture.

Best for: Best for atmosphere: boats, reflections and working-harbour detail, especially at dawn.

The High and Low Lights

The town's pair of navigation towers, the High Light and Low Light, were built to be lined up by ships steering safely into the Tyne, and they still make a wonderful subject. The Old Low Light, now a heritage centre, is the oldest building on the Quay and a Grade II listed landmark. The geometry of the two lights, and the view back over the Quay from beside them, reward a bit of exploring.

Best for: Best for heritage and composition: line up the two leading lights as ships once did.

The piers and the river mouth

Follow the river seaward and the North Pier and the mouth of the Tyne open up, with the sweep of the water, passing ferries and ships, and the South Shields shore beyond. It is a brilliant spot for big skies, long exposures of the water, and shots of the DFDS ferry and other vessels heading out to sea.

Best for: Best for big skies and water: long exposures and passing ships at the river mouth.

Up the banks

The steep climb from the Quay to the town, known as up the banks, is lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings and offers layered views back down over the harbour and river. The Wooden Dolly, the fisherwoman effigy that has stood on the Quay in various forms since 1814, is a much-loved subject and a piece of the town's folklore.

Northumberland Park

For greener frames, Northumberland Park between North Shields and Tynemouth offers woodland, a burn, gardens and a bandstand, lovely in autumn colour or spring blossom, and a complete change of mood from the working river.

A few tips

• Golden hour on the Quay, morning or evening, gives the warmest light on the boats and buildings.
• Check the tide and the fishing — the Quay is most photogenic when the boats are in.
• Be respectful on the working Quay: it is a place of business, so keep clear of vehicles and equipment.

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