Community

Old Low Light Heritage Centre

Heritage centre, gallery and cafe in a restored Grade II listed navigation-light building on North Shields Fish Quay, run by the charity The Net North Shields.

About Old Low Light Heritage Centre

The Old Low Light Heritage Centre occupies a historic navigation-light building at Clifford's Fort on North Shields Fish Quay. It reopened as a heritage centre in 2015 after a major restoration and is run by the local charity The Net North Shields. Exhibitions across the building interpret the history of the Fish Quay and the fishing community, from its origins to the present day.

As well as its heritage displays, the centre has a cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the river and a gallery space used for changing exhibitions and community events. It is generally open daily during the day and is a regular stop on walks around the Fish Quay and the wider riverside.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature Old Low Light Heritage Centre.

Volunteer Groups in North Shields

Volunteer Groups in North Shields

From lifeboat crew on the Fish Quay to foodbank drivers, heritage railway volunteers and befrienders, a local guide to volunteer groups in North Shields and how to get involved.

Best Places to Work Remotely in North Shields

Best Places to Work Remotely in North Shields

A free library with WiFi and bookable rooms, flexible workspace in a restored corn exchange, and the town-centre cafes worth a laptop session: where to work remotely in North Shields.

Christmas Markets in North Shields

Christmas Markets in North Shields

North Shields Christmas Market returns to Northumberland Square on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, free to get in, with a food and drink village and fairground rides around the square. Here is what to expect and what is on nearby.

Hidden 1950s murals by a Swan Hunter shipyard worker uncovered in a Marden home

Hidden 1950s murals by a Swan Hunter shipyard worker uncovered in a Marden home

A series of hand-painted murals by Robert King, a Swan Hunter shipyard worker, has been rediscovered under old wallpaper in his former Marden home, decades after he decorated the house.

Halloween in North Shields

Halloween in North Shields

Spooky season by the Tyne: a family pantomime, lanterns along the Fish Quay, and after-dark ghost tours and Halloween parties nearby on the coast.

Family Activities in North Shields

Family Activities in North Shields

The Fish Quay, a river ferry, a Victorian park and a steam railway: a guide to the best family activities and things to do with children in North Shields.

A Weekend in North Shields: The Perfect Two-Day Itinerary

A Weekend in North Shields: The Perfect Two-Day Itinerary

How to spend a perfect weekend in North Shields, from the Fish Quay and the ferry to the beaches, museums and a night out.

The Historic Trades and Crafts of North Shields

The Historic Trades and Crafts of North Shields

Fishing, shipbuilding and rope-making shaped North Shields for eight centuries. A guide to the trades and crafts that made the town.

Museums and Heritage Centres in North Shields

Museums and Heritage Centres in North Shields

From the world's third-oldest steam locomotive to the oldest building on the Fish Quay, a guide to the museums and heritage of North Shields.

Things to Do in North Shields: A Complete Guide

Things to Do in North Shields: A Complete Guide

The Fish Quay's food and heritage, a monument-topped coast walk, the Shields Ferry and the Royal Quays Outlet — a complete guide to things to do in North Shields.

Free Things to Do in North Shields

Free Things to Do in North Shields

A free maritime heritage centre, a working fish quay, a Victorian park and a monument with the best view on the Tyne — plenty to enjoy in North Shields without spending a penny.

The Best Walks in and around North Shields

The Best Walks in and around North Shields

From the working Fish Quay to Collingwood's Monument, a Victorian park and the coast path to Tynemouth Priory — the best walks to be had in and around North Shields.

North Shields on Screen: Film and TV Locations

North Shields on Screen: Film and TV Locations

From DCI Vera's cup of tea on the Fish Quay to the streets that shaped Sam Fender, North Shields has quietly become one of the North East's most filmed corners. A guide to the town on screen.

Family Days Out in North Shields

Family Days Out in North Shields

Boats, a Victorian park, a ferry ride and street food by the water. Our guide to the best things to do with children in North Shields, whatever the weather.

A North Shields Maritime Heritage Trail

A North Shields Maritime Heritage Trail

North Shields grew up around fishing, the river and its lighthouses. Our walking trail through the town's maritime heritage, from Clifford's Fort and the High and Low Lights to the Georgian squares up the bank.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink on North Shields Fish Quay

The Best Places to Eat and Drink on North Shields Fish Quay

North Shields Fish Quay has become one of the North East's best places to eat and drink. Our guide to the quayside restaurants, bars, pubs and fishmongers, from waterfront warehouses to the oldest pub in town.