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.

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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
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
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
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
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
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.

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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
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
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
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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
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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.
Past Events
Recent events connected to Old Low Light Heritage Centre.
Autumn and Winter Classics: The Osborne Trio
16 October 2026 · Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Clifford's Fort, Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1JA
Heritage Talk: John Wright and His Sons
10 October 2026 · Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Clifford's Fort, Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1JA
Mary Ann Macham: A Black History Month Premiere
10 October 2026 · Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Clifford's Fort, Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1JA
Ahoy There, Me Old Muckers!
3 October 2026 · Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Clifford's Fort, Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1JA
More Community in North Shields
Live Well with Cancer
North Shields charity supporting people affected by cancer, with free support groups, sessions and complementary therapies at its Nile Street hub.
North Tyneside Register Office
Where deaths in North Tyneside are registered, in Maritime Chambers on Howard Street.
North Tyneside Council Bereavement Services
The council's bereavement services team at Preston Cemetery, covering cemeteries and the two crematoria.
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What's On
Smash Hits Party Band at Cullercoats Crescent Club
8:30 PM · Cullercoats Crescent Club, 9 Victoria Crescent, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PN
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Hotel Motel: The Pitbull Universe Party
2:00 PM · Salt Market Social, 1 Liddell Street, Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HE