Guides to North Shields
In-depth guides to the best places to eat, drink, explore, and enjoy in North Shields. Written by locals, backed by research.
Latest Guides
Food & Drink
The Best Indian Restaurants in North Shields
From a family Bangladeshi kitchen grinding its own spices to established town-centre curry houses, our guide to the best Indian food in North Shields.
The Best Chinese and Thai Restaurants in North Shields
Where to go for a Chinese or Thai takeaway in North Shields, from a dual Thai-and-Chinese kitchen on Nile Street to reliable neighbourhood favourites.
The Best Pizza in North Shields
Where to get pizza in North Shields, from a riverside Italian on the Fish Quay to a proper town takeaway and dependable delivery.
The Best Ice Cream and Gelato in North Shields
Where to find ice cream and gelato in North Shields, from a Fish Quay gelato kitchen to a Royal Quays parlour and artisan sundaes by the river.
Quiz Nights in North Shields
Fancy testing your general knowledge over a pint? A guide to the best weekly pub quiz nights in North Shields.
Date Night in North Shields: Where to Go
Cocktails, candlelit dinners and a walk along the Quay — a guide to the best spots for a date night in North Shields.
The Best Beer Gardens in North Shields
When the sun comes out, the Fish Quay is the place to be. A guide to the best beer gardens and outdoor drinking spots in North Shields.
The Best Bars and Cocktails in North Shields
From a stylish cocktail bar to a wine bar and live-music haunts, a guide to the best bars and cocktails in North Shields.
The Best Breakfast in North Shields
Waffles and brioche at a brunch-focused cafe, a proper town-centre fry-up and a friendly neighbourhood spot — where to start the day in North Shields.
The Best Brunch in North Shields
Bottomless brunch on the Fish Quay waterfront, river-view afternoon sessions and quayside tapas — where to make a leisurely weekend of it in North Shields.
The Best Bakeries in North Shields
An artisan bakery on Saville Street, a homely bakery-cafe near the town centre and a dependable high-street counter — where to find good bread and cakes in North Shields.
The Best Restaurants in North Shields
A Michelin Bib Gourmand gastropub, an authentic Mexican, quayside tapas and a natural-wine small-plates bar — where to eat well in North Shields and on its Fish Quay.
The Best Sunday Roast in North Shields
From a national award-winning Sunday lunch on the Fish Quay to a quirky quayside bar's traditional roast, where to find the best Sunday dinner in North Shields.
The Best Takeaways in North Shields
Fish and chips fried by the Quay, a dependable Indian, a well-loved Chinese and pizza to the door — a guide to the best takeaways in North Shields for a night in.
The Best Fish and Chips in North Shields
From a chippy on the working Fish Quay to a family favourite frying in beef dripping since 1995, where to find the best fish and chips in North Shields.
The Best Pubs in North Shields
The oldest pub in town, a riverside local with six hand pumps, and a restored corn exchange turned music venue — a guide to the best pubs around North Shields and its Fish Quay.
The Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in North Shields
An independent coffee shop known for doughnuts and bagels, a small-batch roastery, and a friendly town-centre deli — where to find the best coffee and cafes in North Shields.
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.
Family & Children
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.
After-School Clubs in North Shields
Dance, drama, gymnastics, swimming, football and martial arts: a guide to the best after-school clubs and children's activities in North Shields.
Summer Holiday Activities in North Shields
Holiday clubs, sports camps, museums and free council sessions: a guide to keeping children busy during the school holidays in North Shields.
Birthday Party Venues in North Shields
From soft play to the sports hall, a guide to the best children's birthday party venues in North Shields, whatever the weather.
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.
Soft Play in North Shields
Where to take the little ones to let off steam — a guide to the best soft play in and around North Shields, led by the award-winning Kiki's Kabin.
Rainy Day in North Shields: Indoor Things to Do
Soft play, bowling, an aquarium and the Fish Quay's cafés — the best indoor things to do in and around North Shields when the weather turns.
The Best Playgrounds in North Shields
From a zip line at Northumberland Park to the award-winning Redburn Dene, a guide to the best playgrounds and play areas in North Shields.
Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts in North Shields: A Parents' Guide
A parents' guide to Girlguiding and Scouting in North Shields: the sections by age, the local Scout groups, how to sign your child up, what it costs, and how to volunteer.
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.
Sports & Fitness
Meditation in North Shields
From a dedicated meditation studio on Howard Street to a donation-based mindfulness drop-in at the library, here is where to learn and practise meditation in North Shields and nearby.
Skate Parks in North Shields
A free concrete skatepark with bowls, ramps and a BMX area: a guide to skateboarding and skate parks in and around North Shields.
Personal Trainers in North Shields
Ready to get fitter with a bit of expert guidance? A guide to the personal trainers and PT studios in North Shields.
Martial Arts in North Shields
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, judo and amateur boxing: a guide to the martial arts clubs of North Shields, for children and adults alike.
Yoga in North Shields
From posture-focused somatic yoga to inclusive hatha and pregnancy classes, a guide to yoga in North Shields and the local teachers who run it.
Running and Cycling in North Shields
Riverside trails, a coastal path to Tynemouth and the Hadrian's Cycleway on your doorstep: a guide to the best running and cycling routes and clubs in North Shields.
Football in North Shields
From the Robins' famous day at Wembley to a thriving junior club and grassroots teams, a guide to football in North Shields, whether you want to watch or to play.
Sport and Fitness in North Shields
From a swimming pool and leisure centres to a Wembley-winning football club and a marina, our guide to keeping active in North Shields, whatever your sport.
Parks & Nature
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.
Parks, Green Spaces and Walks in North Shields
From a restored Victorian park to the riverside path along the Fish Quay, North Shields has plenty of green space and good walking. Our guide to the best of it, on foot and by the water.
Health & Wellbeing
The Best Massage in North Shields
Whether you want to unwind or ease a stubborn injury, a guide to massage in North Shields, from holistic and hot stone to sports and remedial.
Counsellors and Therapists in North Shields
Looking for a counsellor or psychotherapist locally? A guide to the counselling and therapy practices based in North Shields.
Physiotherapists in North Shields
Whether it's a sports injury, a bad back or post-surgery rehab, a guide to the private physiotherapy clinics in North Shields.
Care Homes in North Shields: A Family Guide
Choosing a care home is one of the hardest decisions a family makes. A guide to residential and nursing care homes in North Shields, and how to choose well.
The Best Opticians in North Shields
From a long-established independent optometrist to town-centre chains, a guide to eye tests and glasses at the best opticians in North Shields.
The Best Dentists in North Shields
From a town-centre practice on Northumberland Square to neighbourhood surgeries in the west and north of town, a guide to dental practices in North Shields.
Schools & Education
Find a Tutor in North Shields
Kumon at the Linskill Centre, a Yamaha music school on Russell Street, vocal coaching, dance and drama schools, plus how to check a private tutor before booking, your guide to tuition in North Shields.
North Shields School Holidays and Term Dates (North Tyneside, 2026/27)
The official North Tyneside Council school term dates and holidays for 2026/27, plus 2027/28, for families in North Shields. Half-terms, Christmas, Easter and summer at a glance.
The Best Schools in North Shields: A Parents' Guide
Secondary and primary schools in North Shields, with Ofsted ratings and catchment notes — a guide for parents choosing a school.
Services
Solicitors in North Shields: Conveyancing, Wills & Family Law
A practical guide to solicitors in North Shields, covering conveyancing, wills and probate, family law, and how to choose an SRA-regulated firm.
Best Accountants in North Shields
A guide to accountants and chartered accountancy firms in North Shields, covering accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll and business advice for the self-employed and small businesses.
Best Cleaners in North Shields
From a family-owned commercial cleaning firm on Orion Business Park to established domestic cleaning franchises, a guide to trusted cleaners in North Shields for homes and businesses.
Heritage & History
The Lost Buildings of North Shields
From grand variety theatres and the sailor's church to the Georgian houses of Dockwray Square and the mighty Smith's Dock, a look at the North Shields landmarks that have vanished.
North Shields in the Second World War
The story of North Shields in the Second World War, from its fishing quay and shipyards to the Wilkinson's air-raid shelter disaster of 1941, the worst such loss in the North East.
The History of North Shields' High Street
How North Shields grew from a huddle of fishermen's huts on the Tyne to a planned Georgian town, and the story of its shopping streets from the Bull Ring to Bedford Street.
The Oldest Pubs in North Shields
From a 17th-century alehouse on the Fish Quay to the grand riverside inns now lost, a guide to the oldest pubs in North Shields and the stories behind them.
Interesting Facts About North Shields
From the Wooden Dolly to Stan Laurel and Sam Fender, a collection of surprising and interesting facts about 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
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.
The Best Photography Spots in North Shields
The Fish Quay, the old lighthouses, the piers and the banks — a guide to the best places to take photographs in North Shields.
Historic Churches of North Shields
From a 17th-century preaching house to a John Dobson landmark, a guide to the historic churches of North Shields and the stories they tell.
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.
Georgian North Shields: A Walk Up the Banks
Above the Fish Quay lies a hidden Georgian town of elegant squares and grand streets. Our guide to Georgian North Shields, from the riverside banks to Howard Street and Northumberland Square.
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.
Community
Best Streets to Live in North Shields
From Georgian Northumberland Square and the riverside Fish Quay to the Victorian terraces near Northumberland Park and leafy Preston Village, here are the most appealing streets and areas to live in North Shields.
Allotments and Community Gardens in North Shields
How to get an allotment in North Shields through North Tyneside Council, where the local sites are, what plots cost, and the community gardens at Meadow Well and Lovaine where you can grow without the wait.
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
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.
Who Represents You in North Shields: Your MP, Mayor, Councillors and Council
A plain-English, non-partisan guide to who represents North Shields: North Tyneside Council and its elected Mayor, your MP, your ward councillors, and how to have your say.
The Best Wedding Venues in North Shields
From a restored Victorian exchange with a sea-view chapel to warehouse celebrations on the Fish Quay, our guide to the best wedding venues in North Shields.
The Best Butchers in North Shields
For quality meat, home-made sausages and proper service over the counter, a guide to the traditional butchers of North Shields.
Dog Groomers in North Shields
Time for a wash, trim and tidy-up? A guide to the best dog groomers in North Shields, from award-winning independents to a handy high-street chain.
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 Best Charity Shops in North Shields
For a bargain and a good cause, North Shields town centre is charity-shop heaven. A guide to the best charity shops in North Shields.
Supermarkets in North Shields: Where to Do Your Shopping
From the big Tesco Extra to a town-centre Asda and handy local convenience stores, a guide to supermarkets and grocery shopping in North Shields.
Dog-Friendly North Shields: Walks, Pubs and Places to Go
The best dog-friendly walks, beaches, pubs and cafés in and around North Shields, from the Fish Quay to Northumberland Park.
Moving to North Shields: A Guide for New Residents
Thinking of moving to North Shields? A guide to the neighbourhoods, getting around, schools and the riverside town on the up.
Council Services in North Shields: A Resident's Guide
Bins, council tax, parking permits and more — a plain-English guide to North Tyneside Council services for people who live 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.
Getting Married in North Shields
Planning a North Shields wedding? Our guide to getting married in the town, from the Grade II listed register office overlooking the Tyne to approved ceremony venues, reception spaces and local suppliers, plus North East wedding fairs.
What to Do When Someone Dies in North Shields
A calm, practical guide to the first steps after a death in North Shields: registering the death at North Tyneside Register Office, arranging a funeral, and where to find local help and support.
Sam Fender: North Shields' Own
From pulling pints at the Low Lights Tavern to headlining St James' Park and winning the Mercury Prize, Sam Fender has become North Shields' most famous son. The story of how the town shaped one of Britain's biggest songwriters.
How to Find a Trusted Tradesperson in North Shields
Need an electrician, plumber, joiner or builder in North Shields? Our practical guide to finding a reliable local tradesperson, what to check before you hire, and where to look.
A Day Out on the Shields Ferry
The Shields Ferry is the last passenger ferry on the Tyne, and a proper little adventure. Our guide to crossing from North Shields to South Shields, and what to see when you get there.
Famous People from North Shields
For a working town on the Tyne, North Shields has produced a remarkable roll call: a chart-topping songwriter, a Hollywood director, the inventor of Plasticine and more. Our guide to the town's famous sons and daughters.
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This Weekend
Hotel Motel: The Pitbull Universe Party
2:00 PM · Salt Market Social
I Love North Shields Autumn Vintage Market
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (market until 4:00 PM) · Salt Market Social
The Parish at Cullercoats Crescent Club
3:00 PM · Cullercoats Crescent Club
A Night At The Musicals
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM · The Exchange 1856