Everything You Need to Know
Transport links, schools, health services, and council information for residents and newcomers to North Shields.
Transport & Parking
North Shields is well-connected by Metro, bus, ferry and road.
Metro
- North Shields has its own Metro station on the Yellow Line, next to the town's transport hub by the Beacon Centre.
- Percy Main is the next station to the west.
- The Yellow Line loops the coast through Wallsend, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, and runs into central Newcastle.
Buses & Ferry
- Buses run from the North Shields transport hub to the coast, Newcastle and across North Tyneside.
- The Shields Ferry (Nexus) crosses the Tyne to South Shields.
- Check live times and plan journeys at nexus.org.uk.
Cycling
- North Shields links into the coastal and riverside cycle routes across North Tyneside.
- Traffic-free stretches follow the river and connect towards Tynemouth and the coast.
- Cycle parking is available around the town's transport hub.
Driving & Parking
- The A19 and the Tyne Tunnel (under the river to South Tyneside) are close by.
- The A187 and A193 lead into Newcastle.
- Free on-street parking on many residential streets.
- Town-centre parking is a mix of free (time-limited) and pay-and-display.
Schools
North Shields runs a two-tier system of primary then secondary schools. North Tyneside Council is the admissions authority.
Primary Schools
North Shields runs a two-tier system, with primary schools taking children from Reception through to Year 6.
Secondary / High Schools
Secondary schools take pupils from Year 7. (The three-tier first/middle/high system in North Tyneside is limited to the Whitley Bay and Monkseaton area, not North Shields.)
Applying for a Place
North Tyneside Council is the admissions authority. You can apply for up to three preferences through the council's admissions pages at northtyneside.gov.uk.
Health Services
Where to go for emergencies, urgent care, GPs, dentists and pharmacies.
Life-threatening Emergencies
- Call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
- The nearest consultant-led A&E is the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital at Cramlington.
- The Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle also has a major A&E department.
Urgent Treatment Centre
- North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, NE29 8NH has a GP-led Urgent Treatment Centre for minor injuries and illness.
- Roughly 8am to midnight walk-in, or book through NHS 111.
- Rake Lane is not a full A&E; for blue-light emergencies go to Cramlington or the RVI.
GPs & Dentists
- Find and register with a local GP surgery at nhs.uk.
- Search for NHS dentists taking new patients at nhs.uk.
- Call NHS 111 for non-emergency medical advice, day or night.
Pharmacies
- Find your nearest pharmacy and opening hours at nhs.uk.
- Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and many common conditions.
- Some pharmacies open late and at weekends.
Council Services
Useful information for dealing with North Tyneside Council (northtyneside.gov.uk).
Bin Collections
Check your collection day and what goes in each bin on the North Tyneside Council website using your postcode.
Report an Issue
Report potholes, fly-tipping, street lighting faults, and other problems through North Tyneside Council's website.
Planning Applications
View and comment on local planning applications through the North Tyneside Council planning portal.
Register Office
Births, deaths and marriages are handled at North Tyneside Register Office, Maritime Chambers, 1 Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1LZ. Mostly by appointment.
Household Waste Recycling Centre
The tip is on Wallsend Road, North Shields, NE29 7SH. Appointment required, North Tyneside residents only, and permits are needed for vans.
Schools & Admissions
North Tyneside Council is the admissions authority. Apply for up to three school preferences through the council's admissions pages.