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North Shields Tourist Information


North Shields, as its name suggests, is on the north bank of the River Tyne, opposite South Shields and eight miles east of Newcastle-upon Tyne.

In 627 AD a wooden chapel was built there by King Edwin but Viking raiders in 875AD destroyed Tynemouth Abbey which ended monastic life for the next 200 years.

In 1225 the Prior of Tynemouth decided to establish a fishing port to supply his Priory with fish. A number of temporary turf shelters, called "shiels" were built for fishermen along the riverbank. Quays were also built and used by fishing vessels and to export coal and salt. The town of North Shields soon grew to 1000 people.

Unfortunately nearby Newcastle was not happy to share its river rights with other communities and petitioned the king to ban trade in the new town from 1290. The bitter hostilities between the two towns raged until 1846 with North Shields generally defying the order.

Ralph Gardener was imprisoned in 1653 for operating a brewery which supplied local ships. He is regarded as a local hero even today.

In the 18th century North Shields was rapidly outgrowing its land along the river and steps were built connecting the old port with newer residences in the high town.

In 1727 the first beacon was built to guide ships past the treacherous Black Midden Rocks. The Old High Beacon was superceded by High and Low Lights and all three buildings are now private residences.

As well as fishing and shipbuilding, the town had three collieries which kept the town fully employed until recently. The early shipyards built small fishing vessels known as "coble" which had a lug sail. Larger shipyards produced collier brigs for exporting coal and later they built iron ships and did ship repairs but they have all since closed.


Present Day North Shields

The bustling town centre has recently undergone a regeneration program and now has an outlet shopping centre, bowling alley, soccer dome and marina on the regenerated Royal Quays.

The Fish Quay is now the site of waterfront homes and restaurants. It hosts an annual festival to celebrate the town's fishing industry. The international ferry terminal has sailings to Norway, Netherlands and other parts of Europe.

One of North Shields' most famous residents was comedian Stan Laurel who lived in Dockwray Square. It has since been redeveloped but his statue lives on. North Shields was also the home of George and Robert Stephenson who pioneered steam locomotives.


Things to Do Around North Shields

Visitors can attend the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet, a tradition that has taken place on the North Shields Quay for many years, led by the Superintendent of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen which runs a hostel for mariners in the town.

Families love the indoor Wet 'n'Wild water park on the old Albert Edward Docks. The Fish Quay is now a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy fresh fish and chips.

Look for the wooden dolly, next to the Custom House Quay. These wooden figureheads were good luck charms to sailors who would cut chunks off to take on their voyages. The dollies continually had to be replaced and altogether there were six, from 1814 to 1992.

 

Images of North Shields
Shore at North Shields © ANGELINE
Directions
Show map of North Shields...


Attractions near North Shields
Stephenson Railway Museum (1 Mile)*
Re-live the glorious days of the steam railway at Stephenson Railway Museum in North Shields.
Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum (2 Miles)*
Situated beyond the easternmost point of Hadrian's Wall, Arbeia Roman Fort stood guard at the mouth of the River Tyne.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery (2 Miles)*
An exciting day out for all the family, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery explores the story of South Tyneside through sensational displays, hands-on exhibiits and stunning art.
more attractions in North Shields and things to do in North Shields ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near North Shields

Attractions:
  South Shields Museum & Art Gallery  <1 Mile
  Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum  <1 Mile
  Blue Reef Aquarium Tynemouth  2 Miles
more attractions in North Shields...
 
Towns:
  South Shields  <1 Mile
  Westoe  1 Mile
  Tyne Dock  1 Mile
more towns near North Shields...
 
Estate Agents:
  Bairstow Eves North East  <1 Mile
  Andrew Craig Ltd  <1 Mile
  Your Move  1 Mile
Hotels:
  Best Western Sea Hotel  <1 Mile
  Sir William Fox Hotel  1 Mile
  Premier Inn North Shields  1 Mile
more hotels in North Shields area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Annie's Guest House  <1 Mile
  Seaways Guest House  <1 Mile
  Seabreeze Guest House  <1 Mile
more bed and breakfasts near North Shields...
 
Self Catering:
  Seafront Apartments  2 Miles
  Riverside View  7 Miles
  Home from Home Bungalow  9 Miles
more self catering near North Shields...
 
Campsites:
  Whitley Bay Holiday Park  5 Miles
  Sandy Bay Holiday Park  12 Miles
  Brockwell Wood  13 Miles
TIC: South Shields Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 0191 454 6612  <1 Mile



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Towns near North Shields
South Shields Tourist Information (< 1 Mile)*
South Shields is going from strength to strength, with its lively shopping area and popular open air markets, in the bustling town centre.
Westoe Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Westoe is a historic peaceful oasis in the heart of South Shields, and has links with several famous people. It was well known to Catherine Cookson during her youth and the setting for several of the books.
Tyne Dock Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
more towns near North Shields...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near North Shields
Travelodge (Travel Lodge) Newcastle Silverlink (1 Mile)*
Situated just 6 miles outside the vibrant city centre the Travelodge Newcastle Silverlink offers visitors a peaceful respite away from the crowds of the town yet is still within easy reach of all the major shops, sights and sounds.
Village Hotel And Leisure Club Newcastle (2 Miles)*
Northeast of Newcastle, this hotel with excellent leisure facilities has free Wi-Fi and parking, and is a few miles from Whitely Bay.
Best Western Sea Hotel (2 Miles)*
Ideally placed for Sunderland and Tyneside, the Sea Hotel is within easy reach of the A1 and A19. The hotel offers free wireless Wi-Fi access, bars refurbished in 2006, bedrooms redecorated in 2007 and new ground floor bedrooms.
more North Shields hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near North Shields
Seafront Apartments (2 Miles)*
Seafront Apartments were formed by the clever adaptation of a large Victorian terraced house into 6 apartments. Some retain original features of beautiful ceiling plasterwork. Each apartment is fully self-contained.
Riverside View (5 Miles)*
Chic stylish 2 bed 2 bath apartment on Newcastle Quayside with spacious balcony and stunning river views. Ideally located with bars and restaurants on the doorstep. The apartment benefits from Free secure covered parking and free WiFi.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more self catering near North Shields ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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