I
History
Evidence of human inhabitation at South Shields dates from the Late Mesolithic. The first evidence of a settlement within what is now the town of South Shields dates from pre-historic times. Stone Age arrow heads and an…
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Shields
South Shields is a coastal port town in South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England; it lies on the south bank of the mouth of the River Tyne. The town was known in Roman times as Arbeia and as Caer Urfa by the Early Middle Ages. It is the fourth largest settlement in Tyne and Wear, after Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and Gateshead; in 2021, it had a population of 75,337.
County
Tyne and Wear
Known for
Town in Tyne and Wear, England
A Journey Through Time
The story of South Shields — from the archive to today.
Guide
II
Geography
South Shields is situated in a peninsula setting, where the river Tyne meets the North Sea. It has six miles of coastline and three miles of river frontage, dominated by the massive North and South Piers at the mouth of…
III
Climate
The area's climate has mild differences between highs and lows; there is adequate rainfall year-round. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfb" (Marine West Coast Climate/Oceanic climate).
Local flavour
Demographics
Before 1820, South Shields was a predominantly sparse hamlet- and village-based rural economy with some small-scale shipbuilding, glass making and salt processing along the riverside. Beyond 1820 and…
Yemeni community
South Shields has been home to a Yemeni British community since the 1890s. The main reason for the Yemeni arrival was the supply of seamen, such as engine room firemen, to British merchant vessels.…
Bangladeshi community
The Bangladeshi community is larger than the Yemeni community, despite being less established. It is the third largest in the North East of England. In 2008, the Bangladesh Welfare Association was…
Governance
South Shields is a safe Labour Party Parliamentary seat, the only constituency in existence since the Great Reform Act of 1832 never to have elected a Conservative MP. It is currently held by Emma…
Venues nearby
Places near South Shields
Museums, theatres and attractions — not business listings.
Walks nearby
Trails near South Shields
Assigned walks plus nearby routes within a short drive.
moderate · 8.2km
Marsden Bay and Cleadon Hills
Marsdon
easy · 13.5km
Coastal Path: South Shields to Sunderland
South Shields
moderate · 10km
Whitsands and Sand Haven Circular
Marsdon
easy · 1.9km
North Shields Marina
North Shields
easy · 4.3km
Whitburn Point and Rocks Circular
East Boldon
hard · 130km
Tyne and Wear Heritage Way (Complete)
North Shields
easy · 3.5km
Tynemouth and Northumberland Park Circular
North Shields
easy · 1.1km
West Park
South Shields
MyTyne directory
Local businesses
Places near South Shields from the MyTyne directory.
Heating Engineers
Highfield Plumbing & Heating Ltd
South Shields
South Shields' Trusted Heating Engineers
Electricians
E.h. Wind Limited
Tynemouth
Roofers
Kp Roofing Ltd
Tynemouth
Florists
South Shields Florist
Tynemouth
Pubs
The Fountain
Tynemouth
Combining good food & drink with friendly service and inviting atmosphere at The…
Bridalwear
Engaged Bridal Studio
Tynemouth
We are exclusively off-the-peg, meaning we have over 200 wedding dresses in stock, from…
DIY & Hardware
Toolstation
Tynemouth
Store details for Toolstation South Shields • Open 7 days a week • Click & Collect in as…
Clinics
Bay Laser Solutions
Whitley Bay
Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Hair Removal, IPL Hair Removal, Whitley Bay, Newcastle, North…
What's on
Events near South Shields
Thu 30 Jul · Standard
Fcbc Quiz Night
Hoults Yard · Newcastle
Thu 30 Jul · Standard
Foundation Press: Starting Lines
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art · Gateshead
Thu 30 Jul · Standard
Milly Thompson: My Body Temperature is Feeling Good
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art · Gateshead
Thu 30 Jul
Sofia Barton Pop-up Shop
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art · Gateshead
Thu 30 Jul · Standard
Exhibition Spotlight Tour
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art · Gateshead
Thu 30 Jul · Standard
Kittiwake Talks
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art · Gateshead
Explore the map
South Shields · 54.9950, -1.4300
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Plan your visit to South Shields
Explore the map, browse nearby guides, and find what's on across Tyne & Wear.