The Beach
The biggest attraction South Shields has to offer is Sandhaven Beach. This beautiful coastline was named The Sunday Times Best Beach of 2022 for its golden sands and community feel.
It’s got something for everybody, from a surf school to a theme park, but it’s also worth a visit if you just want to sit with a good book in the sunshine.
The Food
South Shields is home to two iconic North East food spots. The first is Colman’s Fish and Chips, an award-winning chippy that has spawned both a fine-dining restaurant, and a pop-up in Fenwick’s Newcastle. You can’t beat a classic cod from there!
The second is Minchella & Co. It is the home of ice cream in South Shields, running for over eight decades in the town. No trip to Sandhaven Beach is complete without strolling over to their parlour in the amphitheatre for a 99!
These two spots aren’t the exhaustive list - there are plenty of other amazing places to check out. Ocean Road, also known as The Curry Mile, has plenty of options, or you can visit my favourite South Shields restaurant, Harbour Lights Inn (try the steak!).
Ocean Road, also known as The Curry Mile, has plenty of options, or you can visit my favourite South Shields restaurant, Harbour Lights Inn (try the steak!)
The Culture
South Shields is home to many cultural icons. We have Sarah Millican and Chris Ramsey in the comedy department, and Ridley Scott for all the film buffs.
In terms of music, we have not one, not two, but three winners of The X Factor: Joe McElderry, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, the latter two both being from the girl band Little Mix. If you watch the music video for Jade’s ‘Before You Break My Heart,’ you can see many famous sights from her hometown.
The Sport
If sport is more your thing, then South Shields has that too! Located next to Bede metro station, Mariners Park (also known as the First Cloud Arena) is home to the local football team. They’ve had a phenomenal start to their season, sitting top of the National League North. They have also progressed to the first proper round of the FA Cup, equalling their best record in the competition. Now is the time to be a Mariner!
Alongside the football, the biggest half-marathon in the UK finishes on South Shields’ Coast Road. Every September, thousands of participants in the Great North Run celebrate crossing the line by watching the Red Arrows fly high over the North Sea. It’s a great day to visit South Shields, even just for the atmosphere!
Those are some of my highlights from my hometown, South Shields. I might be particularly biased, but I think it’s worth a day out!