North Shields: Fish Quay, History and Experiences on the River Tyne

North Shields combines the history of Fish Quay with railway heritage, walking trails, ferry access and experiences on the River Tyne. Anyone planning a trip with varied interests will find several specific points of interest here: exhibitions and memorials for exploring cultural history, a two-and-a-half-mile Town Trail for discovering the area on foot, and Royal Quays Marina as a destination for activities on the water. When looking for suitable holiday accommodation or a holiday home, it also helps to decide first on the desired mix of culture, exercise, food and waterside experiences.

Fish Quay and the history of North Shields

The Old Lowlight presents the history of North Shields Fish Quay through exhibitions and explanatory displays. This makes it an informative introduction to the past of this part of the town. At Fish Quay, Fiddler's Green also serves as a memorial to the fishermen of North Shields who lost their lives at sea. The two sites offer different perspectives: while The Old Lowlight explains the history of Fish Quay, Fiddler's Green focuses on remembrance.

The character of Fish Quay also includes a culinary side. You can eat fresh fish and chips outdoors there while looking out over the River Tyne. For families and other travellers, this makes it possible to combine a visit with a meal, without the day having to consist solely of museum visits.

Discovering North Shields on foot

The North Shields Town Trail is a two-and-a-half-mile circular route. It links several noteworthy local sites and explores themes that are particularly important to the town: the past of North Shields, nature within the town and the history of Fish Quay. The route is designed to be walked. There is also an alternative route that avoids the steps at Fish Quay. This is a useful distinction when planning your day if you want to combine the circular walk with different preferences regarding the route.

Railway history with interactive exhibitions

The Stephenson Railway Museum focuses on the achievements of George and Robert Stephenson. George Stephenson's locomotive “Billy” is on display there. Interactive exhibitions also explain how trains work and the impact of coal and electricity on the development of railway technology. The museum visit can therefore serve as a cultural focus in its own right, complementing the town and Fish Quay history with a technical theme.

Another personal connection can be found at Dockwray Square: the Stan Laurel statue commemorates Stan Laurel's time in North Tyneside, after he lived in North Shields as a child. Individual memorial sites like this give the town's history a biographical connection, while the Stephenson Railway Museum focuses more strongly on technology and railway development.

Ferry, marina and activities on the water

On the Tyne & Wear Heritage Way, the route in North Shields leads from the Metro via a short walk to the ferry. This can be useful for trip planning if you would like to combine part of your route with a ferry crossing. Royal Quays Marina is located near the mouth of the River Tyne. It offers access around the clock at every state of the tide and serves as a base for sailing, motorboating and sea angling.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider which focus should shape your stay. Anyone primarily interested in discovering local history and exhibitions can include The Old Lowlight, the Stephenson Railway Museum and the Stan Laurel statue in their plans. For a day of exercise, the North Shields Town Trail is a good option; those looking for a connection with the water will find different highlights at Fish Quay, the ferry and Royal Quays Marina. Your preferred way of spending the day is therefore a sensible starting point when choosing between different holiday apartments or holiday homes in North Shields.

Discover more destinations

If you would like to compare North Shields with other destinations, you can also explore East Boldon, New Herrington, Washington, Whickham, Seaton Burn, Hebburn and Holystone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tyne And Wear.