Leisure

Tucked away in the backstreets of North Shields since 2017, Tommy Smalls and Friends is a lively urban smallholding full of character. From Reginald the Gypsy Cobb to tiny Buddy Holly and Kenny Rogers, this family-run haven is home to horses, hens, ducks, and more. It’s the good life—North Shields style.

I’m Lee, a hobby gardener and home cook, usually found covered in flour while baking sourdough in the kitchen, tending to chickens, or caked...

For more than 70 years people from North Shields have enjoyed holidays on the beautiful Patterdale Estate near Ullswater. Few will be aware of that...

By Carol Davison When I was invited to take a look around the TVLB Watch House Museum, I must admit, I wasn’t expecting much more...

By Adrian Lee | Photography @Blyth & Tyne Model Railway Society Is the Blyth & Tyne Model Railway Society Shields’ best kept secret? On the first...

Powered by JoyThe Curious Caravan is a pop-up immersiveexperience created by Amy Golding, a theatre-makerfrom North Shields. Amy was the founder and ArtisticDirector of...

A quiet love letter to trees, this reflective essay explores why they captivate us so deeply. From childhood shelter and shared memories to fallen giants and changing landscapes, trees become markers of time, place and self. As familiar trunks topple and iconic trees are lost, the author reflects on grief, continuity and renewal—reminding us that trees are more than scenery. They are companions, storytellers and living links between past, present and what still grows.

Embarking on a coastal paddleboarding adventure begins with preparation, confidence, and a respect for the sea. From choosing the right board to understanding tides, weather, and safety essentials, every detail shapes your experience on the water. Coastal paddling offers a unique mix of freedom and challenge—gliding past shorelines, navigating gentle swells, and exploring hidden coves. With the right skills and gear, each trip becomes an opportunity to connect with nature and discover the coastline from an entirely new perspective.

Through the eyes of local author Terry Patterson, we dive into North Shields’ rich boxing heritage. From the Tyne Boys Club of the ’50s to the famed “BLOODKIT” gym, Terry recalls legends like Manny Burgo Senior and Stan Hawthorn. His own journey began despite being born with club foot, guided by coach Joe Myers. After setbacks and tragedy, Terry continued shaping the sport across several clubs. Retiring in 1986, his story reflects the resilience, passion, and community spirit that define local boxing.

Ellen hadn’t always loved big boats. In fact, her affection for them was hard-won; a peace treaty forged after years of nautical distrust. And it all began, as these things often do, with Leonardo DiCaprio.