Welcome to North Shields — a riverside town where heritage, hard graft and creativity collide.
Perched on the northern banks of the River Tyne, this town has been shaped by 800 years of fishing, shipbuilding, music, and community. From its humble “shiels” — the fishermen’s huts that gave it its name — to today’s thriving creative scene, North Shields is a place that wears its history proudly while building a bold future.
A Brief History of North Shields
North Shields was founded around 1225, when the Prior of Tynemouth allowed fishermen to build “shiels” (meaning huts or shelters) along the river. Those wooden shacks became the seed of a bustling working community — supplying fish to nearby markets and monasteries.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the town had become a centre for shipbuilding and industry. The river echoed with hammer strikes, foghorns and the laughter of sailors. The Fish Quay, once lined with smokehouses, pubs and net lofts, became the beating heart of the town.
“Shields has always been built on the backs of working people — proud, skilled, and fiercely local.”
Today, much of that legacy remains. Walk the Fish Quay and you’ll still find traces of old industry alongside independent restaurants, cafes and creative studios — a perfect blend of heritage and reinvention.
The Creative Renaissance: Music, Art & Culture
North Shields is experiencing a cultural revival.
Venues like The Exchange 1856 and Salt Market Social have become magnets for local talent — hosting gigs, exhibitions and festivals that put the town’s creativity centre stage.
In October 2025, The Exchange hosted “800 Years – Here We Are”, a powerful music documentary fronted by Liam Fender. Produced by Northeast Fuse and XL Creative Media, it celebrated Shields’ rich cultural DNA through music and storytelling. The sold-out premiere proved what locals already knew — this town is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the region’s creative powerhouses.
“It’s more than heritage — it’s energy. North Shields is writing its next soundtrack.”
Local artists such as Prefab77, Ricky Also, and Nina Valkhoff have added colour to the townscape through large-scale murals, while community-led events like I Love North Shields LIVE and The Mural Trail Walks draw hundreds of visitors to explore the town’s evolving identity.
The Fish Quay: Where the Past Meets the Present
The Fish Quay remains the soul of North Shields — where working trawlers moor beside modern bars and seafood restaurants.
Visitors can:
- Watch boats come in with the morning catch
- Stroll along the riverside to Tynemouth Pier
- Visit historic pubs like The Low Lights Tavern, the oldest on the quay
- Explore independent eateries such as Allard’s, The Staith House, and Riley’s Fish Shack
This area perfectly sums up Shields: authentic, evolving, and full of character.
Community at the Heart
What makes North Shields truly special isn’t just its history — it’s the people.
From volunteer-led heritage projects to creative collectives, local groups continue to shape the town’s future. Organisations and the I Love North Shields CIC collaborate to celebrate local stories, nurture new talent, and create inclusive spaces for everyone.
“Our community doesn’t wait for permission — we make things happen.”
Things to See & Do in North Shields
Whether you’re a visitor, creative, or curious local — there’s plenty to explore:
Historic & Cultural
- Old Low Light Heritage Centre – exhibitions and panoramic views of the Tyne
- The Exchange 1856 – theatre, live music, art exhibitions
- North Shields Mural Trail – 10+ large-scale artworks by regional and international artists
- 800 Years Heritage Trail – walkable map of key landmarks
Food & Drink
- Salt Market Social – events, live music, local brews, and street food
- Low Lights Tavern – oldest pub on the Fish Quay
- The Wheel House – brunch and riverside views
- Allard’s Lounge – tapas and cocktails with a creative twist
Outdoors & Nature
- Fish Quay promenade – sunrise and sunset walks
- Riverside cycle route – scenic link between North Shields and Tynemouth
- Collingwood Monument – history meets coastal views
North Shields Today: Regeneration & Pride
Recent years have seen major investment in North Shields’ regeneration, from the modernisation of Bedford Street and the Northumberland Square area to new creative spaces opening up along the river.
The town is part of the North Shields Masterplan, aiming to connect its historic heart to its cultural future — with heritage, arts, sustainability and community-led growth at its core.
Projects like North Shields 800 have reignited pride, reminding residents that Shields isn’t a town stuck in its past — it’s a community defining what comes next.
Plan Your Visit
North Shields is easy to reach by Metro, ferry or car — just 20 minutes from Newcastle city centre and a short walk to the coast at Tynemouth.
Visitors can explore:
- The DFDS Ferry Terminal for day trips to Amsterdam
- The Shields Ferry crossing to South Shields
- Local markets, heritage sites, and pop-up events every month
Stay updated on events, news and features by following @ilovenorthshields or joining our newsletter for weekly highlights.
Why North Shields Deserves Your Attention
Because it’s real.
Because it’s creative.
Because it’s home.
North Shields is more than a destination — it’s a movement powered by community pride, creative spirit and a deep sense of belonging. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life, there’s always something new to discover.
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