Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery

"The Fifteen Streets" and "The Mallen Streak" will send ripples of recognition and endearment through countless readers of contemporary fiction. Catherine Cookson (1906-1998) is perhaps the best known, best loved and best selling author to have come from Tyneside. South Shields, the site of many of her novels, has been dubbed Cookson County. South Shields Museum recently reopened after a major refurbishment. It has three main exhibition halls. The most popular is the "Tales of South Tyneside" [more]"The Fifteen Streets" and "The Mallen Streak" will send ripples of recognition and endearment through countless readers of contemporary fiction. Catherine Cookson (1906-1998) is perhaps the best known, best loved and best selling author to have come from Tyneside. South Shields, the site of many of her novels, has been dubbed Cookson County. South Shields Museum recently reopened after a major refurbishment. It has three main exhibition halls. The most popular is the "Tales of South Tyneside" which explores life in the district during Catherine's lifetime. "My South Tyneside" is an experimental "do-it-yourself" facility where members of the public can create their own impressions of the area. "Art Adventure" is an interactive exploration of the history of art and materials, colours and techniques. Open April - October 10am - 5.30pm (Mon Sat) 1pm - 5pm (Sun) Admission free There is local on street parking

Restaurant/ Inns

Marsden Grotto

This public house, formerly a smugglers' cave, is situated on the beach front at Marsden in South Shields, Tyne & Wear and is the only "cave bar" in Europe. Marsden Grotto is partly dug into the cliff face and at the front there is a cream coloured building with a terrace jutting out on to the beach. Guests are able to sit on the heated terrace for meals, and chairs and tables are available all year. There is a large bar downstairs with views onto the beach, and at the back of the bar there i [more]This public house, formerly a smugglers' cave, is situated on the beach front at Marsden in South Shields, Tyne & Wear and is the only "cave bar" in Europe. Marsden Grotto is partly dug into the cliff face and at the front there is a cream coloured building with a terrace jutting out on to the beach. Guests are able to sit on the heated terrace for meals, and chairs and tables are available all year. There is a large bar downstairs with views onto the beach, and at the back of the bar there is seating for diners. Also included in this bar / restaurant is a pool room and a full sea food restaurant upstairs. Access to the restaurant is either by lift from the car park or by a zigzag stair case on the cliff at the side of the building. The restaurant and bar are open 7 days a week, with the downstairs bistro serving food all day. Opening hours vary slightly by day, closing at 5 pm every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays when the grotto is open until 7 pm.

Beach

Marsden Rock and Bay

Marsden Rock is a rock formation that is home to thousands of sea birds. The Rock stands in Marsden Bay which is to the northeast of South Shields. The bay is a good place for surfing, swimming of just enjoying a picnic. It is surrounded by cliffs and rock formations. There is a public parking area, a look-out, and a restaurant called Marsden Grotto which offers seafood and views of the bay and cliffs.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Arbeia Roman Fort

The Fort dates from approximately 160AD and served as a supply base for the other Forts located along Hadrian's Wall. Excavated remains can be viewed and there is a museum which offers partial wheelchair access as well as a gift shop and picnic area on site. Many of the buildings have been reconstructed and the museum exhibits include excavated items which include coins, jewellery, armoury, inscribed altars and household objects. There are educational hands-on activities and a multi-sensory t [more]The Fort dates from approximately 160AD and served as a supply base for the other Forts located along Hadrian's Wall. Excavated remains can be viewed and there is a museum which offers partial wheelchair access as well as a gift shop and picnic area on site. Many of the buildings have been reconstructed and the museum exhibits include excavated items which include coins, jewellery, armoury, inscribed altars and household objects. There are educational hands-on activities and a multi-sensory tour, as well as gardens which display the herbs and plants used by the Romans. Details of temporary exhibits and events are available at the website, as are the opening hours. Entry is free and parking is provided.

Bar/ Pub

The Fountain

This public house has a modern British menu with all of the food made to order. It reopened following a refurbishment in 2007.

The opening times are:

Monday - Saturday 11am - 11pm
Sunday 12noon - 10.30pm

Bar/ Pub

Sand Dancer

The sea front pub overlooks South Shields beach. It has been completely refurbished and guests can sit inside or outside. There is limited parking next to the pub and off street parking close by.