South and North Marine Parks, South Shields

Park in South Shields

South and North Marine Parks sit right on the South Shields seafront, a long, green ribbon of lawns, paths, and gardens that feels made for an unhurried coastal wander. South Marine Park is the lively heart of the pair, with the miniature railway circling the lake, pedal-boat hire on the boating lake in season, soft play areas, and a café that's perfectly placed for a break between sea air and sunshine.

North Marine Park is the quieter, more spacious counterpart, stretching up toward Arbeia and the mouth of the Tyne, where the views open out and the atmosphere becomes more reflective. Together they're one of the things to do in South Shields when you want a classic seaside park day, and they're an easy anchor for a walking tour of South Shields because you can link the parks with the promenade, the beach, and the riverfront without ever needing a car.

History and Significance of the South and North Marine Parks

These parks have been part of South Shields life for well over a century, built for the simple, enduring pleasures of seaside towns: walking after tea, meeting friends, listening to music, letting children run free, and finding a quiet bench with the wind coming in off the North Sea. Even now, they still feel like civic spaces designed for everyday joy rather than one-off sightseeing.

Their story is rooted in late-Victorian ambition and practicality. The design is credited to Matthew Hall, the borough’s surveyor and engineer, with John Peebles appointed as head gardener in 1886 and quickly shaping the planting and layout into something recognisably “Marine Park” in character: formal touches where they matter, softer edges where the landscape and coastline take over.

What makes the two-park set-up special is contrast. South Marine Park has the classic holiday energy, while North Marine Park feels like the local’s route-less about attractions, more about long views, breathing space, and the gentle transition toward Arbeia and the Tyne.

Things to See and Do in the South and North Marine Parks

Start in South Marine Park if you want the full seaside-park experience. The miniature railway is the signature feature, and even if you don’t ride it, it adds a cheerful, nostalgic rhythm to the lake area. The boating lake is another highlight in warmer months, when pedal boats turn the water into a slow-moving theatre of families and friends, with benches and paths that invite you to linger.

Then follow the paths north as the mood changes. North Marine Park is ideal for a quieter stroll, especially if you like your parks with fewer distractions and more horizon. It’s also the better place to slow down and notice how the landscape opens toward the river mouth, where shipping, sea birds, and shifting weather become part of the view.

If you’re building a simple half-day plan, treat the parks as a gentle loop: start with the lake and attractions in the south, walk north for space and views, then finish back near the café for a warm drink or an ice cream, depending on the season.

How to Get to the South and North Marine Parks

The nearest major airport is Newcastle International Airport (NCL), which is the most convenient option for most visitors flying in from outside the region. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to South Shields on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by rail, travel to Newcastle Central Station and then connect onward to South Shields via local services, with the final stretch best handled by Metro and a short walk to the seafront. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Local buses also run into South Shields from surrounding towns, and they're a practical choice if you're staying nearby and want a direct route to the coast without changing lines.

By car, South Shields is straightforward to reach via the A19, with seafront and town-centre parking options that let you finish the last minutes on foot.

Practical Tips on Visiting the South and North Marine Parks

  • Entrance fee: free
  • Opening hours: Park: 24 hours
  • Official website: https://www.lakeshorerailroad.co.uk/
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for an easy start with calmer paths, or late afternoon when the light softens and the seafront feels especially atmospheric.
  • How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for a relaxed walk, or 3-4 hours if you want to add the miniature railway, pedal boats, and a proper café stop.
  • Accessibility: The main paths are generally easy-going, but expect occasional gradients and exposed seafront sections; if you’re using a wheelchair or pushchair, stick to the wider lakeside and promenade routes.
  • Facilities: South Marine Park has the best concentration of family facilities and refreshments; North Marine Park is quieter, so it’s worth planning your breaks around the south end.

Where to Stay Close to the South and North Marine Parks

For most travellers, the best area to base yourself is the South Shields seafront and town centre so you can walk to the parks, beach, and evening food spots without relying on transport; if your priority is nightlife and wider sightseeing, a Newcastle base with day trips to the coast can fit better. For a seafront stay that puts you steps from the parks and the promenade, The Sea Hotel is ideally placed. If you want a slightly quieter waterside feel near the river mouth with a short hop along the seafront to the parks, Little Haven Hotel is a strong choice. For a reliable, practical option with easy road access and quick connections into town, Premier Inn South Shields Port Of Tyne works well.

Is the South and North Marine Parks Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy places that show you how a town actually lives. The parks aren’t just scenic; they’re social spaces with a rhythm that changes through the day-families in the morning, walkers and runners in the afternoon, and that classic “seaside evening stroll” feeling as the light fades.

They're also a smart choice if you want a low-effort highlight with a high return. You can arrive with no plan, follow the paths, pick up sea views, and still come away feeling like you've seen a real slice of South Shields.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is an easy win for families because the parks are built for it: play areas, open lawns, a lake, and the miniature railway energy that keeps kids engaged without needing a structured itinerary. Aim for the South Marine Park end first, then use North Marine Park as the calmer “wind-down” walk afterward.

If you’re visiting on a breezy day, bring an extra layer and plan your snack stop early. The coast can feel colder than you expect, even when the sun is out.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the appeal is in the simple pleasure of a shared coastal stroll with plenty of places to pause. Start with the lake area for a gentle, lively atmosphere, then walk north for quieter paths and long views toward the Tyne.

It’s especially good near sunset, when the parks feel softer and the seafront turns into a natural promenade. Add a warm drink or a relaxed meal nearby and it becomes an easy, low-key highlight.

Budget Travelers

The parks are ideal for budget travel because they’re free, scenic, and genuinely enjoyable without paid add-ons. If you’re watching spending, treat the railway and pedal boats as optional extras and make the main event the long seafront walk.

They also pair well with other free coastal stops nearby, so you can build a full day around walking, viewpoints, and simple café breaks rather than tickets.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,045)

North Marine Park at 47 Lawe Rd, South Shields is a spacious, family-friendly green space with woodland paths, open fields with picnic tables, multiple children's play areas, bowling greens and a community garden; a winding pathway up a hill offers plentiful bench seating and panoramic sea and harbour views, including both piers, and leads down toward a nearby beach (note seasonal dog restrictions), while recent additions include commemorative names along the walkway and colourful flower displays from spring through autumn.

Yvo e Douglas
a year ago
"It looks like a small park at first, I've seen a squirrel everytime. Great place to walk your dog, with pathways through woodland, a big field withpic nic tables, a children's playground. The park originally built in the 18th century has a bowling green, I think it is 5£ for a family or 2£ a person. The park can lead you to the beach, a lovely beach, no dogs allowed May to September, bring a pop up tent, what a great day, not a pe y spent...."
Miles
2 years ago
"Whilst the North & South Marine parks complement each other by providing a different experience, this is my favourite of the two. It is bigger thanthe South Park but it's outstanding feature is the magnificent views from the hill at the North end which has lots of seating on the benches provided. Whilst it doesn't have the tourist facilities of the South Park, it does have several children's play areas and several bowling greens. Also a community garden and meeting point...."
Syed Anwar
7 months ago
"Lovely park, checkout the recent names of the local soldiers put on the walkway."

FAQs for Visiting South and North Marine Parks

Getting There

They’re on the seafront, forming a connected stretch of parkland running along the coast, with South Marine Park closest to the busiest beach and promenade areas.
Head toward the seafront and follow the promenade routes; once you reach the coast, the parks are easy to spot and simple to navigate on foot.
From the town centre and Metro area, it’s a straightforward walk to the seafront, with clear routes that lead you down toward the coast and into South Marine Park first.
Yes, there are parking options around the seafront and nearby streets, but on busy summer days it can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier makes life easier.

Tickets & Entry

No, the parks are free to enter and enjoy as public green spaces.
Walking, play areas, and viewpoints are free, while seasonal activities like the miniature railway and pedal boats typically have separate charges.

Visiting Experience

An hour is enough for a satisfying loop around the South Marine Park lake and a short seafront walk.
Yes, because the parks give you sea views, local atmosphere, and an easy coastal walk without needing a complex plan.
Pair the parks with a promenade walk, a beach stop, and a quick visit toward Arbeia if you want a simple culture-and-coast loop.

Photography

Yes, especially for classic seaside shots, lake reflections, and wide coastal views when the sky is dramatic.
Late afternoon is often best, when the light is softer and the seafront has a warm, end-of-day atmosphere.

Accessibility & Facilities

Much of the main route is stroller-friendly, and the flatter lake-and-promenade areas are the easiest option if you want to avoid steeper sections.
South Marine Park is the most convenient end for refreshments and a café stop, while North Marine Park is quieter and better treated as the “walking” section.

Nearby Attractions to the South and North Marine Parks

  • Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort: A well-presented Roman site that adds real historical depth just a short walk from the North Marine Park end.
  • South Shields Pier: A classic coastal structure for big sea views and that end-of-the-world promenade feeling.
  • Sandhaven Beach: A broad sandy beach that pairs perfectly with the parks for a full seafront day.
  • Ocean Beach Pleasure Park: A fun, traditional seaside amusement stop close to the livelier South Marine Park area.
  • The Word, National Centre for the Written Word: A modern cultural space with exhibitions and events, ideal if the weather turns and you want something indoors.

The South and North Marine Parks appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting South Shields!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Park: 24 hours

Price:

free

Address: South Marine Park 2 Bents Park Rd South Shields NE33 2NL United Kingdom
South Shields: 0 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs