Customs House, South Shields

Arts Venue and Historic Building in South Shields

The Customs House South Tyneside
The Customs House South Tyneside
CC BY-SA 2.0 / wfmillar

The Customs House sits on Mill Dam on the south bank of the River Tyne, in a handsome old port-side building that now anchors South Shields' cultural scene. It's the kind of place where you can arrive for an exhibition in the afternoon, stay for a film or a show, and end the evening with a drink looking out toward the river lights-an easy win if you're building a day around one of the things to do in South Shields.

What I like most is how naturally it fits into the town's waterfront rhythm. You can pair it with a stroll along the Tyne, pop across on the ferry, or weave it into a walking tour of South Shields that mixes maritime history with seaside atmosphere. Even if you're not a big theatre-goer, the gallery and the setting make it a rewarding stop.

History and Significance of the Customs House

The building began life as a working customs house in the Victorian era, tied to the shipping and trade that once defined Shields Harbour. It opened in the mid-19th century and later gained protected status as a listed building, which helps explain why it still feels so solid and characterful from the outside.

As local industry changed, the site’s purpose shifted too. After periods of decline, it was restored and reimagined as a modern arts venue in the 1990s, turning a piece of working waterfront infrastructure into a place for performance, film, and community events.

That reinvention is part of what makes a visit feel meaningful: you’re not just seeing a show in any old theatre, you’re stepping into a building that mirrors the town’s story-trade, transition, and a present-day focus on creativity and local life.

Things to See and Do in the Customs House

Start with what’s on. The programme typically mixes touring theatre, comedy, live music, and cinema, so it’s worth checking the listings and choosing something that suits your mood-big laugh-out-loud night, a classic film, or a family-friendly matinee.

If you’re visiting in daylight hours, the gallery side is the low-commitment highlight. It’s an easy drop-in that works well if you’re filling gaps between other waterfront stops, and it’s also a good rainy-day option when the coast is doing what the North Sea does best.

For a full evening, treat it like a mini “night out” district in one building: arrive early, have a drink or a bite, then head upstairs to your seats. The Mill Dam setting makes even the walk to the door feel like part of the experience-especially at dusk when the riverfront is at its most atmospheric.

How to Get to the Customs House

If you're arriving from further afield, the nearest major airport is Newcastle International Airport, with onward connections into Newcastle and the Tyne & Wear network for South Shields. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to South Shields on Booking.com.

By train, aim for Newcastle Central Station, then continue by Metro to South Shields and walk down toward Mill Dam; it's a straightforward hop once you're in the Tyne corridor. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Buses converge on South Shields Interchange, which puts you within easy walking distance-follow the town centre down toward the riverside and you'll hit Mill Dam quickly.

If you're driving, the A19 is the main spine for the area and makes South Shields an easy detour from Newcastle or Sunderland, with local parking options nearby for an evening visit.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Customs House

  • Entrance fee: Free entry to the gallery; theatre and cinema prices vary by event.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–15:00. Closed on Monday.
  • Official website: https://www.customshouse.co.uk/
  • Best time to visit: Early evening is ideal if you want time for the riverside walk and a relaxed pre-show drink; weekday matinees can be calmer for gallery browsing.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60-90 minutes for the gallery and waterfront surroundings, or 2-4 hours if you’re adding a film or a full theatre performance.
  • Accessibility: The venue is set up as a modern arts centre, but performances and room layouts vary-check access notes for your specific event before booking.
  • Facilities: Expect the basics for an evening out, with spaces to eat and drink on-site and a strong focus on programmed events rather than a single “museum-style” route.

Where to Stay Close to the Customs House

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself around central South Shields and the riverside so you can walk to the Customs House and other main sights; if your trip is more about sea views and beaches, the seafront is the better fit.

If you want a classic seaside stay with easy access back into town, the The Sea Hotel is well placed for the coast while still being a quick hop to Mill Dam. For something right by the Tyne’s gateway with that “watch the water” feel, Little Haven Hotel is a strong choice, especially if you like being close to the shoreline. If you prefer a smaller, straightforward base near the town’s core, The Clifton keeps you close to restaurants, transport, and an easy walk to evening plans.

Is the Customs House Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you like places that feel genuinely local rather than purely tourist-facing. Even a short stop can be rewarding because you get a slice of South Shields’ waterfront character, and if you book a show you’ll see why it’s such a cornerstone of the town’s evening scene.

It’s also a smart “anchor” attraction: you can build a half-day around nearby museums and the riverside, then finish with a film, comedy night, or performance without needing to travel across town.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

If you’re travelling with kids, the simplest win is to pick a daytime-friendly performance, family film, or seasonal show, then keep the rest of the plan flexible. The venue works well as a contained, weather-proof activity when the coast is windy or rainy.

Pair it with an easy stroll by the water beforehand so everyone arrives with energy burned off, then reward the good behaviour with a treat after the show. Keeping snacks and layers on hand helps, especially if you’re mixing seaside time with an evening event.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a great “date night” option that doesn’t feel forced: arrive at sunset, do the short riverside walk, then head in for a show or film. The Mill Dam setting adds atmosphere without needing a big plan.

If you want it to feel special, aim for seats you'll genuinely enjoy (rather than the cheapest available) and build in time for a slow drink afterwards-South Shields has that mellow waterfront vibe that suits unhurried evenings.

Budget Travelers

If you’re watching costs, use the gallery as your low-spend cultural stop, then pick one paid event as your “splurge moment” rather than doing multiple ticketed nights. You’ll still get the sense of the place without overcommitting your budget.

Staying central helps too: being able to walk means you can skip taxis, and you'll be close enough to keep your schedule simple-especially handy if you're combining the venue with other South Shields sights in the same day.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,153)

The Customs House on Mill Dam in South Shields is a redeveloped Victorian arts centre housing a cinema, theatre, gallery and bistro/bar; visitors praise its comfortable, well-run small theatre, friendly and professional staff, reasonable food and drink prices, clean facilities and helpful security, and say it's a versatile venue for shows, family outings, breakfasts and private events with good parking.

Jo F
4 months ago
"Visited the customs house with my children for a performance of "Taylormania". The venue was great, plenty of staff on hand directing people toseats. The seating was comfortable and facilities couldn't be faulted, the bar did get busy but queue moved quickly thanks to the staff...."
Danielle Welsh
a month ago
"Absolutely love the CustomsnHouse it has everything for Every age theatre, musicals, great evenings out!!! Great restaurant breakfast is amazing youjust can’t fault it!! !parking is absolutely great. Best parking in South Shields actually get yourselves to the Customs House in South Shields and enjoy it because me my friends family all enjoy the custom house five star. 👏🏼👏🏼 ❤️..."
Angela Lambton
7 months ago
"Visited here today with a friend to watch a play. The staff were so kind, friendly, helpful and professional. So knowledgeable. A small but perfectlyformed theatre. Very well run (some larger theatres could learn from them) food and drinks prices were very reasonable. Toilets were clean and well maintained...."

FAQs for Visiting the Customs House

Getting There

It’s on Mill Dam by the River Tyne, close to the ferry landing and an easy walk from the town centre. The riverside setting is part of the appeal, so give yourself time to arrive via the waterfront.
Head toward the riverside and follow signs for Mill Dam; once you’re near the water, the venue is easy to spot. Walking is usually quicker than trying to reposition by car for a short hop.
Walk down through the town toward the river, aiming for Mill Dam, and you’ll reach it in a straightforward 10-15 minute stroll depending on pace. If the weather is rough, a short local taxi ride is the simple alternative.
Driving can be convenient for an evening performance, but it’s often easier to park once and walk if you’re combining multiple stops. If you’re already using Metro or buses, you won’t miss having a car here.

Tickets & Entry

Gallery entry is often free, while theatre performances and cinema screenings are ticketed. If you’re only passing through, the gallery is the best quick “drop-in” option.
For weekends, school-holiday shows, and well-known comedians, booking ahead is wise. For quieter weekdays, you may find more flexibility, but it’s still safer to lock in seats you actually want.
Seat selection depends on the event and booking system, but generally you’ll have options across levels or sections. If you’re sensitive to stairs or tight legroom, prioritise access-friendly seating early.

Visiting Experience

If you only have a gap, treat it as a quick cultural stop: pop in for the gallery feel and the waterfront atmosphere. If you’re seeing a show, arrive early enough to settle in without rushing.
Yes, because it plugs neatly into a one-day plan: riverside walk, nearby museums or fort, then an evening show. It’s a strong way to end the day without complicated logistics.
Bad weather is actually when it shines-performances and cinema give you a solid indoor plan. On fair days, the riverside approach and Mill Dam setting become part of the experience.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It often features as a landmark on waterfront-focused routes because it anchors Mill Dam culturally and visually. Even if your tour doesn’t “enter,” it’s a natural stop to point out and explain.
For most travellers, independent is best: you’ll get more value by choosing an event you actually want to see. A guided element makes more sense if you’re focusing on the area’s maritime and riverside history.

Photography

Yes-especially from outside, where the riverside setting and the Mill Dam backdrop give you strong lines and reflections. Inside photography rules vary by performance, so assume restrictions during shows.
Blue hour and early evening work well because you’ll catch the riverfront lighting and a livelier atmosphere. Midday is better if you want crisp architectural details without low light.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s designed as an active venue, so accessibility is generally considered, but the best approach is to check the specific event details. Arriving early helps you navigate calmly and speak to staff if needed.
Yes-between the venue and the waterfront, you’ll find spots to pause without needing to commit to a full sit-down meal. If you’re waiting for doors to open, staying close to Mill Dam keeps things easy.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Mill Dam itself is the most convenient zone, and the nearby town centre adds more quick options within walking distance. If you’re tight on time, aim to eat close by rather than travelling across town.
South Shields is known for its casual seaside-and-town food scene, so you can keep it simple: a quick bite before the show, then something more relaxed afterwards. For the best flow, choose somewhere walkable so you don’t worry about timing.

Nearby Attractions to the Customs House

  • Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum: A fascinating Roman supply-base site with reconstructions that make the story easy to visualise.
  • Sandhaven Beach: A wide sandy stretch backed by dunes, ideal for a brisk walk and classic seaside atmosphere.
  • South Shields Museum & Art Gallery: A compact museum with local history and changing exhibitions, great for a rainy hour.
  • South Marine Park: A relaxed green space near the seafront, good for a pre-show stroll or family downtime.
  • Tynemouth Priory and Castle: Dramatic coastal ruins across the river, perfect if you want a bigger “day trip” feel nearby.

The Customs House 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!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-15:00. Closed on Monday.

Price:

Free entry to the gallery; theatre and cinema prices vary by event.

Address: The Customs House Mill Dam South Shields NE33 1ES
South Shields: 1 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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