South Shields – Tyne and Wear – A site of an ancient Roman fort

South Shields – Tyne and Wear – is the location of the ancient Roman fortress of Arbeia situated on a hill overlooking the south bank of the River Tyne. Arbeia was a grain storage depot for the Roman army in the north defending Hadrian’s Wall. The foundations of several granaries can still be seen, along with a museum displaying artifacts from Roman army life.

From the top of the hill, a wooded park slopes down to the south pier, which projects nearly a mile out to sea protecting the sands of Littlehaven Beach. It’s a nice walk to the end of the pier, but one not to be taken in stormy weather. The sandy beach north of the pier is safe for swimming, but bathing in Tyne water, though diluted by the sea, isn’t for everyone. South of the pier, a long, sandy beach faces the open sea, and volunteer lifeguards patrol in the summer. Currents make swimming dangerous in the far north.

A path leads south through the grassy slopes of The Leas, where the shoreline is rocky, and towards the sandy arch of Marsden Bay. Souter Lighthouse is open for visitors to explore.

Other attractions include the city’s art gallery and museum, the Customs House theater and art venue, and typical waterside attractions such as amusement parks, a fairground, miniature golf, a boating lake, and a steam train. in miniature. For those visitors who enjoy exercise there is a large network of bike paths and trails.

At night there is a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. Accommodation can be found for all budgets, including caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, and luxury hotels.

The city is also the end point of the world famous Great North Run which attracts professional athletes from all over the world.