North Shields
North Shields stands at the mouth of the mighty river Tyne and takes its name from the 'shielings' or 'shiels' (fishermen's huts) on the river bank.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth century the town expanded rapidly and the modern day town high above the river gorge was established.
The town's famous fish quay is still there today and offers a unique backdrop to the increasing numbers of tourists who enjoy the best fish and chips in the country whilst watching the river traffic pass by. The town centre offers a wide range of shops including the Beacon Shopping Centre and also features Northumberland Square – home to the annual North Shields Victorian Christmas Market which attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the region enjoying the largest market of its type in the North of England.
