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Summer river trips on the River Tyne start this weekend, running from 8th June until 11th October 2014.
There are many different trips to choose from and are a unique way to view some of the historic sights along the banks of the Tyne and to see the modern new developments taking shape along the river.
The three hour river trips sail between South Shields and Newcastle upon Tyne, as far as the Quayside where you will get to see and sail under Gateshead’s iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
The two hour river trips let you take in the monumental landmarks of the surrounding local areas of North Shields and South Shields and sail out towards the piers at the mouth of the River Tyne.
Entertainment is provided on many of the river trips with something to suit all the family from live river commentaries, sing-a-longs to fish & chip trips – all of which are regular features of their scheduled summer programme of events.
A variety of children’s entertainment also runs throughout the school summer holidays.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board the Shields Ferry where you can take in the sights and delights of the
river banks along the River Tyne.
Sailing to the mouth of the River Tyne and then on to Newcastle upon Tyne and back again you’ll see many historic monuments along the way and listen to a fascinating live commentary, brought to you by one
of our guides.
Places of interest include The Customs House, North Shields Fish Quay, the memorial to Admiral Lord Collingwood and the old River Tyne Shipyards.
You’ll also see the amazing transformations which have taken place on Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead Quaysides and get to sail under the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
A fun and leisurely way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Indulge in some finger-licking style fish and chips as you watch the River Tyne sail by!
After setting off you’ll head towards the mouth of the River Tyne where you’ll listen to an informative taped commentary
about our local river history.
Your fish and chips can be enjoyed straight from the box allowing you to roam the boat at your leisure and take in the
views of the River Tyne.
A great way to enjoy local food with a fun afternoon cruise!
Please note, there is limited seating available on this trip.
Bring the children along to enjoy our pirate themed afternoon on board the Shields Ferry where swashbuckling Pirate Captain Jack and his sidekick Will, will be there to greet you as you board!
Why not dress the kids up in fancy dress or they can come just as they are to play pirate party games, and Captain
Jack will be happy to make them a fine swashbuckling sword… out of balloons!
Includes competition and prizes.
Otherwise just sit back, relax and enjoy this short mini-cruise along the River Tyne.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Small ones, fat ones, long, thin, spiky ones… bring the children along to experience the delights of our cute
and cuddly (or even scary) animals as they sail along the River Tyne.
They’ll get the opportunity to hold rabbits and mice, a majestic owl or, if they’re really brave, a snake and a
tarantula!
They can also try their hand at stroking an iguana, bearded dragon or a hissing cockroach and lots more creepy
crawlies… yikes!
Whether it’s their first animal encounter or if you want to help them overcome any fears, what better way to do it than combining it with a relaxing river trip.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to have your photo taken with the animals as a special reminder of the day!
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sing your heart out! Join us for a fun and cheerful afternoon sing-a-long session on board the Shields Ferry this summer.
Carol Lee will indulge you in some musical nostalgia, entertaining you with the familiar sounds of Shirley Bassey, Neil Diamond, Susan Boyle… and many more.
And if you’ve got any special requests, she’ll be happy to sing them especially for you.
A sing-a-long-the-Tyne, what better way to spend an afternoon!
This trip is suitable for ages 15+.
Enjoy a musical evening with talented band The Buskers as you sail along the River Tyne to experience the beautiful night lights on Newcastle upon Tyne’s Quayside.
You’ll hear music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and a bit of Irish on this three hour cruise and will be served a hot pie and pea supper.
The highlight of your evening will be sailing under the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge and seeing the colourful twinkling night lights on NewcastleGateshead’s Quayside.
The perfect way to end a summer evening!
Our bed and breakfast accommodation in South Shields is approximately ten minutes walk from the Shields Ferry where the River Tyne river trips depart and return to.
If you are looking for hotel accommodation near the Shields Ferry our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.
Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.
For more ideas of family friendly things to do visit Family Friendly.
Tuesday 9th June 2026, 13:55 BST
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