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Summer river trips on the River Tyne start this weekend, running from 24th May until 22nd September 2013.

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 River 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.

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.

You can view the Shields Ferry river trips brochure here…

Afternoon River Trips (3 hours)

Enjoy a unique experience on board the Shields Ferry which lets you take in the sights and delights of the river banks along the River Tyne.

Sailing to the mouth of the Tyne and then to Newcastle upon Tyne and back again you’ll see many historic monuments 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 Tyne’s old 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!

Tyne Tours (1 1⁄2 hours)

For a local insight into life around the river banks of North Tyneside and South Tyneside join us for this delightful 1 1⁄2 hour mini-cruise.

As you sail to the mouth of the Tyne, past North Shields Fish Quay and Tynemouth Priory & Castle you’ll listen to an informative taped commentary about the history of the river in the surrounding area.

Places of interest along the way include The Customs House, International Passenger Terminal, Royal Quays and Jarrow Slake.

Many other sites from the river’s industrial past and present can also be seen.

This short trip is a great way to relax at the end of the week!

(This trip does not sail to Newcastle upon Tyne).

Fish & Chip Trips (2 hours)

Indulge in some finger-licking style fish and chips as you watch the Tyne sail by.

After setting off you’ll head towards the mouth of the Tyne where you’ll listen to an informative taped commentary about our local river history.

Fish and chips will be delivered directly to you and as you sail along your meal can be enjoyed straight from the box, leaving you to roam the boat at your leisure.

Be sure not to miss out on any views of the river.

Combine some great local food with a fun afternoon cruise!

Pirate Captain Jack… and Will (2 hours)

Bring the children along to enjoy our pirate themed afternoon on board the ferry, where swashbuckling Pirate Captain Jack and his sidekick Will will be there to greet you as you board.

Why not dress the kids in fancy dress or they can just come 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.

If you prefer the quiet life, just sit back and enjoy the views and a relaxing mini-cruise on the ferry.

Animal Encounters (2 hours)

Small ones, fat ones, long, thin, scaly ones… bring the children along to experience the delights of our cute and cuddly (or even scary) animals as they sail along the Tyne.

They’ll get the opportunity to hold rabbits and mice, a majestic owl and, if they’re really brave… creepy crawlies, snakes and even a tarantula!

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.

Includes fun glitter tattoos, and you can even have a photo taken with the animals as a special reminder of the day!

Disco party! (2 hours)

Bring the children along to enjoy an afternoon on our fun-filled party boat!

Let them join in the dancing on board the ferry and enter our ‘Best Dancer’ competition.

Space hoppers, hula hoops and soft ball playtime fun will also occupy their time, all while you sit back and
enjoy a relaxing trip on the ferry.

Sweets also included.

A river trip is also a great and educational way to point out the historical places of interest around the river banks of our local area which your children may not otherwise ever get to see.

Sing-a-long-the-Tyne (2 hours)

Sing your heart out!

Join us for a fun and cheerful afternoon sing-a-long session on board the 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 a Sunday afternoon!

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 South Shields 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.

Last online booking received
Tuesday 16th June 2026, 13:27 BST
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