Accessibility Information

• Free entry
• Step free access
• Padded seating available around the museum
• Accessible toilets with baby changing facilities on the ground floor
• Assistance dogs welcome
• If you have any questions, please contact the team on (0191) 2771 433 or info@southshieldsmuseum.org.uk.

Entry

It is free admission for everyone.

Guided tours for groups

Our staff can lead tours on request providing there is staff availability. The tours last between forty-five minutes and an hour and are in spoken English. You will need to book in advance by calling (0191) 771 433 or email info@southshieldsmuseum.org.uk.

Car Parking

The museum doesn't have a car park, however there is street parking available on Ocean Road after the Anderson Street junction. Alternatively there is a public multi-storey car park off Anderson Street. Ensure you follow signs for South Shields town centre and then the A183 towards the seafront to find the areas to park.

Coaches and taxis can drop off in the layby on Anderson Street or at nearby Mile End Road.

Nearby car parks: Denmark Centre Car Park, NE33 2LR (pay car park)

Public Transport 

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is easily accessed via public transport, located a 3–5 minute walk from the South Shields Interchange (Metro and Bus) and about 10 minutes from the Shields Ferry terminal. Situated on Ocean Road in the town centre, it is well-connected by frequent Tyne & Wear Metro services (approx. 25 mins from Newcastle) and local buses. 

Metro: The nearest station is South Shields (Yellow Line), located on Keppel Street.

Bus: The bus terminal is located within the same Interchange, with services from Newcastle, Sunderland, and Gateshead.

Ferry: The Shields Ferry terminal provides a scenic crossing from North Shields.

For more information on public transport telephone the NEXUS traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit the traveline website. 

Visitors enter and exit the museum via the museum shop. To access and to exit the museum there is a small flight of stairs or a lift. 

The museum is spread over two floors. 

On the ground floor there are exhibition displays, a shop and café. On the first floor is our art gallery which holds regular exhibitions and bookable meeting/learning rooms. 

Lifts and stairs provide access to the ground and first floors. The lift has a voice announcer.

All floors have level access and are predominately a carpet surface. 

Seating

Padded benches and chairs with backs and arms are situated throughout the museum. 

Fire Alarms

If there is a fire alarm it will give an audible bell warning and visual flashing lights. The lifts cannot be used in the event of a fire. If you will need assistance to exit the building in the event of a fire alarm please tell a member of staff. 

Wheelchair hire

A wheelchair is available for visitor use. Please ask a member of staff at the Welcome Desk who will be able to assist. 

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the museum.

Accessible toilets and baby changing 

There are toilets on the first floor as well as standard accessible toilets on the ground floor to the left of the staircase and on the first floor beside the lift. Both accessible toilets have baby changing facilities. 

The nearest Changing Places toilet is in ASDA, South Shields, Coronation Street, South Shields, NE33 1AZ. 

Public telephone

There is no public telephone available. Please approach staff at reception to order taxis or if you need to make an urgent phone call and they will assist you.  

Sensory Journeys

Take part in our Sensory Journeys digital story-telling sessions, where you create the sights, sounds, smells, touch, and tastes to bring the stories to life. Visit the webpage here.

Displays, exhibitions and attractions

Tales of South Tyneside and Changing Faces galleries feature audio points and videos include captions.

Films and interactive displays

There are various interactives in the galleries. These include computer interactives and films.

Special exhibitions and learning family activities

Throughout the year, the museum holds a wide variety of changing exhibitions, events and activities. For further information please look at our What's On page.

Hearing induction loops

Induction points are fitted in the Tales of South Tyneside and Changing Faces galleries and induction loops fitted in the exhibition gallery, meeting room and learning room. A counter loop is fitted in the shop.

Assistance Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs. A bowl of water can be provided, please ask a member of staff. 

All information panels and signs are in written English with a font size of no less than 14 points. 

The audio visual displays in Tales of South Tyneside and Changing Faces are captioned.
Some displays include BSL. 

Anyone can borrow a Sensory Backpack from the Welcome Desk. We have two Sensory Backpacks available to lend. A form of ID must be used as a deposit to loan a backpack. 

The South Tyneside SEND It Youth Forum have designed, created and distributed Sensory Backpacks to cultural venues across South Tyneside. The backpack contains resources that can calm, entertain, and soothe visitors who may find coming to the museum a little overwhelming. Contents of the backpack include: Noise cancelling headphones, a sea animal toy, a light up fan, pop it, Lego, a stress ball and theraputty.

We have a gift shop in the reception area selling books, souvenirs, small toys and South Shields merchandise. 

Our Café, The Victorian Pantry, serves both hot and cold food and drinks and can be found on the ground floor of the museum. 

All staff attend a programme of core training which includes customer care, diversity and disability awareness. They are here to help visitors enjoy the time they spend in our venues.

If there is anything that we can do to make your visit more enjoyable please contact us at info@southshieldsmuseum.org.uk, we will be happy to assist you.

Here are some helpful resources you can use before or during your visit: 

You can view a virtual tour of South Shields Museum & Art Gallery.

You can download a visitor map to use before or during your visit.