North East England : South Shields

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South Shields is one of England's best urban beaches, being located next to one of the UK's most vibrant nightspots - Newcastle. South Shields the beach is a fine gold sand with a very gentle angle, leaving enormous stretches of sand exposed at low tide. It has a classic collection of beach break peaks along the 3km length of beach; the most popular peak is in the centre of the beach, but there are equally good peaks at the southern end. It picks up all swell and so works in most conditions, from low to high tide and is suitable for novices through to experienced surfers.

The beach is well served by ample parking at the northern end of the beach and there are superb facilities, with lifeguards, toilets behind the car park and no less than three good pubs immediately behind the beach. If you have family in tow or need some entertainment après surf; there's a fairly comprehensive amusement arcade / pleasure beach at the northern end of the beach which when combined with the excellent nightlife in town adds up to a fantastic beach.

Details
Driving Access: Main road straight into town
Car Park spaces: 200 at the north end of the beach
Price: Less than £5
Beach facilities: Toilets behind car park, lifeguards
Beach type: Sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: The Sundial, Marsden Rattler & Sand Dancer
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Several shifting beach breaks
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: Southwesterly
Local highlights: Pleasure beach; arcade and amusements
National Trust: No

Ratings
Ability: Novice - Legend
Kids: 3 - Pleasure beach; arcade and amusements
Other stuff: 2 - Pleasure beach
Access: 3 - 20m walk to the beach
Urban proximity: Close to the nightlife
Water quality: Good

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