Question 1

Where can I find tide times for South Shields?

Accepted Answer

Use Admiralty EasyTide, the UK Hydrographic Office's free tide predictions. The nearest station is River Tyne (North Shields), across the river mouth; BBC Weather shows the same station with data from the UK Hydrographic Office.

Question 2

Why doesn't this site print a tide table?

Accepted Answer

Tide times change every day and a copied table can be wrong or out of date by the time you read it. The official source is free and quick to check, so we link to it instead.

Question 3

Are the times in GMT or BST?

Accepted Answer

Check the label on the table you use. BBC Weather, for example, labels its River Tyne times as GMT. UK clocks are on GMT in winter and BST (one hour ahead) in summer.

Question 4

How many tides are there a day?

Accepted Answer

Usually two high tides and two low tides a day. On 10 November 2026, for example, the River Tyne (North Shields) station showed high water at 03:31 and 15:47 and low water at 09:49 and 22:08 GMT. Check the day you are going, because the times change every day.

Question 5

When is the best time to go rock pooling?

Accepted Answer

Plan your visit for low tide, when more pools are uncovered, and keep an eye on the tide so you don't get cut off. Look up low water on EasyTide before you set off.

Question 6

Where can I go rock pooling in South Shields?

Accepted Answer

Visit South Tyneside suggests Littlehaven Beach, at the mouth of the Tyne, for rock pools and crabs. At Marsden Bay the council suggests rock pooling for crabs and mussels near Marsden Rock and Camel Island.

Question 7

Are there guided rock-pooling sessions?

Accepted Answer

South Shields Surf School ran guided sessions for ages 4 and up in 2026, at £5 per person; under-8s needed an adult, and one adult went free. The 2026 dates ran from May to August. Dates for 2027 are not yet announced.

Question 8

How do I rock pool without harming the wildlife?

Accepted Answer

Fill your bucket with sea water before putting anything in it, and put in only one animal at a time. Turn stones over gently and put them back the way you found them. Don't keep animals in the bucket for long: return them to their pool by lowering the bucket back into the water.

Question 9

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Shoes with thick soles and a good grip, because rocks are slippery and sharp. Dress for the weather, and watch out for fish hooks and broken glass.

Question 10

Can I get down to Marsden beach at high tide?

Accepted Answer

Be careful. The Marsden steps next to the Grotto are closed until spring 2027 while they are replaced. The other route, the Redwell Bank steps, can only be used when tide conditions allow, so the council asks visitors to check tide times before visiting and to follow the signs on site. The Grotto also runs a lift down the cliff, 8am–10pm. See Marsden Beach.

Question 11

Does the Marsden Grotto close at high tide?

Accepted Answer

It can. The venue says it may close at high tide and posts closures on its Facebook page. There is no mobile signal at the foot of the cliff, so check before you go down.

Question 12

What do I do if someone is in trouble in the sea or cut off by the tide?

Accepted Answer

Tell a lifeguard if there is one. If not, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Question 13

Are there lifeguards at South Shields?

Accepted Answer

RNLI lifeguards patrol Sandhaven (Centre) beach in the summer season; in 2026 that was daily from 23 May to 6 September, 10am to 6pm. Swim between the red and yellow flags. The 2027 dates are not yet announced, and there are no lifeguards in winter. See Lifeguards.

Question 14

What if I fall into the water?

Accepted Answer

The RNLI's advice is to float to live.

Question 15

I've seen a seal on the beach. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Seals often come ashore to rest, especially after high tides or storms. Keep your distance and don't approach them. For more information, the council points to British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

Question 16

What are the small plastic pellets on the beach?

Accepted Answer

They are "nurdles", plastic pellets reported along the South Tyneside coast after a ship collision in the River Tyne on 19 July 2026. The council asks visitors not to handle them and to keep dogs on leads in affected areas.

South Shields tide times and rock pooling: your questions answered

Tide times