
Customs House
A vibrant arts centre in a redeveloped Victorian site, featuring theatre, cinema, gallery, and a popular bistro/bar.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

Customs House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant arts centre in a redeveloped Victorian site, featuring theatre, cinema, gallery, and a popular bistro/bar.
"Absolutely love the Customs House, it has everything for every age!"

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular shows sell out fast! Check the schedule and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ Enjoy the Bistro/Bar
Great food and reasonable prices! Perfect for a pre-show meal or a relaxed drink.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Theatre Performances
Theatre
Experience captivating plays, musicals, and tribute shows in an intimate and well-run theatre setting.

Art Gallery Exhibitions
Art Gallery
Explore diverse art exhibitions that showcase local and regional talent, offering a dose of culture.

Cinema Screenings
Cinema
Catch the latest films or classic screenings in a comfortable and accessible cinema environment.

Bistro & Bar
Bistro/Bar
Enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for pre- or post-show gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
South Shields' Cultural Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular shows sell out fast! Check the schedule and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ Enjoy the Bistro/Bar
Great food and reasonable prices! Perfect for a pre-show meal or a relaxed drink.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Ample and excellent parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
👍 Friendly & Professional Staff
The staff are consistently praised for their kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular shows sell out fast! Check the schedule and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ Enjoy the Bistro/Bar
Great food and reasonable prices! Perfect for a pre-show meal or a relaxed drink.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Ample and excellent parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
👍 Friendly & Professional Staff
The staff are consistently praised for their kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism.
✨ Check Performance Schedule
From theatre to music, there's always something happening. Plan your visit around your interests!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Customs House for its excellent programming, friendly and professional staff, and great amenities. The intimate theatre, delicious food, and convenient parking make it a top-rated destination for entertainment and dining in South Shields. While generally positive, some busy periods at the bar might require a short wait.
"Visited the customs house with my children for a performance of "Taylormania". The venue was great, plenty of staff on hand directing people to seats.
The seating was comfortable and facilities couldn't be faulted, the bar did get busy but queue moved quickly thanks to the staff."
Jo F
"Absolutely love the Customs
House it has everything for Every age theatre, musicals, great evenings out!!! Great restaurant breakfast is amazing you just can’t fault it!! !parking is absolutely great. Best parking in South Shields actually get yourselves to the Customs House in South Shields and enjoy it because me my friends family all enjoy the custom house five star. 👏🏼👏🏼 ❤️"
Danielle Welsh
"Visited here today with a friend to watch a play. The staff were so kind, friendly, helpful and professional. So knowledgeable. A small but perfectly formed theatre. Very well run (some larger theatres could learn from them) food and drinks prices were very reasonable. Toilets were clean and well maintained."
Angela Lambton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Customs House is easily accessible by public transport and car. There is ample parking available on-site, which is highly praised by visitors. For specific public transport routes, check local travel information for South Shields.
Yes, visitors consistently highlight the excellent and convenient parking facilities at the Customs House.
While specific accessibility details are not detailed in the provided content, the venue is generally described as well-run with helpful staff, suggesting a good visitor experience. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for detailed accessibility information.
Many visitors opt for driving due to the convenient parking. Alternatively, local bus services operate in South Shields, providing good access to the venue for evening performances.
Yes, you can travel from Newcastle to South Shields via public transport (e.g., Metro) or by car. The Customs House is a short distance from the main transport hubs in South Shields.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through the official Customs House website or in person at the venue's box office. Booking in advance is recommended for popular shows.
The opening hours can vary depending on performances and events. The bistro/bar is usually open for meals and drinks, and the gallery may have separate viewing times. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Information on concessions is not explicitly mentioned, but it's common for arts venues to offer discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings. Inquire directly with the box office for details.
While some tickets might be available on the door for less popular shows, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for theatre performances, to guarantee entry.
Refund policies vary by venue and event. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the box office for specific information regarding refunds or exchanges.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Customs House hosts a diverse range of performances including theatre, musicals, comedy, live music, and tribute acts. They also have a cinema and an art gallery.
Yes, there is a bistro and bar offering meals and drinks. Visitors praise the food and reasonable prices, making it a great spot for a pre- or post-show experience.
The venue is described as a great place to be, with a friendly and professional atmosphere. The staff are consistently noted for their kindness and helpfulness.
Yes, the venue hosts performances suitable for families and children, making it a great destination for all ages.
The theatre is described as small but perfectly formed, with comfortable seating. The staff are efficient in directing patrons to their seats.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event and performance. Generally, flash photography and professional recording are prohibited during shows to avoid disturbing performers and other audience members. Check with venue staff for specific guidelines.
The historic architecture of the Customs House building itself offers great external photo opportunities. Inside, during exhibitions or before/after shows, you might find visually interesting elements, but always be mindful of venue rules.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the building. Weekday mornings might offer fewer people in the background.
Photography rules for art galleries can differ. Some exhibitions allow non-flash photography, while others may prohibit it entirely. Look for signage or ask gallery staff for permission.
The Victorian Georgian style architecture, as mentioned in one Instagram reel, is a key feature. Look for the building's facade and any historical details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With convenient parking and a friendly, helpful staff, navigating the venue with children is made simpler. Consider checking the schedule for specific family-friendly shows or matinee performances to make the most of your visit. The overall positive reviews highlight a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, including families.
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
The professional and attentive staff, including security, ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from arrival to departure. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for sought-after performances, to secure your spot in this beloved local theatre.
🍽️ Foodies & Socializers
The bar service is efficient, even during peak times, ensuring you won't miss any of the performance. The friendly staff contribute to the welcoming ambiance, making it a great spot for socializing. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the dining options at the Customs House add another layer of enjoyment to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Customs House: A Cultural Gem
The theatre is noted for being small but perfectly formed, ensuring an intimate experience for audiences. The staff are frequently commended for their kindness, professionalism, and helpfulness, contributing significantly to the positive visitor experience. Whether you're attending a play, a musical, or a comedy show, the staff's efficiency ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Beyond performances, the Customs House also features a popular bistro and bar, offering delicious food at reasonable prices. This makes it an ideal spot for a pre-show meal or a relaxed evening out. The venue's commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment experience, from the arts to dining, solidifies its status as a cultural hub in South Shields.
Experiencing Performances at the Customs House
Reviewers often mention the professionalism of the staff, including security, who are quick to address any disruptions, ensuring the show can proceed without issue. This attention to detail contributes to a high-quality audience experience. The venue's ability to host diverse events, from theatrical productions to potentially other cultural happenings, makes it a dynamic destination.
For those planning a visit, checking the performance schedule in advance is key, as popular shows can sell out. The combination of engaging performances, a well-managed venue, and a friendly atmosphere makes the Customs House a must-visit for arts enthusiasts.
Dining and Socializing at the Customs House
Visitors have specifically praised the breakfast offerings, describing them as amazing. The bar area is noted for its efficiency, with queues moving quickly thanks to the attentive staff, even during busy periods. This ensures that patrons can enjoy their drinks without significant delays.
The combination of a vibrant arts program and a welcoming dining experience makes the Customs House a comprehensive entertainment destination. It’s a place where you can enjoy a full evening out, from a delicious meal to a captivating performance.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit