The Customs House
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Customs House

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
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The Customs House

Customs House

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Absolutely love the Customs House, it has everything for every age!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Theatre Performances

Live Theatre Performances

Theatre

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

Art Gallery Exhibitions

Art Gallery Exhibitions

Art Gallery

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

Cinema Screenings

Cinema Screenings

Cinema

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

Bistro & Bar

Bistro & Bar

Bistro/Bar

Enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for pre- or post-show gatherings.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid crowds and catch popular shows, check the performance schedule in advance. Weekday evenings often offer a more relaxed atmosphere for theatre-goers, while weekends can be busier. Consider booking tickets early for high-demand events to secure your spot.

South Shields' Cultural Hub

The Customs House in South Shields is a vibrant arts center offering theatre, cinema, and gallery experiences. It's a great spot for a meal or drinks, making it a perfect destination for a full evening out. Parking is readily available and praised by visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Family-friendly shows
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique performances
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎤 Jenny "The Vixen" Ryan: Out Of The Box Coming to The Customs House on Wednesday 25th September, 7:30pm Join Jenny on her adventure showing her life. better known as the dream-crushing brainbox The Vixen on the hit ITV quiz The Chase – breaks away from teatime telly and invites you to an evening of song, storytelling and even some showbiz secrets. Plus, don’t miss the chance to upgrade to our e...
customshousesouthshields
12 likes • 954 views

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows sell out fast! Check the schedule and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy the Bistro/Bar

Great food and reasonable prices! Perfect for a pre-show meal or a relaxed drink. Reddit

Experience the magic of your special day at Customs House ✨🤍 ⁠ ⁠ Our expert team will bring your dream wedding to life, from elegant ceremonies to romantic receptions. ⁠ ⁠ Visit our website via the link in bio to start planning your unforgettable day!⁠ ⁠ 📸 @anniedawsonphotography⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #customshouse #customshousebrisbane #brisbanebuildings #brisbanerestaurants #patinarestaurant #patina #brisba...
customshousebne
20 likes • 1.8K views
Fairy light tree lovers - do you feel the same? 🧚🏼‍♀️✨🪄 Have you seen this beautiful fairy light tree before? It’s located at the iconic 📍Customs House, Brisbane City #brisbane #brisbanefairylights #brisbanelife
lady_brisbane
309 likes • 15K views

🚗 Convenient Parking

Ample and excellent parking available, making your visit hassle-free. Reddit

👍 Friendly & Professional Staff

The staff are consistently praised for their kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Reddit

Customs House, built in 1845 in the Victorian Georgian Style 🇬🇧. Designed by Mortimer Lewis and James Barnet. Photo taken around 1905.
john.lockedin
676 likes • 16.5K views

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. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy the Bistro/Bar

Great food and reasonable prices! Perfect for a pre-show meal or a relaxed drink. Reddit

🚗 Convenient Parking

Ample and excellent parking available, making your visit hassle-free. Reddit

👍 Friendly & Professional Staff

The staff are consistently praised for their kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Reddit

✨ Check Performance Schedule

From theatre to music, there's always something happening. Plan your visit around your interests! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Friendly and professional staff
Great theatre performances
Delicious food and reasonable prices

What People Dislike

Busy bar queues at peak times

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the venue hosts performances suitable for families and children, making it a great destination for all ages. Reddit

The theatre is described as small but perfectly formed, with comfortable seating. The staff are efficient in directing patrons to their seats. Reddit

📸 📸 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,Instagram 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

The Customs House is a fantastic destination for families. They frequently host performances suitable for children and all ages, making it easy to plan a fun outing. Reddit The intimate theatre setting ensures that even younger audience members can have a great view and feel engaged with the performance. The availability of food and drink options also means you can easily cater to little ones before or after the show. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts

For theatre lovers, the Customs House offers a charming and intimate venue. The 'small but perfectly formed' theatre is praised for its excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, providing a superb viewing experience. Reddit The diverse programming means you can catch everything from classic plays to contemporary musicals and popular tribute acts. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ Foodies & Socializers

If you appreciate good food and a relaxed atmosphere, the Customs House bistro and bar are a must-try. Visitors rave about the 'amazing' breakfast and the overall quality of the food, all at reasonable prices. Reddit It's the perfect place to meet friends for a meal or a drink before heading to a show, or to simply unwind after a busy day.

The bar service is efficient, even during peak times, ensuring you won't miss any of the performance. Reddit 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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Customs House: A Cultural Gem

The Customs House in South Shields is a redeveloped Victorian site that has been transformed into a thriving arts centre. It boasts a versatile theatre, a cinema, and an art gallery, catering to a wide range of artistic tastes. Visitors consistently praise the venue for its well-organized operations and the quality of its offerings. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

Experiencing Performances at the Customs House

Attending a performance at the Customs House is a highlight for many visitors. The theatre is lauded for its intimate setting, which allows for a close connection with the performers. Shows range from popular tribute acts, like 'Thank Abba for the Music', to plays and musicals, ensuring there's something for everyone. Reddit

Reviewers often mention the professionalism of the staff, including security, who are quick to address any disruptions, ensuring the show can proceed without issue. Reddit 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. Reddit

Dining and Socializing at the Customs House

The Customs House isn't just about the arts; it's also a popular spot for dining and socializing. The on-site bistro and bar are frequently mentioned by visitors for their quality food and reasonable prices. Reddit This makes it a convenient and enjoyable place to gather before or after a show, or simply to enjoy a meal out.

Visitors have specifically praised the breakfast offerings, describing them as amazing. Reddit 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. Reddit

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