Trow Point and Gun
Explore a historic disappearing gun battery and enjoy breathtaking coastal views from the cliffs above a beautiful, clean beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for a lovely walk.
Trow Point and Gun
Best Time
Perfect for a lovely walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic disappearing gun battery and enjoy breathtaking coastal views from the cliffs above a beautiful, clean beach.
"Amazing viewpoint with beautiful coastline and a historical point of interest."
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Scenic Walk
Walk from South Shields Pleasure Gardens, past the funfair, to reach Trow Point for a delightful experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The cliff tops offer amazing photo opportunities of the coastline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trow Point Disappearing Gun Battery
Trow Point
A fascinating replica of a 19th-century disappearing gun, showcasing military innovation.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Cliff tops at Trow Point
Breathtaking views stretching towards Tynemouth Priory and along the beautiful coastline.
Trow Point Beach
Base of the cliffs
A clean, peaceful beach with soft sand and clear waters, ideal for a relaxing day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Coastal History & Views
Beach Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Scenic Walk
Walk from South Shields Pleasure Gardens, past the funfair, to reach Trow Point for a delightful experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The cliff tops offer amazing photo opportunities of the coastline.
🏛️ Historical Interest
Learn about the innovative disappearing gun mount trials from the 1880s.
🚻 Public Toilets Available
Find public toilets in the Pleasure Gardens, near the funfair, and on the promenade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Scenic Walk
Walk from South Shields Pleasure Gardens, past the funfair, to reach Trow Point for a delightful experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The cliff tops offer amazing photo opportunities of the coastline.
🏛️ Historical Interest
Learn about the innovative disappearing gun mount trials from the 1880s.
🚻 Public Toilets Available
Find public toilets in the Pleasure Gardens, near the funfair, and on the promenade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, clean beach and the stunning panoramic coastal views from the cliffs. The historical significance of the disappearing gun replica adds a unique element to the visit. While some note graffiti on the gun, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
"Beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and soft sand. It’s clean, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Plenty of space even on weekends. Definitely recommend!"
Rajendra Nayak
"Amazing view point to look over Sandhaven Beach from this uphill coastal cliff. walking along the cliff tops at south shields you come across the 'Trow point disappearing gun battery'. Its a historical point which marks the end of the cliffs before the south shields beach and represented by an old gun mounted on its concrete base. Trials of the 'Hiram disappearing gun. took place here in the 1880's. Wort the walk up just for the views. Owned by the national trust and free. Only spoilt by vandals putting graffiti on the gun. Still worth the walk and it won’t disappoint you after seeing the beautiful coastline"
IAMUDDIN
"Great views from this part of the cliff tops. Lots of parking nearby."
B Moffat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Trow Point by walking along the promenade from South Shields Pleasure Gardens. Parking is available near the Pleasure Gardens and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.
Yes, there are parking options available near the Pleasure Gardens and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, which are a pleasant walk away from Trow Point.
Absolutely! A walk along the promenade from South Shields Pleasure Gardens, passing the funfair, is a popular and enjoyable way to reach Trow Point.
Many visitors enjoy a walk from the Pleasure Gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of the funfair before reaching the historical gun and scenic cliffs.
While there isn't direct public transport to Trow Point itself, you can take buses to South Shields town centre and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the Pleasure Gardens to start your walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Trow Point and the gun battery are owned by the National Trust and are free to visit.
Trow Point is an outdoor coastal area and is accessible at all times. The gun replica is also on permanent display.
No booking is required as Trow Point is a free public access area.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's a coastal area, so be mindful of weather conditions and safety on the cliffs.
Yes, the replica of the disappearing gun is a permanent fixture at Trow Point and is visible at any time.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliff tops offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline, perfect for landscape photography. The gun replica itself is also a unique subject.
The west-facing coastline can offer beautiful sunset views, especially from the elevated cliff positions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and National Trust guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the gun or distant landmarks.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography might require permission. Always be respectful of other visitors.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the historical disappearing gun battery, enjoy the beautiful beach, and take in the stunning coastal views from the cliff tops.
The water at Trow Point beach is described as crystal-clear and beautiful, making it appealing for a dip on warmer days.
A leisurely visit, including the walk from South Shields and time to enjoy the views and beach, could take 1-2 hours.
While Trow Point itself is a natural site, public toilets are available along the route from South Shields Pleasure Gardens.
The site was used for trials of the 'Hiram disappearing gun' in the 1880s, showcasing innovative military technology of the era.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a day of it by starting at the South Shields Pleasure Gardens, which often have a boating lake and playground, and walking along the promenade. This route offers entertainment like the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park before reaching the quieter Trow Point. Public toilets are available along this path, which is a practical consideration for families.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
The area is also ideal for nature lovers. The clean beach and clear waters are a draw, and the natural beauty of the coastline is consistently praised. It’s a place to connect with the outdoors and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Disappearing Gun
These disappearing gun mounts were an innovative response to the vulnerabilities of artillery during conflicts like the Crimean War. Captain Moncrief's design allowed guns to be mounted in concealed emplacements, only exposing themselves at the moment of firing. While the specific mechanism tested at Trow Point proved unsuccessful and the original gun was removed in 1894, the replica stands as a testament to this unique period in military engineering.
For history enthusiasts, understanding the context of these trials provides insight into the evolution of coastal defenses and artillery tactics. The site offers a tangible connection to a past era of military innovation, making it a compelling stop for those interested in historical weaponry.
Experiencing Trow Point Beach and Coastline
The surrounding coastline offers breathtaking panoramic views. Walking along the cliff tops provides vistas that stretch as far as Tynemouth Priory. This elevated perspective makes Trow Point a popular viewpoint for appreciating the stunning natural beauty of the South Shields coastline.
Many visitors enjoy combining a visit to the beach and cliffs with a walk from nearby South Shields. This often involves passing through the Pleasure Gardens and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, adding a lively element to the journey before reaching the peaceful natural setting of Trow Point.
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