Enjoy a family trip to South Shields and visit the largest theme park in the North of England.

Over 40 attractions especially for children can be found at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park. Some of the most popular include several slides and water slides, chain rides and of course the Ferris wheel.

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Don't forget to check out the popular Lasergame suitable for groups or whole families.

Of course there are many food and drink stalls throughout the park.

Entrance fees and opening times

Admission to the theme park is free. You will only have to pay for individual attractions, where the price varies between 2 gbp and 10 gbp.

You must first purchase credits - which can also be purchased online on the official website - which you will then use on the individual attractions.

You can't pay cash anywhere.

From mid-April to the end of August, it's usually open from 10am to 7pm every day, but opening hours can be longer in summer.

From September to April it is usually only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

For details, visit the official website: oceanbeach.co.uk/opening.

Cool at Yachting Lake

Opposite Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is the beautiful Yachting Lake, which is always full of swans and seagulls.

There is a children's railway around the lake for younger children with a cost of 2 gbp per lap (approx 3 minute ride).

Beaches and swimming

In the immediate vicinity of the theme park you can also enjoy the tranquillity of two beautiful sandy beaches:

• Littlehaven Beach.
• Sandhaven Beach.

Both have a very gradual entrance to the water and are therefore popular with families with young children.

How to get there

From Newcastle city centre, take the yellow tube line to South Shields terminus.

From here you can either walk (about 1.5km) or take the E1 bus service (runs once every 20-30 minutes). For more information on getting around Newcastle and tickets, see the Transport chapter.

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