Gardens North East
Rows of potted plants in a nursery polytunnel

South Tyneside: South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn

Between the mouth of the Tyne and the cliffs south of South Shields, gardens range from sea-facing plots that take every gale to sheltered terrace yards in Jarrow and Hebburn.

Gardening in South Tyneside

Along the South Shields seafront and the coast road, wind and salt are the main challenges. Shelter first, then plant: hedges and slatted screens filter wind, and tough coastal shrubs establish far better behind them. Fences on exposed plots need strong posts and good footings.

Away from the coast, much of the borough is older terraced housing with compact back yards, alongside suburban semis and newer estates towards Boldon. Small yards suit containers, raised beds and climbers on walls; larger gardens on clay benefit from good drainage and plenty of organic matter.

South Tyneside Council publishes a list of local tree surgeons, two of whom are listed here. For a family outing, Jarrow Hall combines a museum, farm and gardens. Check the council's website for garden waste collections.

Gardens to visit

Parks, beaches and outdoors

  • Jarrow Hall

    Museum, farm and gardensJarrow, South Tyneside

    Formerly known as Bede's World.

Nurseries, trees and design

Wildlife, community and allotments

  • Northumberland Wildlife Trust

    Wildlife charityNewcastle, covering Northumberland and Tyne and Wear

Across the region

  • Eves and Lewis Landscape Design

    Garden designers (BALI, SGD)North Yorkshire, working across the North East

  • Groundwork North East and Cumbria

    Environmental charityAcross the region

  • North East Family Fun

    Family days-out blogAcross the region

  • Living North

    Regional magazine (homes and gardens)North East and Yorkshire