The Leas and Marsden Bay
The Leas and Marsden Bay is a garden, park & outdoor in Tyne and Wear, England. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.
| Price | Free entry Free clifftop coast path (National Trust land) from South Shields towards Souter Lighthouse, above Marsden Bay and Marsden Rock. |
|---|---|
| Opening times | Open all the time. |
| Best time to go | Low tide for the beach; spring and summer for seabirds on Marsden Rock. |
| School holiday tip | Early July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening. |
| Best ages | All ages All ages; keep little ones well back from the cliff edges. |
| If it rains | Outdoor: pick dry days |
| Parking | Marsden Lea car park, Coast Road NE34 7BS (147 spaces): £1.60 an hour or £8 all day (8am-8pm), card or PayByPhone; Blue Badge free. |
| Food | Cafés at Souter Lighthouse and along the South Shields seafront. |
| Money saver | Free or low-cost; parking is the main cost; take a picnic. |
| Top tips | Clifftop grassland and coast path between South Shields and Souter, above Marsden Bay and Marsden Rock. |
| What to pack | Wellies, waterproofs, picnic, bug spray, sun cream |
Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source
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Nearby days out
- Souter Lighthouse 1 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark
- South Marine Park, South Shields 2 miles · Garden, Park & Outdoor
- Sandhaven Beach, South Shields 2 miles · Garden, Park & Outdoor
- The Dunes, South Shields 2 miles · Play & Activity Centre
- The Word, South Shields 2 miles · National Museum & Exhibition
- South Shields Museum and Art Gallery 2 miles · National Museum & Exhibition