- Play Hard
- 17th Sep 2025
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Exploring the NS800 Mural Trail: Art, coffee and coastal vibes in North Shields
North Shields is having a moment, and this one’s worth lacing up your trainers for.
To celebrate 800 years of the town’s history, Elevation CIO has turned North Shields into an open-air gallery. The NS800 Mural Trail is a free, self-guided route that takes you past large-scale murals by some of the world’s most exciting street artists. There are currently seven completed murals, with more to come…
Covering just under four miles, this trail is the perfect way to spend a weekend morning or afternoon. Here’s our guide, with suggested pit stops for coffee, pizza and of course, pints.
THE ROUTE
I Beg That Sound
Artist: Ricky Also
Location: 7 Brandling Terrace, NE30 2AR
The first mural on the trail is a real treat for typography lovers – Ricky Also is renowned for his bold letterforms and graphic punch, and this piece is a perfect example. The mural’s name, I Beg That Sound, invites you to pause and reflect on the rhythms of the area: the sound of the sea, of industry, of community.
HLN pit stop: Arbour Seven – a recently opened coffee shop and kitchen, serving up some of the best coffee in the area, with a delicious breakfast and brunch menu, too.
Oceanus
Artist: KMG
Location: Tanner’s Bank, NE30 1JH
Found on the rear of 55 Fisheries in the Fish Quay area, Oceanus is a colourful tribute to the town’s maritime past and present. KMG’s bold, graphic style and bright palette create a striking visual against the industrial backdrop. The piece celebrates the ocean as a life force and nods to the fishing heritage that shaped North Shields.
HLN pit stop: Three Tanners Bank – Chin Chin wine, delicious pizza, truffle fries and live music – need we say more?
Net Worth
Artist: Prefab77
Location: Union Quay, NE30 1AJ
Perhaps one of the most striking pieces of the entire trail, Net Worth is located on Union Quay at the Fish Quay, painted by the internationally renowned Prefab77. Known for blending street art with fine art influences, Prefab’s work often features powerful, layered portraits — and this one is no exception. The mural draws on themes of strength, survival and the value of community, a fitting tribute to North Shields’ fishing heritage. With picnic tables nearby, this is the perfect place to sit for a while, soak up the view, and snap some photos.
The Chase
Artist: Nina Valkhoff
Location: 35 Norfolk Street, NE30 1NQ
This bold, vibrant mural sits on Norfolk Street, just behind The Exchange Theatre, and instantly commands attention. Nina Valkhoff’s work is inspired by nature, so you’ll spot rich botanical details and animal motifs that feel alive and in motion. The mural’s title, The Chase, hints at its playful energy — a dynamic piece that celebrates the vitality of North Shields and its people. It’s a great starting point for the trail and is perfectly positioned near The Wooden Deli for a coffee or light bite before you set off exploring the rest of the route.
HLN pit stop: Make time for a pitstop at Harbour House — North Shields’ stylish new hangout. Think Northern Rye coffee and sandwiches, indie boutiques to browse, and a bar and restaurant shaking up one of the best Negronis in the town. Or if you fancy something sweet, R Place on Nile Street serves up the best doughnuts in town.
Spirit of Shields
Artist: Mark One87
Location: North Shields Football Club, Silkeys Lane, NE29 0SS
On the walls of North Shields Football Club, Spirit of Shields is a celebration of pride, resilience and community spirit. Mark One87, known for his large-scale murals and graffiti art, brings dynamic colour and movement to the space, creating an image that feels almost alive. The football club setting makes this mural particularly special — it ties together sport, art, and the neighbourhood’s sense of belonging. This is a great mid-trail stop to catch your breath and take in the sheer scale of the piece.
The Siren
Artist: Prefab77
Location: Albion Road, NE29 0AE
Also by Prefab77, (legacy mural from 2024) The Siren can be found on the gable end of Blu Sky Accountants, near the site of the old Olde Hundred pub on Albion Road. This mural is a bold, modern interpretation of the mythical siren, blending romance and danger with Prefab’s signature style. The siren becomes a symbol for the lure of the sea, the risks it holds, and the beauty of the North East coast. A great mural to see late in the day when the light casts dramatic shadows across the wall.
HLN pit stop: North Shields’ only Chicago deep-dish pizza spot, Pigalo’s offers cheesy indulgence like you’ve never seen before. Their viral volcano-base pizzas are a must-try, but good job it’s near the end of the trail, because you’ll need a nap afterwards.
North Shields No.4
Artist: Anthony Downie
Location: 10 Trevor Terrace, NE30 2DD
Tucked away on a gable end near The Gunner pub on Trevor Terrace, this mural is a quieter but no less powerful part of the trail. Anthony Downie’s style blends realism with abstraction, and North Shields No.4 brings a contemporary edge to the residential streetscape. The location makes it a perfect moment to pause and appreciate how the trail weaves through the fabric of everyday life — turning ordinary corners into mini galleries. Pop into The Gunner for a quick drink before you move on to the next mural stop.
HLN pit stop: Finish your mural trail with a pint at The Gunner — immortalised in Sam Fender’s lyrics. This Trevor Terrace pub is a proper local with cosy vibes and classic pints, the perfect full stop to your North Shields art crawl.
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