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Spirit of South Shields Statue

Spirit of South Shields Statue

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Spirit of South Shields Statue

Recommended by 21 cyclists out of 22

Cycling is not permitted at this location

You'll need to dismount and push your bike.

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Location: North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Top cycling routes to Spirit of South Shields Statue

4.0

(2)

riders

1. Sunderland to Newcastle loop via The Angel of the North

56.2km

03:27

380m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.6

(35)

266

riders

2. National Glass Centre – Roker Pier and Lighthouse loop from South Hylton

43.4km

02:37

270m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(8)

126

riders

3. View of Royal Quays Marina – Roker Pier and Lighthouse loop from North Shields

51.2km

03:05

320m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Willem VS

September 1, 2025

The Spirit of South Shields statue, designed by Irene Brown in 2003, is a powerful symbol of South Shields' maritime identity and cultural heritage, situated on the banks of the River Tyne.

The bronze sculpture depicts a female figure carrying a sailing ship in her left arm, while her right arm is raised in a gesture of welcome and protection. Her hair is adorned with stars and a crescent moon, giving her an almost mythological appearance, a kind of modern-day goddess of the sea, watching over ships entering the harbor.

The plinth on which she stands is not simply a pedestal, but a relief map of South Shields itself. It features miniature versions of local icons, such as the Roman fort of Arbeia, the Groyne Lighthouse, Westoe Colliery, and the old Town Hall.

Translated by Google •

Neil

May 30, 2021

This is easy to miss on your left as you look at the ship sculptures on the right. Worth a quick stop and picture, at the moment the Azura cruise ship can be seen on the Tyne.

steve

January 12, 2022

Spirit of South Shields. by Irene Brown.
The figure of a woman with the stars and moon in her hair, and at her feet are two miniature South Shields landmarks. She harbours a ship safely in one arm whilst raising her other arm in greeting. The work is based upon a great deal of research into the historical associations with South Shields – a long and rich history from the Romans through to the more familiar history of the ship repair yards. The Spirit is seen as the protector – guiding the ship through the seas safely. She stands strong and optimistic, unafraid, and invigorated by the winds of change. She is the prow, the figurehead for South Shields' future. It was completed during the Artist in Residence as part of Art on the Riverside.

artuk.org/discover/artworks/spirit-of-south-shields-292864

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Elevation 0 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 5 November

15°C

13°C

100 %

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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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See rides here

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Location: North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Spirit of South Shields Statue

1. Sunderland to Newcastle loop via The Angel of the North

2. National Glass Centre – Roker Pier and Lighthouse loop from South Hylton

3. View of Royal Quays Marina – Roker Pier and Lighthouse loop from North Shields

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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