With the river so close, residents and visitors to Smith’s Dock can enjoy the convenience of the DFDS ferry. Not only is the ferry a staple feature of the North East riverside, it also offers new and easy opportunities for great adventure.

With ferries running seven days a week, DFDS provides an affordable route to the rest of Europe, helping locals get familiar with Holland and, in particular, Amsterdam. In fact, trips between Newcastle and Amsterdam start from around just £35, meaning it has never been easier or more affordable to enjoy a weekend of exploration.

Be prepared to become a ferry expert when living at Smith’s Dock. You’ll come to know the timetable to the minute and find yourself saying things along the lines of “well, looks like the Ferry is early today” before you know it!

But it isn’t just the ferry which has been known to commandeer the waters of the Tyne. Cruise ships from a range of global hotspots make frequent stops in the North East to allow their passengers to disembark and discover some of the coastline.

Some of the more famous cruise ships to have visited the area include the MS Magellan, which was built in Aalborg, Denmark and entered service in 1985. After two decades of sailing, the ship gained a new purpose in 2005 when, following the tragic impact of Hurricane Katrina, Magellan was used as temporary housing for the storm’s victims. Later, in 2014, the ship was used as a four-star floating hotel for the Winter Olympics. And since 2015, the MS Magellan has often been seen cruising out of the Port of Tyne.

Earlier this year, the esteemed Azamara Journey luxury cruise ship made waves in the region when Captain Johannes Tysee stopped in Newcastle during the ship’s 10-day culinary tour of Europe. Tysee ordered Greggs food for all passengers aboard — much to their delight!

Smith’s Dock is just a stone’s throw from the popular Royal Quays marina. Here, you can take the opportunity to enjoy one of the many boat trips on offer, or even hire a boat yourself and explore the region’s surrounding waters!

Or, for those who prefer relaxation to adventuring, there’s The Lock café. With stunning views across the busy marina, The Lock is the perfect place to watch boats coming and going. Even better, there’s a fantastic range of beers, wines, cocktails, coffees and food on offer, so it’s all too easy to while away the hours enjoying the marina view.

Speaking of food and drink, you’ll find no shortage of it in and around Smith’s Dock. From traditional fish and chips to more exotic cuisines, there is something for every palette in this charming coastal community. Check out our guide to some of our favourite local eateries here.

One of the area’s biggest highlights is the North Shield’s Fish Quay Market. Open from 9am until 6pm, the market offers a range of fresh, local produce straight from the surrounding ocean to trade customers. This produce changes with the seasons and, weather permitting, the market gives local eateries access to a fantastic range of fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

Looking for a riverside refuge to call your own? If you’re in the market for a dream property, discover Smith’s Dock for yourself today. Simply get in touch with our team to find out more.