Royal Quays Marina provides a gateway to the North Sea

Operated by national marina group boatfolk (part of the Premier Marinas group), the modernised marina sits within the historic Albert Edward Dock - reimagining a once-industrial stretch of the Tyne as one of the North East’s leading waterside destinations.

It’s nice to be beside the seaside

The marina offers a calm, secure base within easy walking distance of North Shields and its independent bars, seafood kitchens and long-standing maritime heritage. Ongoing investment in the area, including the regeneration of Northumberland Square, the launch of the Cultural Quarter and improvements along the North Shields Fish Quay, complements the recent enhancements at Royal Quays Marina. The vibrant waterfront location makes it an ideal base for sailors, motorboaters, and sea anglers seeking both adventure on the water and a deeper connection to the region’s rich coastal heritage.

Whether exploring the nearby towns of North Shields, Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, taking the passenger ferry across the river to South Shields, or venturing into the vibrant city of Newcastle, visitors can enjoy Tyneside’s heady mix of coastal tranquillity and city energy.

Experiences and training on the water

For those drawn to the water, the marina also hosts a variety of activity days and training opportunities for boaters of all skill levels:

• Ocean Youth Trust North’s training ship James Cook sails from the marina, offering young people unforgettable experiences throughout the season, with some of last year’s youth visitors taking part in the Tall Ships Race 2025.
• Tyne Marine Training provides powerboat courses from beginner tasters to advanced and instructor-level sessions, while Northumbria Sailing invites berth holders aboard Pure Gallus, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419, for premium cruising experiences.
• Throughout the year, the marina welcomes a number of water-based charities. The Wetwheels Foundation visited several times in 2025 as part of its outreach programme to provide safe, barrier free boating experiences for people of all abilities. Multiple residency dates are already planned for 2026.
• The marina regularly welcomes visits from The Marine Society & Sea Cadets and is home to two permanently based vessels from the Royal Navy. The Royal Naval Reserve also makes frequent operational visits for fuelling and short stays on the outer waiting pontoon. When operationally possible, crews are often happy to welcome visitors aboard for informal tours, giving berth holders and guests a rare opportunity to step onto working maritime vessels and experience maritime training up close.

For fishermen, sea anglers and boat owners

With its sheltered location and 24-hour all-tide access, the marina is ideal for fishing, sea angling and scenic coastal cruises.

For boatowners, the marina is situated just two nautical miles from the Tyne Piers, providing quick and easy access to the open sea or the River Tyne. For those looking to venture further, its proximity to the North-East coastline provides access to stunning destinations such as Lindisfarne, the Farne Islands, and Scotland’s East coast.

As a fully impounded and locked marina, Royal Quays offers complete protection from swell, surge and tidal movement. In all weather conditions, boats sit in calm and level water which makes boarding, maintenance and winter berthing significantly more comfortable than exposed coastal marinas.

Dining and waterside visitors

With views overlooking the marina The Lock, the on-site café bar bistro, is the ideal spot to unwind after a day exploring the Tyne or venturing into the open sea. Serving a mix of light bites, hearty meals and refreshing drinks, it’s a relaxed space for both casual visitors and berth holders. The combination of waterside ambience and quality service makes it a popular destination not only for boaters but also for locals seeking a peaceful retreat by the Tyne.

The marina has a strong sense of community, with regular social events, visiting vessels and a friendly berth holder network that makes Royal Quays feel more like a boating community than simply a place to moor.

Boatowners and berth holders

Royal Quays Marina is a full-service hub for boating enthusiasts. Recent expansion plans added 54 new berths and 180 metres of alongside pontoon space, with further finger pontoon installations now planned ahead of schedule to accommodate larger sailing vessels.

On site you’ll find the North East branch of boatpoint, the UK’s largest independent yacht broker, supporting both existing berth holders and those looking to purchase used vessels, with guidance tailored to every level of experience. The on-site boatyard also offers lifting services for vessels up to 40 tonnes, with electricity, water, professional cradles and fully monitored hardstanding areas, allowing for everything from quick washes to winter lay-ups. With on-site fuel supplies of petrol and diesel with other essential marine services close at hand, owners have everything they need to maintain, fuel and enjoy their boat without needing to leave the marina.

Annual berth holders enjoy additional perks, including discounts on fuel and boatyard services, as well as free visitor nights at boatfolk marinas across the UK.

Easy to get to by road, rail and sea

Convenience is one of Royal Quays Marina’s strengths. By water, it’s just two nautical miles from the Tyne Piers, providing a swift passage to the North Sea and beyond. For boaters, navigational aids and calm sheltered waters make docking straightforward at any tide. The marina is easily accessible by road, with public transport links including the Tyne and Wear Metro, providing fast connections to Newcastle city centre and surrounding areas. Other transport links include mainline rail services from Newcastle’s Central Station, Newcastle Airport is not far away, and the DFDS Amsterdam Ferry terminal is on the doorstep.

A warm welcome to a great place

Royal Quays proudly holds The Yacht Harbour Association Five Gold Anchors and was named TYHA Coastal Marina of the Year 2025 at the Southampton International Boat Show. The marina has been recognised repeatedly over recent years with multiple Marina of the Year awards, reflecting a long-standing commitment to exceptional facilities, safety standards and customer experience that continues to evolve with ongoing investment and improvement.

At the helm is Marina Manager Keeran Stephenson, who brings over a decade of maritime experience and a strong connection to the North-East’s seafaring heritage. He leads a highly skilled and diverse team offering a full spectrum of expertise across every aspect of marina operations and life on the water.

The team includes RNLI volunteers, Sea Cadet instructors, military reservists and veterans, experienced boaters, and skilled engineers, alongside long-serving members of staff who have been part of the marina for well over 16 years. From the boatyard team, known for their practical advice and helpful approach, to the front-of-house and administrative staff who keep the marina running smoothly day to day, the collective experience on site is both deep and varied.

This blend of operational capability, real-world maritime experience and genuine approachability ensures that every visitor, from first-time boat owners to seasoned sailors, receives a warm welcome and the support they need.

With its expanded facilities, award-winning service, and convenient location, Royal Quays Marina is the perfect starting point for your next boating adventure. Whether you’re setting sail for a day of coastal cruising or looking for a long-term base, the marina’s experienced and knowledgeable team are ready to welcome you to the heart of the North-East coast.

For many berth holders, Royal Quays is not simply a place to keep a boat. It is where every adventure starts to return after every voyage, and feel confident their boat is safe, supported and part of a thriving maritime community.

Berth holder testimonial

“Having never owned a boat before, we decided to purchase a power boat last year and berth it at Royal Quays Marina. The Boatfolk Team have made us very welcome and have offered assistance and advice whenever needed. We feel part of the Royal Quays community now, having already attended a few organised events and training courses. Facilities are excellent, dog friendly and having The Lock restaurant onsite is certainly a bonus.”

Peter, Rowena and Nova - Crew of SuperNova

Royal Quays Marina, with its award-winning service, recent expansions, and vibrant community initiatives, continues to set the standard for North-East boating. Whether you’re looking to dock, explore, or simply enjoy a day by the water, Royal Quays Marina provides a unique combination of convenience, expertise, and coastal charm.

To find out more or book a berth, visit www.boatfolk.co.uk/royalquaysmarina.