Over the years the mighty North Sea has fashioned the coastline into dramatic cliffs and bays with stacks and caves to explore throughout the year. Marsden Bay is home to one of England's most important seabird colonies with thousands of pairs of Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gulls and Cormorants. For an unusual lunch or refreshment stop take the lift or the cliff stairs to the Marsden Grotto pub. The pub was hewn out of the rocks at a time when smugglers roamed the shores. Legends of smugglers, wrecks and colourful characters abound. The ghost of John the Jibber, who died a long and lingering death, suspended in a bucket halfway down the cliff face after betraying fellow smugglers to the Customs Men is said to haunt Marsden Bay.
The rocks, formed almost 250 million years ago, are Permian Magnesium Limestone and are of great interest to geologists world-wide. The limestones were originally formed as muds on the floor and flanks of shallow tropical sea that stretched from Greenland to eastern Poland, at a time when Britain lay deep within a great continent only just north of the Equator.
Loading entries...
Where to Stay
Further Afield
Luxury Shepherd’s Hut set on a traditional working farm in beautiful Northumberland. Relax in comfort...
Things To Do
Heaton
The premier amateur theatre company in the North of England is one of the largest...
Get Outdoors
Newcastle City Centre
The Northern Saints Trails are a collection of six long-distance walking trails based on ancient...
Food & Drink
Newcastle City Centre
Discover Newcastle Tour Company's award-winning guided tours in North East England - explore Newcastle, Durham...
Food & Drink
The Brandling Villa is an independent beer and whisky house, a quick metro ride from...
Things To Do
Newcastle City Centre
The Town Moor helps make Newcastle truly special. With around 1,000 acres of open space...
Food & Drink
Newcastle City Centre
The WonderBar is a ultimate Newcastle venue with food and drink, interactive darts, dancing, and...
Where to Stay
Newcastle City Centre
Located in the city centre, Leonardo Hotel Newcastle is one of the most convenient hotels...
Where to Stay
Coast
Quality Bed & Breakfast accommodation on a beautiful coastal spot overlooking Holy Island in an...
Food & Drink
Heaton
Dobson & Parnell on Newcastle Quayside specialises in refined British and European cuisine and is...
Things To Do
Newcastle City Centre
Whether you're an experienced gamer or a first-timer, Aspers Casino is committed to providing you...
Where to Stay
Newcastle City Centre
Head to Mineral House Spa at Crowne Plaza for the best in health, well-being and...
