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The Grotto

(170 Guest Reviews)

Guest Ratings

  • 102
  • 38
  • 14
  • 14
  • 2

Review Summary

  • Rooms 4.4
  • Value 4.2
  • Friendliness 4.6
  • Cleanliness 4.2
  • Facilities 4.1
  • Service 4.5
  • Location 4.9
  • Breakfast 4.1

Review Overall Rating

  • 5.0
  • 4.0
  • 3.0
  • 2.0
  • 1.0
  • 4.3

The Grotto Information

Description

The Grotto is a truly stunning and unique beach Location. Originally Blasted out of the caves of Marsden bay using dynamite in 1782 by local legend “Jack the Blaster”. We have recently adapted the cave structure into 10 Boutique Hotel Rooms looking out directly over Marsden bay, Marsden Rock and the North Sea. We are directly accessible by lift from our car park straight down to our ground floor Bar & Restaurant at beach Level. The Rooms are situated directly above on the second floor and all enjoy the stunning view across the bay and out into the depths of the north sea. Unfortunately due to the age, location and and the design of the building our rooms which are all situated on the first floor, are not suitable for wheel chair bound customers. Individuals MUST be able to manage a spiral stair case in case of emergency. Our building is accessed via out door stairs or a lift, in the event of lift failure customers can only access the building via the outdoor stairs. Lift times are strictly 8am-10pm. For any further information please ring us directly before booking through a third party. parking upstairs at entrance. £5.00 (coins)

In 1782 Jack Bates (aka Jack the Blaster) and his wife Jessie used dynamite from a local quarry to blast a large cave into the the side of this coastal cliff at Marsden Bay in South Shields creating themselves a rent-free home on the beach. Before long Jack became involved with smuggling activities, allowing smugglers to hide contraband cargo from abroad in the coastal caves. The Grotto exchanged hands many times and was gradually developed into an Inn with several rooms through the 19th Century. Its notorious and often criminal history forms the basis of several popular legends and ghost stories including that of Jack the Jibber, a smuggler who was reputedly murdered by his fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs. It is said that he was hung in a barrel in a cave close to the present lift shaft and left to starve. The Grotto is the subject of the 2008 book The House That Jack Built: The True Story Behind the Marsden Grotto and the Search for Roman Treasure

Facilities

  • Bar
  • Elevator
  • Weddings & private parties

Parking

  • On-site parking

Children's Facilities

  • Children's menu
  • Highchairs

Dining

  • Continental breakfast

Activities and Experiences

  • Bird watching
  • Fine dining

Policies

  • Check in
    14:00 21:00
  • Check out
    10:30
  • Child Policy
    Children welcome
  • Smoking Policy
    No smoking
  • Pets
    No pets
  • Parties Allowed
    Parties not allowed
Booking Terms and Conditions

Accessibility

Unfortunately due to the age, location and and the design of the building our rooms which are all situated on the first floor, are not suitable for wheel chair bound customers. Individuals MUST be able to manage a spiral stair case in case of emergency. Our building is accessed via out door stairs or a lift, in the event of lift failure customers can only access the building via the outdoor stairs. Lift times are strictly 8am-10pm. For any further information please ring us directly before booking through a third party.

Directions

  • Road from South Sheilds (3.1 miles)
    Head south-west on Dale St towards Woodbine St 128 ft Turn right onto Woodbine St 115 ft Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Ocean Rd/A183 Continue to follow A183 Go through 1 roundabout 0.3 mi At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Beach Rd 0.4 mi Turn right onto Bents Park Rd 0.4 mi At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Coast Rd/A183 Destination will be on the left

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