Cullercoats Watch House
Building Cullercoats Tyne And Wear

Cullercoats Watch House

Building In Cullercoats, Tyne And Wear

A grade two listed iconic building in Cullercoats constructed as a lookout for fishermen.

The Cullercoats Watch House was designed by Frank West Rich and was built on this site in 1879. Most of the funds had to be raised by the fishing community which was a whopping £386 back in the day, fortunately Mercantile Maritime Fund contributed £170.

It is easy to imagine the Watch House was the place where the villagers would have kept a lookout for the fishing boats to come back, watch for the weather as it unfolded and terrible storms abated. They only had a stone wall for shelter to start with.

The clock turret was an extra cost, but worth the expense as it could be rung to alert and guide fog-bound boats or to raise the alarm for assistance to muster the rocket and save lives. The bell is still rung to remember some of the great events of life-saving that went on and there are plans for the bell to be rung for memorials.

The building is quaint and you make your entrance in under the tiled catslide roof (Such an apt name). Inside there is a nice vibe, you are greeted with good cheer and provided with hot drinks and quite often cake, all of which a donation is gratefully accepted. I really do recommend buying their ginger marmalade (made by a thoughtful helper) which I took home.

The Watch House was in a sorry state of repair as the North Sea had battered it a few good times. It was suggested that the remarkable building should be saved and used by the locals and made into a heritage center/reading room. There is now a loyal group of volunteers looking after the place and raising funds.

Inside they also raised funds for a stove, so that men could stay warm whilst on watch and have sustenance so they would not have to leave their post. I guess it would give them the energy and strength when it came to the call. Also what a relief for those that were rescued, to have warmth and hot food.

Since 1933 the Watchhouse had been a Snooker club. There were 161 snooker players in 1955, which went down to 100 in 2019 of which only 14 played regularly.

A colourful stain glass of a fish lass catches your eye and there are many artifacts to arouse your curiosity.

Some of the names of the boats that have been involved in the history of Cullercoats are up around the room. The Astley was not recovered, but at extremely low tides parts of it may be visible off Browns Bay. The saving of The Lovely Nelly has a heroic tale of the Fish Lasses helping haul the lifeboat along with 6 horses to launch it 2 miles down the coast. This fete has been re-enacted and Cullercoats ladies rugby club took part and found it a lot tougher than expected.

Winslow Homer again captures life here in a water-coloured painting called Perils of the Sea and yes, the title is inspired from the hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save: “O hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea.”

It is worth mentioning the importance of Mr Homer as he was considered one of America's Godfathers of Realism in the 19th century. We are thankful to have many examples of his work, showing how life was here in Cullercoats.

Back outsise and the veranda on the east side is wonderful to sit under and take in all the vistas, The bay, and its stone pier, the lifeboat station where many gather for their constitutional dip or boarding. There's a beacon and in the distance lighthouse on the Tynemouth North Pier, Tynemouth Priory And Castle and St Georges Church.

In 2000 vandals smashed the windows and damaged the veranda. This is why there is wire mesh protection over the windows.

In 1865 Cullercoats Life Brigade was set up and had 60 to 70 volunteers, mostly fishermen. Normally about 20 would be there to assist the Coastguard to save other fishermen and their boats if possible. They used a breeches bouy otherwise known as rocket apparatus, the very same as the Blyth Rocket House.

It was stored in the aptly named Rocket Brigade and Apparatus House which is located near the Watch House, and is now a garage.

Cullercoats is an unusual name that comes from (dove) cotes and has had a strong fishing tradition since the village was formed in 1539. Now it is considered a town.

The Watch House, Lifeboat Station and Dove Marina buildings still stand and make fine photographs or paintings for those wishing to follow in the footsteps of artists such as John Dawson Watson (1832 - 1892), Winslow Homer (1836 - 1910), Robert Jobling (1841 - 1923), John Falconar Slater (1857 -1057).

Also known as the Cullercoats Artist Colony.

A vast amount of money has to be raised to complete all the works of which I believe includes the removal of the false ceiling to reveal the Marvelous scissor beam configuration of the roof. Sue and all the volunteers are enthusiastic to bring Cullercoats Watch House. Head over to the Watch House website for more information.

They also have a dolphin watch group that gives alerts for sightings and a place to view them. Check out the Cullercoats Dolphin Watch Facebook page if you fancy it. There is also a sea shanty group that must sound glorious and Tony does a grand heritage walk, and tells a tale or two!

And did you know there is a song that song that features the phrase Cullercoats and Whitley Bay by Dire Straits called Tunnel Of Love? Mark Knopfler wrote the song on his memories of experiences in the area.

  Add To Bucket List   I Have Visited This Place

Get 2 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 131 VIPs.

Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.

How To Find Cullercoats Watch House

Where Is Cullercoats Watch House?

Show Place On Google Maps

Lat / Long

55.035832, -1.432021

What three words

shaky.finds.rock

Where To Park For Cullercoats Watch House?

Show Parking On Google Maps

Lat / Long

55.036101, 55.036101

What three words

assure.strict.cable

There is plenty of car parking in the area although can get busy.

Contributed by Rosalind Parker

Thanks for reading through and getting to the end of this post. I enjoy exploring the Fabulous North (Especially as a Southerner residing up North). I like 'snippets' of information, and more so, if they are obscure, amusing or meaningful. The photographs are taken on a mobile phone, without any enhancements.

More Places from Rosalind
Rosalind Parker

More Places In Cullercoats

Find more fabulous places in Cullercoats, Tyne And Wear and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.

Cullercoats Caves
Cullercoats Caves
Cave Cullercoats Tyne And Wear

Caves at Cullercoats Bay known locally as Fairies Caves.

Adamson Memorial Drinking Fountain
Adamson Memorial Drinking Fountain
Fountain Cullercoats Tyne And Wear

A 19th century fountain dedicated to Bryan Adamson, a lieutenant of the HMS Wasp that was lost at sea.

Dove Marine
Dove Marine
Building Cullercoats Tyne And Wear

A research and teaching laboratory which formed part of the School of Marine Science and Technology at Newcastle University. It is now part of the larger School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

More Buildings

So this building wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.

Wheatley Hill Heritage Center
Wheatley Hill Heritage Center
Building Peterlee County Durham

Once a former chapel, but is now a museum, packed full of local heritage.

George Stephenson's Birthplace
George Stephenson's Birthplace
Building Wylam Northumberland

Birthplace of mechanical engineer George Stephenson, built around 1760.

South Shields Town Hall
South Shields Town Hall
Building South Shields Tyne And Wear

Edwardian Baroque styled town hall which embodies civic pride.

Find Walks To Cullercoats Watch House

Find which walks will visit Cullercoats Watch House and plan your next adventure.

Blast Beach To Easington Pit Cage
Blast Beach To Easington Pit Cage
9km (6 miles) Seaham County Durham

This zig-zag walk takes you from Blast Beach at Noses Point Seaham to Easington Pit Cage, then back over Beacon Hill and through Hawthorn Dene. It goes down and up beaches, a viaduct, and a trig point.

Allensford Park
Allensford Park
6km (4 miles) Consett County Durham

Circular route starting from Allensford Park, walking along the River Derwent and through The Heaps Country Park, before heading through Balehill Wood.

Cunyan Crags, Langleeford Crags, Hedgehope And Great Standrop
Cunyan Crags, Langleeford Crags, Hedgehope And Great Standrop
24km (15 miles) Ingram Valley Northumberland

A hike from Ingram Valley up to Cunyan Crags and then round the back of Hedgehope Hill to the Langleeford crags, before scaling the hill and then on to the Great Standrop.

Walla Crag
Walla Crag
9km (6 miles) Keswick Cumbria

A nice gentle wander up to Walla Crag in Keswick with spectacular views over Derwent Water.

Wallington House And Gardens
Wallington House And Gardens
7km (4 miles) Morpeth Northumberland

A short circular walk around Wallington Hall and the gardens.

Walltown Quarry To Thirlwall Castle
Walltown Quarry To Thirlwall Castle
5km (3 miles) Brampton Cumbria

A picturesque circular route from Walltown Quarry Country Park, through stunning countryside to Thirlwall Castle and back.

Auchope Cairn And Cheviot Summit From Mounthooly
Auchope Cairn And Cheviot Summit From Mounthooly
15km (9 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

Starting at Mounthooly, this walk takes us up onto the border ridge, along the top of the Hen Hole before hitting the Cheviot Summit.

Windy Gyle And The Cheviot From Cocklawfoot
Windy Gyle And The Cheviot From Cocklawfoot
23km (14 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A walk up to Windy Gyle, The Cheviot and Auchope Cairn from Cocklawfoot Farm.

Durham Riverside
Durham Riverside
6km (4 miles) Durham County Durham

A walk following both sides of the River Wear in Durham finding lots of gems including the Durham Cow and the Count's House.

Shaftoe Crags
Shaftoe Crags
8km (5 miles) Bolam Northumberland

A short wander around the spectacular Shaftoe Crags finding a Jubilee Stone, a standing stone and bagging a trig point.

Meggie's Burn And Blyth Coast
Meggie's Burn And Blyth Coast
6km (4 miles) Blyth Northumberland

A wander to Meggie's Burn in Blyth and then back along the coast and via the promenade.

Shepherd's Cairn Via Hartside Hill And Brough Law
Shepherd's Cairn Via Hartside Hill And Brough Law
25km (16 miles) Ingram Valley Northumberland

Finding the Shepherd's Cairn near Alnham by starting at Ingram and wandering over Hartside Hill, down towards Alnham and then back via Brough Law.

Cullercoats To North Shields
Cullercoats To North Shields
8km (5 miles) Cullercoats Tyne And Wear

A wander from Cullercoats to Tynemouth and North Shields and then back via the coastal route.

Yearning Law, Border Ridge To Windy Gyle
Yearning Law, Border Ridge To Windy Gyle
27km (17 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A wander up Yearning Law to find Yearning Hall, then along the border ridge to Windy Gyle, then back down via Ward Law.

4 Hillocks And A Ridge Walk Outside Durham
4 Hillocks And A Ridge Walk Outside Durham
7km (4 miles) Durham County Durham

A 7km easy walk covering Shincliffe Pinnock Hill, High Woods, Mountjoy, Maiden Castle, and Whinney Hill on the outskirts of Durham.

The Leas
The Leas
7km (4 miles) South Shields Tyne And Wear

A 4km stretch of limestone cliffs, grassland and rocky bays. You can visit Marsden Rock, Souter Lighthouse and Whitburn Point Local Nature Reserve on this wander.

Beadnell Bay To Low Newton
Beadnell Bay To Low Newton
13km (8 miles) Beadnell Northumberland

A circular walk from Beadnell to Low Newton and back. Fairly easy terrain with well marked paths. Perfect for those who enjoy birdwatching.

Old Durham and 6 Bridges
Old Durham and 6 Bridges
5km (3 miles) Durham County Durham

A walk along The River Wear and into Old Durham Gardens crossing over 6 bridges.

Stonehaugh Circular
Stonehaugh Circular
7km (4 miles) Stonehaugh Northumberland

Circular walk starting from Stonehaugh, passing by The Long Drop and ending with a wander through Wark Forest.

Helm Crag
Helm Crag
10km (6 miles) Grasmere Cumbria

A short and sweet walk up the stunning Helm Crag in Grasmere, Lake District.

Seaton Carew
Seaton Carew
7km (4 miles) Hartlepool County Durham

A wander around the seaside resort of Seaton Carew in the Borough of Hartlepool.

Cold Law, Great Moor, Coldburn Hill And Views Over Bizzle Crags
Cold Law, Great Moor, Coldburn Hill And Views Over Bizzle Crags
21km (13 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A wander in The Cheviots taking in Cold Law, a few crags then over to Coldburn Hill to get some mega views over Bizzle Crags.

Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis
16km (10 miles) Fort William Scotland

A brutal climb up Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

Darden Lough
Darden Lough
7km (4 miles) Elsdon Northumberland

A wander across the moors in Hepple to Darden Lough and the Darden Pike trig point.

Brough Law And Ingram Hillforts
Brough Law And Ingram Hillforts
14km (9 miles) Ingram Valley Northumberland

A wander around the hillforts in Ingram Valley including Brough Law.

Urban Artworks In Scarborough
Urban Artworks In Scarborough
6km (4 miles) Scarborough North Yorkshire

An urban walk with steel artwork, stone steps, a castle, a church a lighthouse and sea views.

Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walk
Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walk
42km (26 miles) Bamburgh Northumberland

A 42km (26 mile) marathon walk starting at Budle Bay and ending in Alnmouth, ran by Shepherds Walks.

Frosterley Circular
Frosterley Circular
8km (5 miles) Frosterley County Durham

Beautiful walk through the Weardale countryside, passing Bishopley Lime Kilns, the remains of Harehope Gill Lead Mine and some examples of Frosterley marble.

Yeavering Bell And Newton Tors
Yeavering Bell And Newton Tors
26km (16 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A wander up in the north Cheviots to Newton Tors, Yeavering Bell and Humbleton Hill including a wonderful encounter with the legendary wild goats of The Cheviots!

Corbridge to Aydon Castle
Corbridge to Aydon Castle
10km (6 miles) Corbridge Northumberland

Wander from Corbridge village to Aydon Castle via lime kilns and stunning countryside.

Dukesfield Arches and Devil's Water
Dukesfield Arches and Devil's Water
6km (4 miles) Hexham Northumberland

Lovely wander round the Northumberland countryside, with nods to its industrial past.

Crags Around Hedgehope Hill And Langleeford
Crags Around Hedgehope Hill And Langleeford
18km (11 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A wander to find all the crags near Langleeford including Housey Crags, Long Crags, Tathey Crags, Langlee Crags, Middleton Crags and Steel Crag.

Scale Force from Buttermere
Scale Force from Buttermere
7km (4 miles) Buttermere Cumbria

A walk to an impressive 51m waterfall on the south-western banks of Crummock Water.

Buttermere Loop
Buttermere Loop
7km (4 miles) Buttermere Cumbria

Fairly easy loop around Buttermere lake with stunning scenery all around the route.

Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag And Haystacks
Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag And Haystacks
23km (14 miles) Buttermere Cumbria

A 23km walk covering four Wainwright Fells, including Haystacks which was Wainwright's favourite.

Great Standrop, Cunyan Crags and Linhope Spout
Great Standrop, Cunyan Crags and Linhope Spout
18km (11 miles) Ingram Valley Northumberland

A wander up to the Great Standrop on Hedgehope Hill via Cunyan Crags and the smaller crags on Dunmoor Hill with a return visit to Linhope Spout.

Marsden Quarry Nature Reserve and Cleadon Hills
Marsden Quarry Nature Reserve and Cleadon Hills
5km (3 miles) South Shields Tyne And Wear

Stunning walk through Marsden Quarry up to Cleadon Hills via Cleadon Water Tower and Cleadon Mill. There's lots to see on this walk and plenty of interesting birds for any twitchers.

Tosson Hill
Tosson Hill
10km (6 miles) Rothbury Northumberland

A 10km wander up Tosson Hill to bag the trig point.

Bloodybush Edge, Hogdon Law And Weather Cairn
Bloodybush Edge, Hogdon Law And Weather Cairn
30km (19 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A 30km walk to bag some trig points and chunky hills including Bloodybush Edge, Cushat Law, Hogdon Law and Weather Cairn.

Yeavering Bell
Yeavering Bell
16km (10 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A circular walk starting at Wooler common taking you around Humbleton Hill and across to Yeavering Bell.

Whittle Dene Reservoir Circular
Whittle Dene Reservoir Circular
6km (4 miles) Ovingham Northumberland

A 6km walk around Whittle Dene Reservoirs with stunning views, lime kilns, a bird hide and a wander along the Hadrian's Wall Path.

Simonside and Fontburn Reservoir
Simonside and Fontburn Reservoir
15km (9 miles) Rothbury Northumberland

A 15km hike around the Simonside area visiting Fontburn Reservoir.

Alnwick Riverside And Railways
Alnwick Riverside And Railways
14km (9 miles) Alnwick Northumberland

A walk from Alnwick Castle following the river Aln and then back near the old railway.

Hawthorn Woods, Meadow, and Dene
Hawthorn Woods, Meadow, and Dene
4km (2 miles) Seaham County Durham

Delightful woods, meadows and coastal surprises with mini challenges. Situated near Seaham, County Durham.

Shill Moor And Little Dod
Shill Moor And Little Dod
14km (9 miles) Ingram Valley Northumberland

A wander up to Little Dod then up to the Shill Moor trig point before returning via the valley floor.

Hepburn Moor And Ros Castle
Hepburn Moor And Ros Castle
17km (11 miles) Chillingham Northumberland

A meander from Ros Castle down the west side of Hepburn Moor finding cairns, hillforts, pill boxes, crags and the Blawearie.

Warkworth To Alnmouth
Warkworth To Alnmouth
10km (6 miles) Warkworth Northumberland

A wander from Warkworth to Alnmouth up the coastal path and then a return via the beach visiting St Cuthbert's Cross and Mortuary Chapel on Church Hill.

Seaton Sluice And Holywell Dene
Seaton Sluice And Holywell Dene
9km (6 miles) Seaton Valley Northumberland

Circular walk starting from Seaton Sluice, following Holywell Dene to Holywell Pond then onto the waggonways, before returning via the Avenue.

Newburn To Wylam
Newburn To Wylam
11km (7 miles) Newburn Tyne And Wear

A walk along the River Tyne from Newburn to Wylam and then back on the other side.

Berwick Law
Berwick Law
1km (1 mile) East Lothian Borders

A short walk up to the top of Berwick Law in East Lothian.

Bewick Moor, Cateran Hole, Ros Castle And Blawearie
Bewick Moor, Cateran Hole, Ros Castle And Blawearie
20km (12 miles) Chillingham Northumberland

Starting from Eglingham, this route takes your over Bewick Moor to Cateran Hole, a trip up Ros Castle before a visit to the Hepburn Bastle. Then we're back on the moor to the Blawearie Shepherds Hut and some cairns.

Wannie Line
Wannie Line
12km (8 miles) Morpeth Northumberland

A wander on the route of the former Wansbeck or "Wannie Line" railway line that ran from Morpeth to Reedsmouth and Rothbury.

Clennell Street And Shillhope Law
Clennell Street And Shillhope Law
22km (14 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

Heading up Clennel Street taking in Shillhope Law and bagging a trig point.

Windy Gyle
Windy Gyle
19km (12 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A loop taking in Windy Gyle, the border ridge and Murder Cleugh.

Dunmoor Hill And Cunyan Crags
Dunmoor Hill And Cunyan Crags
19km (12 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A lovely jaunt up Cunyan Crags then onto Dunmoor Hill in Ingram Valley including Reaveley Hill, a stone circle, Long Crag and Cat Crag.

Helvellyn Via Striding Edge
Helvellyn Via Striding Edge
16km (10 miles) Glenridding Cumbria

An autumnal ascent up Helvellyn via the precarious Striding Edge with Trekking Tom Experiences also taking in Red Tarn, Snake Path, Catstye Cam, Swirral Edge and Birkhouse Moor.

Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill
Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill
23km (14 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

A wander in the Cheviots bagging seven hills over 500m including Cheviot Summit and Hedgehope Hill, Broadhope Hill, Preston Hill, Scald Hill, Cairn Hill and Comb Fell.

Upper Rothbury And Cartington Hill
Upper Rothbury And Cartington Hill
21km (13 miles) Rothbury Northumberland

A wander up on the crags above Rothbury, finding the Rothbury trenches then a trip up Cartington Hill and towards Cartington Castle.

Hen Hole And Cheviot Summit
Hen Hole And Cheviot Summit
23km (14 miles) The Cheviots Northumberland

An amazing walk sweeping around the back of The Cheviot before ascending up the spectacular Hen Hole and then back down via Scald Hill. Also traversing Cairn Hill, The Cheviot Summit and a visit to Auchope Cairn.

Never Miss A Fabulous Place

If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.

Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.

Sign Up To Alerts
Sign up to newsletter
Fabulous North On Facebook

Find Us On Facebook

We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.

Join Our Facebook Group

Cullercoats Watch House was listed in Building // Tyne And Wear // Cullercoats