Charlie's Garden

If you've ever had a wander along from Seaton Sluice to Collywell Bay, you may have spied a big rock on the beach. This is Charlie's Garden (also known Charley's Garden) and was named after Charles Dockwray, a local who cultivated the top of the rock! (Wonder what he grew - probably potatoes!)

The rock is a sandstone pinnacle and was originally connected to the mainland before being eroded by the sea.

The rock was also involved in a mishap when the trawler Lily bumped into it, causing it to be shipwrecked.

Driven ashore off the coast of Northumberland, the paddle trawler Lily was bumped to and fro against a rock known as “Charlie's Garden” and is now so badly damaged that she is expected to become a total wreck. This was on the 15th April 1911.

Thanks to Billy Embleton for the photo and info.

If you look closely you will see two people on top of the rock showing how much bigger it was then.

If you continue south there is a lovely cliff top walk eventually leading to St. Mary's Lighthouse.

Always thought it resembled the Sphinx's face a little.

If you want to see some amazing maps and photos of Charlie's Garden, then head over to the North East Heritage Library website. Or if you want more information on what is nearby, then read our mega post on Seaton Sluice.