Cullercoats Caves

Cullercoats might be overlooked for it's neighbouring towns of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, but there are a few gems to see if you know where to look. You can find Cullercoats Caves at the base of the cliffs at Cullercoats Bay when the tide is out (best to check tide times before you visit!).

The Bay itself is a small crescent shaped beach with piers at either end and is a popular spot for a dip in the sea. The bay is also home to the Lifeboat Station and the Dove Marine Laboratory which are worth a quick visit too. On the south side of the bay, you can also find Cullercoats Arch which is a photogenic, naturally formed arch and is often spotted on Instagram.

The caves are known locally as Fairies Caves, however, we aren't sure why. If anyone has any information on this, we would love to know! Perhaps it was just a fancy story to pull the tourists away from Tynemouth?

The Caves are made from yellow sandstone which is a very soft material and there are lots of fractures in the cliffs, which has caused the caves to form. On top of the sandstone is 1.5m thick laminated Marl Slate, which is rich in fish fossils. The slate is older than all of the FN team put together and was formed around 270 million years ago.