Table Rocks Pool

It's been a very long time since I last had a dip in the North Sea, sometime on Christmas Eve in the 1990s rings a bell. However swimming in the freezing waters was a very popular pastime at the turn of the 19th century.

The seaside resorts of Cullercoats and Whitley Bay were really popular for a dip, however there were quite a few fatalities, so there was a requirement for something a bit safer.

Up near Cullercoats there was a natural tidal pool called Table Rocks measuring 6m x 3.5m which was then further extended to 21m by blasting out the rock in 1909 and folks would have a splash in there. There was also a small hut for changing added after a few years, but this was blown away by a gale four years later.

Stairs were eventually cut into the rock for easier access with a rope rail, both of which are still there today.

Although no longer used, there are still plenty of people braving the cold and enjoying the invigorating benefits of sea swimming. I feel cold just writing this post!!

For a wadge more information on how and who created the pool, check out Rockcliffe Remembers.