Tommy Statue, Seaham - Image 1
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Seaham Harbour and Tommy Statue

4.8
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

Seaham Harbour: a coastal gem known for its poignant WW1 Tommy Statue and the thrilling hunt for colorful sea glass on its beaches.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better for glass hunting

CrowdLow
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Tommy Statue, Seaham - Image 1

Seaham Harbour and Tommy Statue

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better for glass hunting

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Seaham Harbour: a coastal gem known for its poignant WW1 Tommy Statue and the thrilling hunt for colorful sea glass on its beaches.

4.8
(3k reviews)

"A stunning sculpture to reflect upon the soldiers of WW1, Seaham is a lovely place with brilliant views."

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TIP

🎯 Sea Glass Hunting Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for the beach! Bring a small bag or bucket for your sea glass treasures. :athletic_shoe:

🚗 Parking Tips

Paid parking is available, but Home Bargains nearby offers free parking. :car:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tommy Statue

Tommy Statue

Seaham Seafront

A powerful WW1 memorial sculpture of a soldier, evoking deep reflection on sacrifice and homecoming.

Seaham Beach Sea Glass

Seaham Beach Sea Glass

Seaham Beach

Hunt for smooth, colorful sea glass smoothed by the waves. A unique and treasured souvenir from the coast.

Seaham Marina

Seaham Marina

Seaham Marina

Enjoy a stroll along the marina, taking in the views of the boats and the North Sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Sea Glass Hunt

Seaham is famous for its sea glass! Spend time combing the beach for smooth, colorful treasures. It's a relaxing and rewarding activity that locals and visitors alike enjoy. Bring a bag to collect your finds!

Reflect at the Tommy Statue

The 'Tommy' statue is a poignant WW1 memorial. Take time to appreciate its detail and the surrounding poppy-themed benches. It's a powerful reminder of the soldiers' sacrifices and the impact of war.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better for glass hunting
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, cafes open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

After WWI, soldiers with new, traumatic injuries were returning home in droves, made to face a public that sometimes viewed them as ‘monsters.’ But for sculptor #AnnaColemanLadd, it was an opportunity to give soldiers their confidence back. #WomensHistoryMonth #women #art #health #WWI #veteran
@nowthis
878.3K likes • 5.8M views

🎯 Sea Glass Hunting Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for the beach! Bring a small bag or bucket for your sea glass treasures. :athletic_shoe:

🚗 Parking Tips

Paid parking is available, but Home Bargains nearby offers free parking. :car:

The live tributes were part of a series of performance commemorations carried out by imitation soldiers at railway stations, office blocks and city centre precincts across the country to mark the centenary of the battle of the Somme. The soldiers broke into renditions of We're Here Because We're Here - a rousing tune which troops sung in the trenches to reflect the futility of their situation. W...
@nomanslandapparel
168.7K likes • 2.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Coastal Walks

Explore the seafront walk, lighthouse, and Nose Point for stunning sea views. :walking:

📸 Photo Opportunities

The Tommy statue and the beach offer great spots for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Sea Glass Hunting Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for the beach! Bring a small bag or bucket for your sea glass treasures. :athletic_shoe:

🚗 Parking Tips

Paid parking is available, but Home Bargains nearby offers free parking. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Coastal Walks

Explore the seafront walk, lighthouse, and Nose Point for stunning sea views. :walking:

📸 Photo Opportunities

The Tommy statue and the beach offer great spots for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Seaham Harbour for its poignant Tommy Statue and the unique, rewarding experience of hunting for sea glass on its beaches. The town offers a pleasant coastal atmosphere with lovely walks and good local eateries, making it a worthwhile visit for a day trip or a short break.

"The sculptures along the east coast are great, well detailed and informative ,
Seaham is worth a visit , its know for its glass along the beach , you can spend hours on the beach looking for the smooth. pebble like Glass ,
Nice front walk and shops along the front ,
its only a small place but easy to spend a day here .
Walk to the lighthouse and visit Nose point"

JAN HOB

"Tommy is an amazing sculpture.
The walk along the beach was bracing. We found some sea glass to take home for our granddaughters. Fish and chips in Bells were delicious."

Linda Coleman

"Very thought provoking steel statue of Tommy the Soldier.Seaham itself is a lovely lively place with plenty of cafe's.Have a walk down by the Marina..Just a lovely place."

David Honeyman

What People Like

Poignant Tommy Statue
Abundant sea glass
Pleasant coastal walks

What People Dislike

Paid parking can add up

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Seaham Harbour is accessible by car via the A19. Public transport options include local bus services. Parking is available, though some spots are paid. Reddit

Yes, Seaham Harbour is a well-known coastal town. Follow signs for the seafront and marina upon arrival. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore the seafront, beach, and marina. The town center is also easily walkable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Tommy Statue is an outdoor memorial and is free to view. Donations for its upkeep may be appreciated. Reddit

Seaham Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. Enjoy your time exploring! Reddit

Seaham Harbour is a town and its attractions like the beach and seafront are generally accessible at all times. Shops and cafes have their own operating hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can hunt for sea glass on the beach, admire the Tommy Statue, walk along the marina, and enjoy the coastal views. Reddit

Yes, families enjoy hunting for sea glass and the open space of the beach. The town also has cafes and shops. Reddit

Seaham is famous for its sea glass, which makes for unique souvenirs. You can also find local crafts and gifts in the shops. Reddit

The seafront offers a pleasant walk, and you can extend it to the lighthouse and Nose Point for more scenic views. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Seaham has several cafes and restaurants, with fish and chips being a popular choice. Bells is often recommended. Reddit

Most cafes and restaurants will offer vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Tommy Statue, the beach with its sea glass, the marina, and the lighthouse are all excellent for photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography. The dramatic skies over the sea can also be stunning. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Seaham offers a fantastic day out for families, especially those who love a bit of adventure. The sea glass hunt on the beach is a huge hit with children, turning a simple beach visit into an exciting treasure hunt. Reddit It's a great way to keep them entertained and engaged with nature. Remember to bring buckets and sturdy shoes for little explorers! The open space of the beach also provides plenty of room for kids to run around and play. Reddit

While the Tommy statue is a more somber experience, it can be a valuable educational moment for older children to learn about history and remembrance. The town itself has cafes and shops, offering convenient spots for snacks and breaks. A walk along the marina can also be interesting for kids, watching the boats. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Seaham Harbour is a very budget-friendly destination. The main attractions, the Tommy Statue and Seaham Beach, are completely free to enjoy. Reddit The thrill of hunting for sea glass costs nothing but time and a bit of patience. For parking, look for the free option at Home Bargains down the road to save on costs. Reddit

Packing your own snacks and drinks can further reduce expenses. For meals, opting for a classic fish and chips from a local shop is often more affordable than a sit-down restaurant meal. The town is easily explored on foot, eliminating the need for local transport. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Poignant Tommy Statue

The Tommy Statue in Seaham is a deeply moving memorial dedicated to the soldiers of World War I. Created to represent the millions of men who served, it stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The sculpture is designed to evoke empathy and encourage reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought and, importantly, those who returned home with unseen wounds. TikTok The surrounding area often features poppy-themed benches and landscaping, further enhancing the commemorative atmosphere. Reddit

This statue is more than just a piece of art; it's a focal point for remembrance. Visitors often speak of the profound emotional impact it has, prompting contemplation not only on the loss of life but also on the resilience and challenges faced by returning soldiers. It’s a place where many find a moment of quiet respect and connection to history. Reddit

Seaham's Famous Sea Glass

Seaham is renowned worldwide for its abundance of sea glass. For decades, the town was home to a large glassworks, and discarded glass was washed into the sea. Over time, the relentless waves have tumbled and smoothed these fragments into beautiful, pebble-like treasures. Reddit The best time to hunt for sea glass is often after a storm or during lower tides, when more of the beach is exposed.

Visitors often describe the thrill of beachcombing for sea glass as a highlight of their trip. The colors can range from clear and white to greens, blues, and even rare reds and purples. It’s a patient pursuit, but finding a particularly smooth or vibrantly colored piece is incredibly rewarding. Many people collect their finds to create jewelry or simply keep as cherished mementos of their visit to Seaham. Reddit

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