Seaham Harbour Marina
A picturesque coastal gem renowned for world-class seaglass, vibrant marina life, and stunning North Sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for seaglass!
Seaham Harbour Marina
Best Time
Best chance for seaglass!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque coastal gem renowned for world-class seaglass, vibrant marina life, and stunning North Sea views.
"A lovely place to visit with a nice calming effect, just watching the waves."
🎯 Patience for Seaglass
Finding quality seaglass takes time and effort. Be prepared to search for hours!
☕ Cafe with a View
Grab coffee and treats at The Lookout Cafe for great marina views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seaham Seaglass Beaches
World-famous for its abundant seaglass, especially after storms. A treasure hunter's paradise!
Seaham Harbour Marina
A picturesque spot with cafes, shops, and a calming atmosphere. Watch the waves and boats.
The Lookout Cafe
Enjoy coffee and food with stunning views of the marina and sea, even during storms. Dog-friendly too!
Seaham Slope Beach
A fantastic beach for cold water dips and swimming, with a vibrant community. Beautiful in the early morning.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seaglass Hunting Tips
Marina Amenities & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Patience for Seaglass
Finding quality seaglass takes time and effort. Be prepared to search for hours!
☕ Cafe with a View
Grab coffee and treats at The Lookout Cafe for great marina views.
🌊 Cold Water Dips
Seaham Slope is popular for wild swimming and cold water therapy.
🚗 Parking Fees
Harbour car park costs £1 per hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Patience for Seaglass
Finding quality seaglass takes time and effort. Be prepared to search for hours!
☕ Cafe with a View
Grab coffee and treats at The Lookout Cafe for great marina views.
🌊 Cold Water Dips
Seaham Slope is popular for wild swimming and cold water therapy.
🚗 Parking Fees
Harbour car park costs £1 per hour.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Spots
The Lookout Cafe and some other areas welcome dogs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seaham Harbour Marina is praised for its picturesque setting, excellent cafes like The Lookout, and its status as a prime location for seaglass hunting. Visitors enjoy the calming atmosphere of the harbour and the opportunities for cold water dips at Seaham Slope. However, some find the town itself a bit 'tatty' with less appealing retail options, and beach access can be difficult for those with mobility issues.
"Apart from the harbour itself, which has some interesting features, there is in the town one of the best tributes to the fallen in the World Wars I have ever seen. The photos tell it better than words. Miners are also acknowledged and tribute paid to their labour. The Durham Light Infantry also receives recognition. Away from the rather tatty Church Street there are some fine buildings and extensive beaches .There is also a hideous Home bargains and Asda, and several other such buildings.
The Wetherspoons, though not much of a building, and disappointing, if you are a fan of Wetherspoons and it's, sometimes, special conversions of buildings. But the food is fine. Overall, the town ...even the pub. ..is worth a visit."
Duncan Parsons
"Great place to relax and take refreshments from The Pancake Kitchen (best scones ever!)"
Susan Stafford
"A lovely place to visit. I do think that in future they will do more."
Darren Finley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seaham Harbour Marina is located in Seaham, County Durham, Northeast England. It's accessible by car, with parking available at the harbour car park for £1 per hour. Public transport options may include local bus services to Seaham town centre, followed by a walk to the marina.
Yes, Seaham Harbour Marina is a prominent landmark in Seaham. Follow signs for the marina upon entering the town. Many visitors arrive by car and find it straightforward to navigate to.
The nearest major transport hubs would be Sunderland or Durham train stations. From there, you would typically take a local bus service or a taxi to reach Seaham Harbour Marina directly.
Cycling routes are available along the coast. Many visitors enjoy cycling to the marina and beach areas, with some local fitness groups utilizing the location.
While buses serve Seaham town, direct routes to the marina itself might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information on services reaching the harbour area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Seaham Harbour Marina is generally free to visit and explore. There are no admission tickets required for the marina itself or the surrounding public areas.
The marina is accessible at all times, but individual shops and cafes within the marina will have their own operating hours. The Lookout Cafe, for example, serves breakfast until 12 pm and lunch until 3 pm.
The beaches, including Seaham Slope, are public and free to access. You can enjoy the coastline and search for seaglass without any entry fees.
Yes, the harbour car park operates on a pay-as-you-go system, typically costing £1 per hour.
While some cafes might accept reservations, it's often first-come, first-served, especially during busy periods. The Lookout Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a stroll along the marina, visit cafes like The Lookout for refreshments, browse local shops, and relax by the sea. It's also a prime spot for seaglass hunting on nearby beaches and a popular location for cold water swimming.
Families can enjoy the beaches, the marina atmosphere, and cafes. However, direct beach access can be difficult for those with mobility issues due to steep stairs. The marina itself is a pleasant place for a walk.
While the SEO keywords mention 'seaham marina paddle boarding', there's no direct information in the provided content confirming this activity. It's best to check with local watersports providers if this is something you're interested in.
The marina has a selection of shops, including cafes and potentially other small retail outlets. One user mentioned a fitness studio located at Unit 2, The Castleside.
Yes, public toilets are available at Seaham Harbour Marina, making it convenient for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Lookout Cafe is a popular choice for breakfast and lunch with sea views. Bulan Burger Joint at the marina offers savoury treats, and The Pancake Kitchen is praised for its scones. Wetherspoons is also mentioned as an option in town.
Yes, The Lookout Cafe is dog-friendly both inside and outside, and Bulan Burger Joint also welcomes dogs.
The Lookout Cafe serves breakfast until 12 pm and lunch until 3 pm. They are known for their coffee and offer a place to catch wave action.
Information on specific vegan or vegetarian options isn't detailed, but cafes like The Lookout and Bulan Burger Joint are likely to have choices. It's recommended to check menus directly.
Yes, you can enjoy ice cream and coffee at Seaham Harbour Marina, as highlighted by a visitor enjoying an after-work treat.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the picturesque marina with its boats, the dramatic coastline, and the sea views. The Lookout Cafe offers great vantage points, especially during stormy weather. Early mornings provide beautiful light.
Absolutely! Visitors have captured incredible images of massive waves and strong winds from the safety of the marina and cafes, making it a dramatic photography spot.
Early mornings offer serene light and fewer crowds, while stormy weather provides dramatic, dynamic shots. Sunset can also offer beautiful colours over the sea.
The marina itself, the boats, the coastline, and the cafes like The Lookout are all great subjects. The town also has war memorials and tributes that are poignant for photography.
Of course! Many visitors love to photograph their seaglass finds. The unique colours and shapes make for beautiful close-up shots, often shared on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌊 Cold Water Enthusiasts
🏖️ Beachcombers & Treasure Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Seaham Seaglass
While the thrill of the hunt is a major draw, it's important to be prepared. The beaches can be steep, and access might be challenging for some. However, the potential reward of finding beautiful, naturally tumbled glass makes the effort worthwhile for many. Social media is awash with stunning images of Seaham seaglass, inspiring new visitors to try their luck.
Key takeaway: Patience is paramount when hunting for seaglass. Check local weather reports for post-storm conditions, and be prepared for a thorough search. The experience is as much about the journey as the discovery.
Marina Life and Coastal Views
The marina is also a gateway to the stunning coastline. Nearby Seaham Slope beach is a popular spot for cold water swimming and boasts a dedicated community of enthusiasts who embrace the invigorating dips. The dramatic coastal scenery, especially during stormy weather, has been captured in numerous social media posts, highlighting the raw power and beauty of the North Sea. The marina itself provides a sense of maritime activity, with boats coming and going, adding to the picturesque atmosphere.
Practicalities: Parking is available at the harbour car park for a small hourly fee. While the marina offers a pleasant walking experience, direct access to some beaches can be steep, which is a consideration for those with mobility challenges.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit