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Shippersea Bay

Bay in Durham

England

Shippersea Bay

Hawthorn Dene Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring.
Hawthorn Dene Credit: David Robinson

Shippersea Bay, located in County Durham, England, is a picturesque coastal area renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. Situated on the North Sea, this bay offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and attracts visitors from far and wide.

The bay is characterized by its sandy beach, which stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers and is flanked by imposing cliffs on either side. The sand is soft and golden, making it a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely walks along the shore. The gentle slope of the beach also makes it safe for swimming and paddling in the calm waters.

Shippersea Bay is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a site of historical interest. The remains of an ancient settlement known as the Seaham Roman Fort can be found here, dating back to the 3rd century AD. Excavations have revealed fascinating artifacts, shedding light on the lives of Roman soldiers stationed in the area.

Visitors to Shippersea Bay can also explore the nearby coastal town of Seaham, which offers a range of amenities including shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, the bay is a popular destination for birdwatching, with various species of seabirds and waders frequenting the area.

Overall, Shippersea Bay in Durham is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty with historical intrigue. Its stunning beach, breathtaking views, and rich heritage make it a must-visit location for both locals and tourists alike.

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Shippersea Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.800626/-1.3104483 or Grid Reference NZ4445. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hawthorn Dene Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring.
Hawthorn Dene
Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring.
Hawthorn Burn The burn seen deep in Hawthorn Dene.
Hawthorn Burn
The burn seen deep in Hawthorn Dene.
Hawthorn Dene Viaduct The viaduct carries the Durham Coast railway across Hawthorn Dene. Built in 1905 the viaduct is grade II listed. The railway was once very busy with freight traffic, allowing connection to Tyne Dock, Sunderland docks, Seaham harbour, Hartlepool docks, the Durham coalfield's coastal collieries, and Billingham with the associated petrochemical industries on the North side of the Tees. The line still sees a smattering of freight traffic but is primarily the passenger route linking Newcastle to Middlesbrough via Sunderland, Hartlepool and Stockton, with an hourly service.
Hawthorn Dene Viaduct
The viaduct carries the Durham Coast railway across Hawthorn Dene. Built in 1905 the viaduct is grade II listed. The railway was once very busy with freight traffic, allowing connection to Tyne Dock, Sunderland docks, Seaham harbour, Hartlepool docks, the Durham coalfield's coastal collieries, and Billingham with the associated petrochemical industries on the North side of the Tees. The line still sees a smattering of freight traffic but is primarily the passenger route linking Newcastle to Middlesbrough via Sunderland, Hartlepool and Stockton, with an hourly service.
Hawthorn Burn exiting Hawthorn Dene Several denes run west - east into the North Sea along the Durham coast. They were formed by meltwaters cutting channels through the limestone ridge that runs down the Durham coast.
Hawthorn Burn exiting Hawthorn Dene
Several denes run west - east into the North Sea along the Durham coast. They were formed by meltwaters cutting channels through the limestone ridge that runs down the Durham coast.
Beach Art, Hawthorn Hive
Beach Art, Hawthorn Hive
Blast Beach The name of the beach reflects the use of the location for early furnaces using the local coal, limestone and iron ore. This was overtaken by the growth of the coal industry and the iron & steel industry migrated and grew into the large works associated with the Derwent valley (Consett) and Teesside, both areas with iron ore deposits. The industrial units seen on the headland at the top of the image are on the site of Dawdon colliery, which until the early 1990s tipped its spoil straight onto the beach to be taken on the tide. The Durham coastline has been significantly cleaned up since the end of deep mining, though the demarcation between clean beach and a remaining layer of waste can be seen at the high tide line running down the long axis of the beach.
Blast Beach
The name of the beach reflects the use of the location for early furnaces using the local coal, limestone and iron ore. This was overtaken by the growth of the coal industry and the iron & steel industry migrated and grew into the large works associated with the Derwent valley (Consett) and Teesside, both areas with iron ore deposits. The industrial units seen on the headland at the top of the image are on the site of Dawdon colliery, which until the early 1990s tipped its spoil straight onto the beach to be taken on the tide. The Durham coastline has been significantly cleaned up since the end of deep mining, though the demarcation between clean beach and a remaining layer of waste can be seen at the high tide line running down the long axis of the beach.
Easington Miners' Picnic
Easington Miners' Picnic
The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery Standing on the Durham Heritage Coast in the Spring sunshine the monument is a memorial to the colliery which closed in 1993. See Andrew Curtis's photo for more information <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1578726">NZ4344 : Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery</a>
The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery
Standing on the Durham Heritage Coast in the Spring sunshine the monument is a memorial to the colliery which closed in 1993. See Andrew Curtis's photo for more information NZ4344 : Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery
Easington Colliery Timeline The path to the Pit Cage Monument <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7156716">NZ4344 : The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery</a> is lined with bronze plaques which record significant events in the history of Easington Colliery which opened in 1899 and closed in 1953.
Easington Colliery Timeline
The path to the Pit Cage Monument NZ4344 : The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery is lined with bronze plaques which record significant events in the history of Easington Colliery which opened in 1899 and closed in 1953.
Byron Street, Easington Colliery Two houses displaying individual taste but to the detriment of the street scene
Byron Street, Easington Colliery
Two houses displaying individual taste but to the detriment of the street scene
Cliff Top View at Fox Holes Part of the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve.
Cliff Top View at Fox Holes
Part of the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve.
Wild Flowers by the Coast Path At Fox Holes Dene a stream has cut a deep chine through the cliffs so the coast path has to make a detour of around 1km to cover less than 200m of coastline. It's a pleasant wooded walk though, very different from the clifftop scenery. The flowers look like sweet peas and willow herb.
Wild Flowers by the Coast Path
At Fox Holes Dene a stream has cut a deep chine through the cliffs so the coast path has to make a detour of around 1km to cover less than 200m of coastline. It's a pleasant wooded walk though, very different from the clifftop scenery. The flowers look like sweet peas and willow herb.
Coast Path Waymark Just south of the big detour around Fox Holes Dene.
Coast Path Waymark
Just south of the big detour around Fox Holes Dene.
Byron (or Ascot?) Street The map calls it Byron Street. Other contributors call it Byron Street. But there is definitely a street name sign on the end house calling it Ascot Street. Why would that be? It's a very distinctive terrace anyway.
Byron (or Ascot?) Street
The map calls it Byron Street. Other contributors call it Byron Street. But there is definitely a street name sign on the end house calling it Ascot Street. Why would that be? It's a very distinctive terrace anyway.
Station Road, Easington Colliery The main road through the village. The station, like the colliery, is no longer there.
Station Road, Easington Colliery
The main road through the village. The station, like the colliery, is no longer there.
Camp Street, Easington Colliery Terraced housing on the slope down towards the coast.
Camp Street, Easington Colliery
Terraced housing on the slope down towards the coast.
Easington Local Nature Reserve A landscaped area formerly occupied by a coal mine. One of the mine shafts is in a fenced enclosure beyond the small black notice near the centre of the picture. The panel tells you about the transformation.
Easington Local Nature Reserve
A landscaped area formerly occupied by a coal mine. One of the mine shafts is in a fenced enclosure beyond the small black notice near the centre of the picture. The panel tells you about the transformation.
Signpost to the Coast Path One of the places where the coast path can be accessed from a parking area. The path is a short walk over a landscaped open space which was previously the site of a coal mine.
Signpost to the Coast Path
One of the places where the coast path can be accessed from a parking area. The path is a short walk over a landscaped open space which was previously the site of a coal mine.
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Shippersea Bay is located at Grid Ref: NZ4445 (Lat: 54.800626, Lng: -1.3104483)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham

What 3 Words

///nipping.trips.doses. Near Easington Colliery, Co. Durham

Nearby Locations

Hive Point Shippersea Bay Beacon Hill Shippersea Point Beacon Point

Related Wikis

Hawthorn Dene
Hawthorn Dene

Hawthorn Dene is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Easington district of County Durham, England. The site occupies the incised valley of Hawthorn...

Hawthorn Quarry
Hawthorn Quarry

Hawthorn Quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Easington district of east County Durham, England. It is a working quarry, currently operated...

Easington railway station
Easington railway station

Easington railway station served the town of Easington Colliery and Easington Village in County Durham, North East England. It was located on the Durham...

Easington Colliery
Easington Colliery

Easington Colliery is a town in County Durham, England, known for a history of coal mining. It is situated to the north of Horden, a short distance to...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.800626,-1.3104483
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.7998771/-1.3117088
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.8003152/-1.3120858
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.8007435/-1.3123322
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.8010967/-1.3123133
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.8014786/-1.3119626
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.8017836/-1.3117262
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.802298/-1.3118456
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.8024248/-1.3119917
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Beacon Point
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 54.8019381/-1.3125265
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.7995964/-1.3112502
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Beacon Hill
Natural: peak
Wikidata: Q24658962
Lat/Long: 54.8020701/-1.3161063
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Beacon Hill North
Ele: 85.7
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1359302
Man Made: survey_point
Material: concrete
Ref: NZ42S002
Tpuk Ref: TP1109
Website: https://trigpointing.uk/trig/1109
Wikimedia Commons: File:Beacon Hill Trig Point - geograph.org.uk - 831404.jpg
Lat/Long: 54.8014838/-1.3155531
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
White Steps
Crossing Activation: automatic
Crossing Barrier: no
Crossing Bell: yes
Crossing Light: yes
Railway: crossing
Supervised: no
Lat/Long: 54.800444/-1.3137776
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
White Steps
Crossing Activation: automatic
Crossing Barrier: no
Crossing Bell: yes
Crossing Light: yes
Railway: crossing
Supervised: no
Lat/Long: 54.8004388/-1.3137158
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Shippersea Point
Natural: cape
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 54.7989841/-1.3113964
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Shippersea Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 54.8007313/-1.3112354
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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Aith Wick Shetland

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