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Legendary hotel, beach bar and seafood restaurant in Marsden, South Shields.
Legendary hotel, beach bar and seafood restaurant in Marsden, South Shields.
In 1782 Jack Bates (aka Jack the Blaster) and his wife Jessie used dynamite from a local quarry to blast a large cave into the the side of this coastal cliff at Marsden Bay in South Shields creating themselves a rent-free home on the beach. Before long Jack became involved with smuggling activities, allowing smugglers to hide contraband cargo from abroad in the coastal caves. The Grotto exchanged hands many times and was gradually developed into an Inn with several rooms through the 19th Century. Its notorious and often criminal history forms the basis of several popular legends and ghost stories including that of Jack the Jibber, a smuggler who was reputedly murdered by his fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs. It is said that he was hung in a barrel in a cave close to the present lift shaft and left to starve. View British Pathe archive video about Marsden Grotto The Grotto is the subject of the 2008 book The House That Jack Built: The True Story Behind the Marsden Grotto and the Search for Roman Treasure
Our lift is open daily from 8am - 10pm. Latest check-in time is 9pm.Unfortunately due to the age, location and the design of the buildings for use of the disabled room situated on the first floor, Individuals must be able to get down a spiral stair case in case of emergency.
Family friendly beach bar open daily 10-10.
Eat local and fresh in our cave restaurant. Open daily 12-9.
Coffee, tea and snacks all day from 10.
Book now to stay in our brand new accommodation.
Cave blasted
Lift opened
New management
Rooms opened
Coast Road
South Shields NE34 7BS
Phone: 0191 455 6060
themarsdengrotto@gmail.com
Keep up to date with us on our facebook page fb.com/thegrottosouthshields/
