"The whole place is unique and full of character - falling asleep to the sound of the sea was beautiful."
Russell from United Kingdom
read full review
"The hotel at the bottom was beyond expectation considering the simple plain view at the top!"
Sandra from United Kingdom
read full review
"The location by the sea is incredible. Beautiful scenery and lots of birds."
Steven from United Kingdom
read full review
"Visited yesterday booked the shanti room the view was outstanding food was beautiful staff were very pleasant and helpful."
vic4000 from United Kingdom
read full review
"Gorgeous seaside location with absolutely stunning views. Amazing food, drinks and service, also very friendly staff."
Anonymous from United Kingdom
read full review
Cliffside cave hotel with sea views on Marsden Bay
Cliffside Setting
The Grotto is built directly into the side of a cliff and extends into natural sea caves. A lift provides access from the car park to the hotel, operating between 8am and 10pm. Parking on site is available for guests at a charge of £3 per day.
Guest Rooms
Rooms at The Grotto offer sea views overlooking Marsden Bay and the beach. Each room includes a bath and a shower, with some rooms carved into the cliff itself. The hotel has 9 rooms, including standard king rooms, twin rooms with sea view, and deluxe double rooms with bath.
Dining & Bar
The Grotto has a bar that serves drinks and offers kids' meals for younger guests. The restaurant is set within a sea cave, providing a dining experience inside the cliff. Menu items include fish chowder, burgers, and fresh seafood options.
Location
The Grotto sits directly on the beach at Marsden Bay, 2.7 km from Sandhaven Beach. Newcastle International Airport is 26 km away, and the Stadium of Light is 9 km from the hotel. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is 17 km away, accessible by bus or car.
Family & Accessibility
Children are catered for with kids' meals available from the bar. The lift allows easy access to the hotel from the street-level car park, though it closes at 10pm. Family rooms such as triple rooms with shower are available, and the hotel is non-smoking throughout.
Highlights
Setting: Built into a cliff with natural sea caves
Views: Sea views from all rooms
Dining: Bar with kids' meals and cave restaurant
Location: On Marsden Beach, 2.7 km from Sandhaven Beach
Access: Lift from car park (8am-10pm)
Parking: On-site parking for £3 per day
Rooms: 9 rooms including deluxe double with bath
Must-do experiences
Stroll along the stunning South Shields seafront at sunset.
Try the famous 'Sunderland Gravy' at The Fish Quay's eateries.
Visit Tynemouth Castle for breathtaking views and local history.
Explore the hidden gem of South Shields Museum and Art Gallery.
Don't miss the vibrant South Shields Market for local crafts and foods.
Select your room type
The Grotto features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Standard Twin Room Sea View
2 persons
4 m²
2 Single beds
Shower
room details
Triple Room Shower
2 persons
5 m²
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room Bath
2 persons
5 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Grotto provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Lift
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Dining
Bar/ Lounge area
Children
Children's menu
Room features
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Show more
The Grotto: Location in England
Coast Road, South Shields, NE34 7BS,
Explore South Shields
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Marsden Rock
1-minute walk
Marsden Rock features stunning sea stacks and is a hotspot for birdwatching and photography.
The Marsden Grotto
3-minute walk
The Marsden Grotto is a historic pub located in a cave with fantastic sea views and a unique ambiance.
Souter Lighthouse
16 minutes' walk
Souter Lighthouse offers guided tours and panoramic views of the coastline; it's a must-visit for history buffs.
Camel's Island
10-minute walk
Camel's Island provides a serene escape and is ideal for a peaceful stroll or picnic by the sea.
Water Sports
4-minute drive
Thrilling water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, are available at nearby beaches during the summer.
Biking along The Leas
15 minutes' walk
Biking along The Leas offers a scenic route with coastal views. Rentals are available locally.
Yoga Classes
10-minute drive
Relaxing yoga classes are offered at local studios, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Herbs And Spice
10-minute walk
A cozy restaurant specializing in Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, with vegetarian options and vibrant flavors.
The Grotto Restaurant
3-minute walk
Known for its seafood, this waterfront eatery features stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere; reservations recommended.
The Marsden Grotto Bar
3-minute walk
This unique bar hosts live music and dance events, ideal for a fun night out by the beach.
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
6-minute drive
Family-friendly amusement park with rides, games, and entertainment options, perfect for a day of fun.
Getting around England
City Centre
South Shields 6 min · 3.9 km
Airports
Newcastle (NCL) 46 min · 30.5 km
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 102 min · 67.7 km
Bus
Bus stop 20 min · 13.2 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Find exclusive rates for stays across England now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-21:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
No internet access available.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Grotto.
Review score
Based on 242 verified reviews
7.4 /10
Very good
69 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Free WiFi
10.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
2.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
7.6/10
Pros
Unique setting
Sea views
Helpful staff
Cons
Uncomfortable beds
Room maintenance
Guest reviews
based on 368 reviews
8.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
Holiday Inn Newcastle Gosforth Park By Ihg
The Craster Arms Hotel In Beadnell
Bird'S Bay Cresswell Towers
Holiday Inn Sunderland - City Centre By Ihg
The Oaks Hotel
Silver Street Suites
Marshall Meadows Manor House
Holiday Inn Newcastle-Jesmond By Ihg
Manor House Hotel
The Coach And Horses
The Kingslodge Inn - The Inn Collection Group
Ravensworth Arms By Chef & Brewer Collection