Seahouses

Seahouses stands on the edge of the North Sea in mid-Northumberland. It was developed as the newer, seaward end of North Sunderland. The village prominent feature is its harbour. Built by Lord Crewe’s trustees at a cost of  £25,000 and opened June 25th 1889. There was many lime quarries excavated to the south of the village. Mines to the west and north provided the coal for the burning of the lime. The building of the harbour provided this industry with a means of transportation. Grain was also exported during this time. Then a private branch railway was constructed to connect the main east coast line via Chathill. The coming of the railways signalled a decline in these industries, but allowed the fishing industry to go and thrive.

Herring fishing and curing became a major force in the life of Seahouses. During the summer months the harbour would be crowded with boats, both local fisherman and from as far away as the Hebrides, Shetland Islands and Cornwall. When the fishing fleet was in, there could be difficulties for any other type of vessel wishing to find a berth in the harbour. A lifeboat station was also established here by The Royal Lifeboat Insitution, at the end of the nineteenth century the boat station here was named James Bewick.

The decline in the fishing as the twentieth century drew to a close found by many of the boats plying a trade in tourism, offering sailing trips to the nearby Farne Islands. Seahouses today is very popular resort for the people of Northumberland and visitors alike. The summer months see a packed village with people enjoying the lovely harbour, boat rides and scuba diving, as well as the many shops and amenities geared to the tourist industry. Over the last few years the village has grown with new homes being built and more things to do for the tourists.

Seahouses Harbour

Seahouses Main Street

Old Fishing Boats