Blackhall Rocks

About Blackhall Rocks

Blackhall Rocks is a rocky stretch of the Durham Heritage Coast between Seaham and Hartlepool, with caves, sea stacks and magnesian limestone cliffs. Like much of this coast it was cleared of colliery spoil in recent decades and is now a nature reserve. Local families and visitors rate it for sea glass as well as fossils.

Sea glass at Blackhall Rocks

Mostly green, brown and white glass, with sea pottery; a guide reports rarer blue, aqua and occasional multicoloured pieces. The cave section and boulder fields are said to be most productive, and the best hunting follows a big spring low tide after a North Sea storm.

Visiting Blackhall Rocks

Getting there

Off the A1086 at the end of Station Road; steep steps lead down from the car park to the beach.

Parking

Small free car park at the end of Station Road that fills quickly on sunny weekends; some people park on the side road.

Toilets

None at the beach; nearest public toilets are in Blackhall Colliery village.

Safety

Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.