Seaham’s burgeoning marina

I was pleasantly surprised, on Saturday, to come upon the view above.  Seaham Harbour, as I’ve always known it, is a former mining village, whose pithead once dominated the landscape. Regeneration has taken place, and the marina and visitor centre for the RNLI now lie in the old harbour, with its iconic lighthouse banished to the distance.

Come and take a closer look at these galleries with me.

It’s still a working port (just about), so not all of it’s pretty.

But I did try to pretty it up.

The road drops down into the harbour

And looking back you can see across the bay.

Then you’re in the marina

And my favourite hobby, boat spotting.

Add a cafe and a visitor centre and you’re all set.

It’s a nice enough outlook.

There’s a great cafe called “The Lookout” pointing right out to sea, and below that some exhibition space.  I really enjoyed the visitor centre for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.  It’s full of photos, nautical maps and stories of heroism. There’s no entry fee but it’s a pleasure to slip a few coins in the boat.  The bravery required on these sometimes stormy seas is worth every penny, and the staff were informative and very pleasant.

Lifeboats are the most complex and amazing vessels.

That grappling hook looks pretty fierce.

I love the patriotic colours.

The boat’s story gives me a lump in my throat

The display cabinets were a trip back in time.

Tinder boxes, old badges, all kinds of paraphernalia

A replica of RNLB George Elmy

I thought this was beautiful.

I gave a little history of the town, and it’s rather surprising connection to the poet, Lord Byron, in Windswept in Seaham.

There was a nice breeze blowing on Saturday, but not one to bend you double.  It’s raining again today so I’m using my normal walking time to look back at sunnier skies.  I almost forgot to mention the delicious pana cotta and Swiss chocolate icecream I indulged in.  I know there are a few of you with a sweet tooth.  “Leaf, bark and berries” was my cafe of choice.

One last look at the lighthouse