Cowrie Cottage – A Fishermans Cottage Holiday Home In Cullercoats
Last week I had the absolute pleasure of staying in Cowrie Cottage, one of the old fisherman’s cottages in the heart of Cullercoats. The row of cottages can be found on Simpson Street, and are a popular attraction to Cullercoats for their character and colourful exterior. People often walk past them as part of a walk along the coast. Cowrie Cottage has been fully renovated by the lovely host Sophie, and can now be rented for holiday stays.
Disclaimer: We received a complimentary one night stay in return for sharing my experience on Instagram. I’ve chosen to write this blog as well.
Cowrie Cottage, Cullercoats
You can’t miss Cowrie Cottage, it’s the bright blue one in the middle of the street, with a quaint pink iron bench in front of the window. I met Sophie as I arrived with Arthur on the Friday afternoon (most asked question answered – yes it’s dog friendly!), and she showed me round.
Coming into the cottage you have a small entrance hall with space for coats and shoes, and the door leads into the main living room. My instant thought was that I just couldn’t believe how big it was. I had assumed all these cottages were tiny inside, one up one down sort of format but far from it.
The living room has been done out with care, with a big corner sofa, an armchair, big tv, coffee table, and central focused log burner. The details as you’d imagine for somewhere so unique are very North East and coastal themed. It’s fab and I had so many replies to my Instagram stories from people saying they loved the details, the decor and even asking where some of it was from.
Through a sliding door the cottage opens into the dining area, another really good sized open plan room that leads onto the kitchen, with a table, rocking chair and bookshelf, another focal fireplace filled with wood for the burner, a bar cart and a door that leads to the small but very cute rear yard.
The open plan leads to the kitchen, where there is a mini island and stools, as well as a full working kitchen and fully equipped with everything you’d need. The cottage stretches even further back into a small utility space, and then the bathroom which is gorgeous!
Like the living room, there are so many unique touches, decor, pictures and local influences around the place. It’s very homely while still keeping the space – ideal for Arthur who got the zoomies within minutes of arriving.
Upstairs is one big double bedroom that takes up the full floor. It has railings and storage space to unpack, a dresser, a big mirror and views out over the rooftops so you can just about see the sea front. There is also a small bathroom but only room for a toilet and small sink.
The whole place is simply beautiful, filled with home comforts and made for a charming place to stay.
We were welcomed with a lovely postcard message, some treats for us and Arthur, and a bottle of prosecco that went straight in the fridge.
After we unpacked, I took Arthur out for a walk while the prosecco was chilling. I just love this stretch of coastline, from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth and Cowrie Cottage is right in the middle of it, just 2 minutes walk from Cullercoats sea front.
You can either stay up on the top and explore the little cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as enjoy a walk along the top of the sea front that goes right along in either direction around Cullercoats Bay, or you can take the subway pass underground that emerges out onto the beach.
Knowing how excited Arthur gets at the beach, we just had a short walk around Cullercoats, before heading back to the cottage for a drink. My parents walk the coastal route all the time, as we are just based in Whitley Bay so they came down for a look at the cottage – intrigued to see what it was like inside.
They were also so shocked at firstly how big and how much space there is, but also how lovely it was inside. If you don’t know this street is there you could easily miss it, as it’s set back from the sea front, but it is very peaceful while still being so close to everything going on.
Although the cottage officially sleeps 2, the sofa downstairs is a sofa bed if there were more of you, but definitely no more than 4. I’m not exaggerating when I say I had one of the most comfortable nights sleep there – even with the seagulls. Being coastal based I’m used to the noise they make and didn’t wake once, but I think if you aren’t usually by the sea you might want to take ear plugs.
Aside from that small thing some people may have an issue with, the place is faultless. We were up early on the Saturday morning for a walk in the sun, it was glorious and so quiet at that time, and Kieran went for a run to Tynemouth and back. The only people out were other dog walkers and the sea dippers/paddle boarders.
It’s a fabulous spot.
Make the most of your stay In Cullercoats…
The North Tyneside coast has so much to offer, and I’m really not meaning to sound like a tour guide, but it does. Cullercoats itself has some great cafes and restaurants. We went to the Salt House for a tapas dinner, and the Boatyard for breakfast the next morning. Other places literally on your doorstep a few minutes walk from Cowrie Cottage include Cullercoats Coffee, Beaches & Cream, High Tide and Chloe Maes.
Of course there’s also Bill’s where you can get fish and chips, a must if you aren’t often at the seaside, and an ice cream from next door.
Cullercoats Bay itself is a great beach to enjoy, and a walk in each direction will also bring you to Whitley Bay beach or Tynemouth Longsands.
I’ve shared some of the best things to do along the coast in this blog post – a guide to Whitley Bay by a local, and a few other suggestions are linked at the end too including the best places to get breakfast, and a North Tyneside metro pub crawl.
Practical Information for Cowrie Cottage
Parking – there is free parking right opposite the row of cottages.
Wi-Fi – free, good Wi-Fi is available in the cottage
Nearby – Cullercoats, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth all have parking and it’s best to download the Ringo app – if you can I’d recommend the walk though!
Location wise you are also a five minute walk from the metro stop, or a 20 minute or so drive into Newcastle city centre.
The cottage has all amenities and towels are provided
Dog friendly – but you need to bring your dogs own bowls, bed etc – they aren’t allowed on the furniture
How to book: Cowrie Cottage is let through Sykes Cottages here. I was asked a number of times the cost of a stay, and with different rates depending on day, time of year, offers available etc it’s best to check directly on the Sykes website for a true cost.
If you’re looking for a coastal stay in North Tyneside, that isn’t a hotel but gives you the flexibility and freedom, and to be able to bring your dog I couldn’t recommend Cowrie Cottage enough. Follow them on Instagram here to see more.
Other posts you might like:
16 places to get breakfast in Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth
A Metro Station bar crawl along the North Tyneside Coast
Dinner with a view at 1910 restaurant, Spanish City