Guests say
The Look Out offers a stunning seaside location with easy beach access, friendly staff, and self-catering facilities. Guests enjoy the beautiful views and the unique dining experience at the adjacent grotto. While some guests have highlighted areas for improvement, the charm of the property and its setting often leads to repeat visits.
Reviews indicate that cleanliness could be improved, with several guests noting dust, untidiness, and dog hairs. However, clean bedding and towels were consistently mentioned, suggesting a moderate level of cleanliness overall.
The property's location is highly praised for its proximity to the beach and the peaceful environment it offers. The views are frequently described as amazing, contributing to a restful holiday experience.
Comfort is generally well-regarded, with mentions of a cosy bed and a warm apartment. However, some guests noted issues with noise from the sea and a floodlight affecting sleep quality, slightly diminishing the comfort score.
Facilities are adequate for self-catering, with some guests suggesting minor improvements. Maintenance issues like loose taps and the need for a fresh coat of paint were noted. The lack of clear instructions for appliances and the absence of Wi-Fi or phone signal are areas for attention.
While the reviews mention friendly staff and helpfulness in emergencies, there is insufficient information regarding thoughtful gestures such as gifts to accurately assess this category.
About this property
Set within a cliff on the outskirts of South Shields in Tyne and Wear, is this superb first-floor apartment, The Look Out. Living up to its name, with fantastic views overlooking Marsden Beach and out to the sea, The Look Out is a fabulous pet-friendly home from home for a couple and their pooch. Park-up in the off-road space on the cliff top, payable in cash directly before accessing your new home via a lift, please note the lift is available between 10am - 10pm and access will be via the stairs outside of these times. Be greeted by a delightful, enclosed patio where you can dine alfresco with a sea view or play a game of fetch with your canine companion. Step into the kitchen/diner, where you can whip up tasty meals ready to enjoy at the dining table for two over a celebratory bottle of fizz. After dinner, head through to the bedroom where you can relax on the sofa and select your favourite film from the TV as the evening’s entertainment. After a day of enjoying the delights of the beach and local area, freshen up with a hot shower, before climbing into the sumptuous double bed to catch your rest ahead of another adventure-filled day. Marsden Beach is right on your doorstep, with its golden sands and calm waters, it is the perfect place to bathe with your favourite book, build sandcastles with the little ones or paddle the waters. Make the most of the famed and historic Marsden Grotto, which adjoins your home. It's recognised for its iconic lift shaft and delicious seafood-heavy menu. Nearby, the National Cycle Route 1 is ideal for keen cyclists; alternatively, the nearby Marsden Old Hall Quarry Local Nature Reserve and The Whitburn Golf Club are great options for nature and golf lovers. Whilst you’re exploring, don't miss the historic Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, a National Trust property dating back to the 19th-century and the first electric lighthouse. If you're looking for something a little less touristy than a stroll down the seafront, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to choose from in the town of South Shields. Jarrow Hall, a museum housed within an Anglo-Saxon monastery, is a must-see for history buffs in the area. There are a variety of things to see and do in Sunderland, including the iconic Stadium of Light, the Sunderland Empire Theatre, and Mowbray Park. If you venture further, you'll find the lively city of Newcastle, home to attractions including Newcastle Castle, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, and the Victoria Tunnel Tours and Great North Museum. There is so much to see and do when staying at The Look Out. Note: This property can be booked with Ref. 1097941, together sleeping up to four guests.
The seaside town of South Shields is located near the Tyne River's mouth, a few miles downstream of Newcastle upon Tyne. South Shields, which was once a part of County Durham and was known for its shipbuilding, was replaced in the 19th century by heavy industries including coal mining and glass production. It is now a vibrant seaside community with a stunning Blue Flag beach that draws both tourists and locals. The town is home to a number of attractions, such as the South Shields Museum, where tourists can learn about the local history, the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, perfect for a day out with the family, and the famous Souter Lighthouse, where you can ascend the 76 steps for breathtaking views. Together with two wonderful parks, the South Marine and North Marine Park, which are ideal for an afternoon stroll, there are also plenty of options for picturesque walking along the coastline over breathtaking cliffs and rocky bays. In less than 30 minutes, you can travel to Newcastle's downtown, where you may peruse busy high streets lined with a wide variety of stores and restaurants, learn about the city's rich history and traditions, and cross seven recognisable bridges.
Accommodation
First-floor apartment.
One double bedroom with sitting area.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Kitchen/diner
Gas central heating.
Oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer.
TV.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 1 car - payable directly in cash.
Front patio with seating.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1.1 miles, pub 0.9 miles.
Note: Due to the property's location there is no phone signal, please consider this when booking.
Note: Please be advised that lift access is available from 10am - 10pm only and access outside of this will be via the stairs.
Note: There is a charge for parking which needs to be paid in cash
Nearby points of interest
- Booth Museum of Natural History
- Jarrow Hall (formerly Bede's World)
- National Glass Centre
- Sunderland Museum
- Seven Stories
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
- Laing Art Gallery
- Beamish Museum
- Thornley Woodlands Centre
Reviews (25)
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Bryan
The property itself was in need of a good clean Cobwebs on the walls and the floor was dirty the taps were loose in the bathroom Going up to the lookout was very dirty it smelt very damp I know itâs a cave but it was just so dirty and over all impression wasnât good We didnât realise that we had to go upstairs to the property The bar and grotto was lovely and so was all the staff ate there both nights and loved it but was cheap We didnât feel safe in the lookoutas there was people on the beach lighting fires after the bar had shut We also thought the beach was a beach and not just big pebbles We wonât return here and glad it was only for 2 nights Sorry for moaning but this is a honest review of our experience We have used Sykes quite a lot and usually happy with the places we have stayed
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Dawn
We both had a wonderful stay. Its roomy enough for 2 people as a base. The staff at the Grotto Pub were friendly and the food was lovely there too... amazing views of the sea... it was exactly what we needed x
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Jayne
.sitting watching the waves was just what we needed..The seating area in the bay window is perfect.. The place was lovely and warm ..the bed was super comfy.. However..I feel I need to comment on a few issues ..and they are actually so simple to rectify but I feel were important. The first impression and entrance /patio area looked like it hadnât been swept or cleaned in months..We didnât sit out at the front as it looked grubby.. The windows were filthy and also hadnât been cleaned in a while. The floor in the apartment was slightly dirty and gritty too in places as if it had just had a quick superficial sweep.. Both taps in the bathroom are moving around every time you use them..and there is no hook to hang a towel on which would be useful. The bathroom was clean however. The blinds in the bedrooom are a problem ..they do not cut out the security light outside as they leave a gap and so you donât know itâs dark outside as itâs so bright. There is a black out blind in the wardrobe to attach yourself..but itâs too small..Also the catch on one window is broken and the window doesnât shut. We noticed in the fridge there was no ice box which would have been useful. The layout in the kitchen/living room area could have been better and a small bistro table and 2 chairs as we had to eat on our knees â¦we didnât need 12 plates either..