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The Beach

Groomsport has two beaches.  The first, smaller, one, beside the harbour, is James Bay beach. This is an inclusive beach with facilities for people with disabilities to use the beach and access the sea. Through the gap in the wall that Robert Perceval-Maxwell had controversially built in 1856 for privacy, is the much larger Cove Bay beach which backs onto Groomsport House and the recent Cove Bay development.  The beaches have been popular with residents, holiday makers and day trippers since Victorian times.  As well as being popular with families in the summer, the beaches are used for a range of water sports including wild water swimming, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Groomsport beaches have been given the Seaside Award in recognition of the water quality and because they have been judged to be clean, attractive and well-managed.

James Bay beach and Perceval-Maxwell's wall - early 20th century

James Bay beach and Perceval-Maxwell's wall c.1956

Perceval-Maxwell's wall - 2023

Groomsport beaches, 1950s

Groomsport beaches, 1960s

Groomsport’s beaches and caravan park, 1970s

Diving from the rocks, 1900s

BATH TIME

Maureen Irwin remembers seawater baths in front of the fire during her early years on the Hill during the 2nd world war.

THE PAST & PRESENT

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James Bay beach and Perceval-Maxwell's wall - early 20th century

A view of James Bay beach and the wall built by Robert Perceval-Maxwell in August 1856 which led to the Right-of-way dispute. A flight of steps can be seen from the beach to the gap in the wall that the Admiralty obliged Perceval-Maxwell to make in February 1857.

Find out more about the Right-of-Way Dispute at: https://discovergroomsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Right-of-Way-v2.pdf

0001 Photogravure by Raphael Tuck Postcards. Downloaded, with permission, from: https://www.tuckdbpostcards.org/items/130155-the-shore/picture/1

James Bay beach and Perceval-Maxwell's wall c.1956

A view of James Bay beach and the wall built by Robert Perceval-Maxwell in August 1856 which led to the Right-of-way dispute. People can be seen using the flight of steps from the beach to the gap in the wall that the Admiralty obliged Perceval-Maxwell to make in February 1857. Groomsport House can be seen in the top right of the image.

0002 Photogravure by Raphael Tuck Postcards. Downloaded, with permission, from: https://www.tuckdbpostcards.org/items/20630-first-shore

Perceval-Maxwell's wall – 2023

A view of part of James Bay beach and the wall built by Robert Perceval-Maxwell in August 1856 which led to the Right-of-way dispute. The concrete pathway, which was constructed from the harbour, along James Bay and part of Cove Bay in the 1970s, created a wide passage through the wall. Some of the steps to and from the much narrower passage provided by Perceval-Maxwell in 1857 can still be seen. The Cove Bay development (2000 onwards) can be seen in the background.

Find out more about the Right-of-Way Dispute at: https://discovergroomsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Right-of-Way-v2.pdf

0003 Photograph by Peter Gibson

Groomsport beaches, 1950s

This postcard was taken before the caravan park was developed in the grounds of Groomsport House, in 1959. This photograph gives a clear view of the steps up to the gap in the wall Robert Perceval-Maxwell built in 1856. The esplanade along the beach, with a much wider gap in the wall, was not built until the 1970s.

0238 Photograph supplied by Perry Moore.

If you have more information about this photo please contact discovergroomsport@gmail.com mentioning the four digit number above.

Groomsport beaches, 1960s

This photograph shows the caravan park that was developed by Gavin Perceval-Maxwell.

0239 Photograph supplied by Perry Moore.

If you have more information about this photo please contact discovergroomsport@gmail.com mentioning the four digit number above.

Groomsport’s beaches and caravan park, 1970s

0201 Photograph supplied by Julie Crawford

If you have more information about this photo please contact discovergroomsport@gmail.com mentioning the four digit number above.

 

Diving from the rocks, 1900s

The diving board was on the rocky headland at the east end of Cove Bay beach. Steps from the beach, up to the diving board, can still be seen today.

0259 Photograph supplied by Perry Moore.

If you have more information about this photo please contact discovergroomsport@gmail.com mentioning the four digit number above.