The harbor tunnel was hand-cut through solid red sandstone in the 1830s to provide better access for fishing boats.
The site served as a vital base for the herring industry, which was once the primary economic driver of the Berwickshire coast.
The harbor was famously used as a filming location for the 2013 movie 'The Railway Man'.
It is a private harbor owned by the local community rather than a public authority.
The geology of the surrounding cliffs showcases the Hutton's Unconformity influence, visible in the stratified rock layers.
Cove Harbour is a historic 18th-century fishing port accessed via a unique rock tunnel carved directly through the cliffside. The harbor remains a working site for local creel boats and is protected by a long breakwater and an outer pier. The village of Cove sits atop the cliff, requiring a steep walk down a paved path to reach the water level. The site was historically significant for herring fishing and is notable for its dramatic geological setting on the Berwickshire coast. It is currently a private harbor managed by the Cove Harbour Conservation Group. Visitors can observe seals and a variety of seabirds in the surrounding coastal waters. The beach area near the tunnel entrance is composed of pebbles and sand, exposed primarily at low tide.
Looking back through the rock tunnel towards the sea from the harbor side.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as the beach and base areas are significantly restricted during high tide.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the path through the tunnel can be damp and uneven.
Parking is extremely limited in the residential village; be respectful of private driveways and local residents.
Do not attempt to park in private village driveways or block access routes for the local fishermen.
Respect the privacy of the local residents in the village and keep noise levels low near the working fishing boats.
