Cleadon Recreation Park, grotto

This grotto was listed Grade II in 1985 with the following description:
'Garden feature, (formerly in grounds of Cleadon House) C18. Roughly squared coursed limestone rubble with brick dressings. Wall and two returns into and retaining a hill. South elevation has 3 pointed arches flanked by 2 similar niches. A square cover in the ground behind probably replaces a lantern. Interior octagonal with 3 niches in the 3 north sides. There was formerly a lake in front of the grotto.'
A large concrete slab covers the original light opening at the top of the structure and modern railings have been added. The top of the grotto may have been reduced. Inside the grotto is a single room entered through three pointed arches. The interior ground plan is based on an octagon, with a domed ceiling. The internal walls and dome are brick. Within and without the grotto the alcoves may have been designed to hold statues.