Durham Coast

Explore the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands.

A truly stunning location, the Heritage Coast is recognised internationally for its rare plants and wildlife, having won the UK Landscape Award.

Pull on your hiking boots and follow the 14km coastal path leading you through a colourful mosaic of grasslands, wild flowers, flora and fauna, through areas of natural, historical and geological interest. Enjoy spectacular views along the coastline and out across the sea as the North Sea air blows away the cobwebs.

>> Renowned outdoors blogger Paul Steele writes about walking along the Durham Heritage Coast.

Inland from the coast are hidden denes containing remnants of ancient yew and ash woodland. The largest is the picturesque Castle Eden Dene, a National Nature Reserve with 550 acres of natural woodland and 12 miles of footpaths. A peaceful and tranquil place, it is home to over 450 species of plants and wild flowers, many of which are typical of ancient woodlands that date back to pre-medieval times.

And if you love a bargain, don’t miss Dalton Park, the biggest outlet shopping centre in the region.

Seaham is a lively harbour town on the Durham Coast, offering spectacular views from its dramatic cliff top location down to the harbour and sandy beach below. Seek out the world war one statue, pop into one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars or head to the county's only marina, with its heritage centre and visitor centre. Seaham is also home to St Mary the Virgin Church, one of only 20 pre-Viking Churches in the country.

Plus there's a range of accommodation, from smaller B&B’s and guest houses, to a five-star luxury spa hotel.