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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham Coast

Durham Coast

Tel: +44 03000 268 131

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Add Durham Coast to your Itinerary

Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast
  • Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast
  • Durham Heritage Coast
  • Durham Heritage Coast
  • The Durham Coast copyright Charlie Hedley
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About

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.

Follow the coastal path that runs along much of the coast leading you through a colourful mosaic of grasslands, wildflowers, 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.

The limestone grasslands of the cliff tops are one of the UK's most protected habitats and home to unique and varied wildlife.

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.

Seaham is a lively harbour town on Durham’s Heritage Coast and is home to one of the oldest churches in the country and the iconic Seaham Hall Hotel, home to the award winning Serenity Spa.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
210 reviews
    • Excellent
      122
    • Very Good
      79
    • Average
      7
    • Poor
      1
    • Terrible
      1

    Recent Reviews:

    • AJJP1
      Appleby-in-Westmorland, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      Get Carter final scenes
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 10th January 2023
      I had a wonderful walk on Blackhall Beach this afternoon . A huge, clean beach. Hardly anyone about . Easy free parking, nice paths down onto the beach . No litter . Signs of the coal heritage of... Read full review
    • 183rosieb
      Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
      Walk from Blackhall rocks to Crimdon
      4 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 25th August 2024
      Walked from Blackhall rocks to Crimdon and back on a very cool and windy August day. We were truly surprised by the beauty of the coastline, fascinating arches and caves and we even found some pink... Read full review
    • jcQ4556SX
      Sunderland, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      EDC - Endless Dramatic Cliffs
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 4th January 2025
      Went for a walk along the East Durham Coast. Starting in Easington and along the sign posted route. The walk was terrific, from the forested areas to the cliff tops. Each area was very scenic and... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2025

    Opening Times

    * 2006 Opening - 03 Jan 2006 - 23 Dec 2006
    Monday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    Tuesday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    Wednesday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    Thursday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    Friday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    Saturday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    Sunday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00
    BankHoliday: 09:00:00 - 17:00:00

    Map & Directions

    Map Link

    View Map

    Highlights...

    Deer in forest Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, PeterleeCastle Eden Dene is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, such as roe deer and fox.

    What's Nearby

    1. Durham Heritage Coast

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