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 an award-winning spa hotel.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
Excellent
114
Very Good
72
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Recent Reviews:
holidaymanWashington
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Couples
Rugged Beauty
The sea has done a magnificent job in regenerating this rugged coastline from an almost volcanic wasteland; so black was the sand from years of spoil, dumped there from the numerous pits that once...
Read full reviewGraham K
Sarre, United Kingdom
Couples
Worth a trip
We walked North from Seaham - fine views to Sunderland, and on the way back waves crashing over the harbour wall. Choice of coffee spots.
Read full reviewSharonJT67
Durham, United Kingdom
Couples
Gorgeous coastline
We parked up and cycled to Hawthorn Dene Meadow then all the walk along the coast to Vane Tempest beach & back, there was a nip in the air but the sun was warm & the outlook gorgeous, can’t think of...
Read full review
Access Information
Opening Times
| Open all year (1 Jan 2019 - 31 Dec 2019) |
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Certificate of Excellence 2019
Tuesday, 30th April 2019The sea has done a magnificent job in regenerating this rugged coastline from an almost volcanic wasteland; so black was the sand from years of spoil, dumped there from the numerous pits that once... Read full review
Sunday, 9th June 2019We parked up and cycled to Hawthorn Dene Meadow then all the walk along the coast to Vane Tempest beach & back, there was a nip in the air but the sun was warm & the outlook gorgeous, can’t think of... Read full review
