Easington Beach is a stunning stretch of the rugged County Durham coastline – and unless you are from the area – you probably won’t have heard of it or seen it online before!

THE COUNTY DURHAM COAST – A HIDDEN GEM

The County Durham coast offers breathtaking scenery, rugged cliffs, and untouched beaches that remain relatively undiscovered by many. I’m from the area and have walked this coastline many times and have bumped into people from outside the region who can’t believe how impressive it is. I simply love it’s unspoilt beauty and quiet nature. 

Unlike the more famous coastal routes in the UK, this stretch of Durham coastline between Seaham and Crimdon Dene is a sanctuary of tranquility, where nature thrives and history whispers through the landscape. The path meanders through dramatic limestone cliffs, wildflower meadows, and ancient woodlands, each turn revealing a new perspective on the North Sea’s ever-changing moods. Whether bathed in golden sunrise hues or shrouded in mist, the coastline holds a quiet, untamed beauty that captivates those who venture along its trails.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Durham Heritage Coast is steeped in history and folklore. The imposing cliffs and caves were once havens for smugglers, while the remnants of old collieries stand as reminders of the region’s industrial mining past. Strolling along the coastal path, visitors might come across the eerie ruins of Easington Colliery, a poignant symbol of the area’s mining heritage. In contrast, wildlife now flourishes where industry once reigned—kestrels hover over the cliffs, grey seals bask on rocky outcrops, and wild orchids bloom in the coastal meadows. This interplay of history and nature makes the journey along the Durham coast uniquely atmospheric, a place where past and present merge seamlessly.

Yet, despite its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage, the County Durham coastal path remains one of Britain’s best-kept secrets. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Whitby or Bamburgh further north, this Durham coastline offers a quieter, more reflective experience. Walkers can lose themselves in the rhythmic crashing of waves, the scent of salt in the air, and the simple pleasure of an unspoiled view stretching to the horizon. Whether exploring its dramatic cliffs, wandering along its peaceful beaches, or simply sitting to watch the sea, the hidden beauty of this coastline rewards those who take the time to discover it.

You’ll find miles of quiet coastline on the County Durham Coast.

Here’s a map route of the Durham Coastal path which is well worth exploring – which stretches 11 miles all the way down from Seaham to Crimdon Dene

THE DURHAM COASTAL PATH

The Durham Coastal Path stretching from Seaham to Crimdon Dene offers a stunning and rugged uninterupted walk along the dramatic North Sea coastline, stretching approximately 11 miles. This section of the path showcases breathtaking limestone cliffs, wildflower-covered meadows, unspoilt beaches and sweeping sea views. It’s begging to explored – either in one lomng go – or by exploring sections of it. Below are the areas I like to walk around, simply park up close to these areas and get on the Durham Coastal Path and walk to your hearts content:

• EASINGTON BEACH & SHIPPERSEA BAY

• CRIMDON DENE BEACH

• BLACKHALL ROCKS

• SEAHAM TO HAWTHORN HIVE

The Durham Heritage Coast website is a good resource for walk ideas in the area, click the link to find out more: https://durhamheritagecoast.org/our-coast/things-to-do-and-see/walking-the-coast/

You’ll find miles of unspoilt sandy beaches around Crimdon Dene Beach. Park up at Crimdon Dene, where you will find a cafe and head onto the beach. If the tide is out have a walk north up to Blackhall Rocks which is around a 2 mile walk there and back

The various paths down into Crimdon Dene Beach – in the warmer months it’s a magical time at sunrise

Compared to other stretches of coastline around the UK – the Durham Coastline is much quieter and sometimes you may even have it to yourself!

Easington Beach is a particular highlught on the Durham Coastline – the little headland around Bed Slide / Fox Holes is one of my favourite view points on the full Durham Coastline

Looking south down Blackhall beach towards Black Hall Rocks

A scene above from one of my favourite films – Get Carter featuring Michael Caine, which was filmed on Blackhall beach – when Blackhall Colliery was in existence and the beach was a bit of a tip and industrial waste land. Now after some regeneration the beach is in much better shape (compre ewith pic above) – just shows what we can do to help nature recover. 

The Durham Coasline just south of Seaham has some idylic bays and hidden coves such as Hawthorn Hive.

A really good walking challenge is all the way from Seaham to the historic Hartlepool Headland – pictured above. This is around 24 miles and I completed it in training for a longer hike! I simply got the train from Hartlepool to Seaham and walked back along the coastal path!

As mentioned I live in the area – and Crimdon Dene is infact my local beach. In mid summer I’ll often pop down on an evening where you’ll be able to wander on the unspoilt beach and catch some stunning sunsets.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to want to visit this unknown part of the UK and see it’s beauty for yourself!