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Explore Durham Beaches and Coastline

Durham's Heritage Coast is truly dramatic with romantic beaches, tall cliffs and wild headlands and is recognised all over the world for the rare plant and wildlife there.

A good path takes you along the coast leading you through grasslands, wildflowers and past animals in their natural habitat as well as those areas of historical interest so that you can really take in the amazing views across the ocean.

The cliff tops here are unique with their limestone grasslands and are a protected habitat for the varied wildlife that live there. Just inland are ancient yew and ash woodlands called 'Denes' with the biggest being Castle Eden Dene, a national reserve of over 500 acres with good walking paths and home to many hundreds of species of wild plants and flowers. The beaches here offer the opportunity to fly kites, windsurf, beach comb or simply relax.

Durham City takes you back to the medieval past with its cathedral dominated skyline and castle World Heritage Site. The dales and the area of the North Pennines are areas of outstanding natural beauty and home to this dramatic coast line. There are lots of good places to stay and many pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from in this area.

Durham Coast Map

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Peblsrock Seaglass

Durham Botanic Garden

The Wicket Gate Pub

National Railway Museum Shildon

North Gare Sands Beach

Barnard Castle

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Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

Blackhall Rocks Beach

Auckland Castle

Easington Beach

Crimdon Beck Beach

Finchale Priory