Explore one of England's finest coastlines featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, diverse wildlife, and scenic coastal walks from Ryhope to Crimdon.

Durham Heritage Coast spans a magnificent 15-kilometre stretch of coastline from Ryhope to Crimdon, showcasing one of England's most distinctive and unspoiled coastal landscapes. The heritage site features dramatic yellow limestone cliffs rising up to 30 metres, punctuated by caves and sea stacks, alongside shallow bays and prominent headlands that create a wonderfully diverse environment. The coastline is rich in natural heritage, with magnesian limestone grassland supporting unique plant communities and rare northern brown argus butterflies. Visitors can explore exposed rocky shores at low tide to discover marine life including sea urchins and anemones, whilst birdwatchers may spot skylarks, sanderling, and purple sandpipers. Offshore, minke whales and harbour porpoises are frequently observed. The atmospheric coastal denes add further character to this ever-changing living landscape. Designated as a Heritage Coast in 2001, the site represents a remarkable recovery from its industrial past. The Heritage Coast Partnership works to conserve and enhance the coastline whilst engaging local communities. With free entry, outdoor activities, dog-friendly access, and pushchair-friendly routes along the cliff tops and coastal paths, it offers families and visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience sweeping views across the North Sea and discover the unique geological and historical story shaped by the region's underlying limestone formations.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Jenny Temple

11 months ago

Great walk and views, free parking opposite Costa for a slightly longer walk.

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Geoff Clark

11 months ago

Visited the marina at Seaham with pebbly beach which is dog friendly. Free, clean toilets next to various food places. Everywhere in Seaham is clean and tidy with friendly people. Asda ,Aldi ,B&M next to sea front.

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Marie Eatwell

a year ago

What a lovely beach this is at North Bay in Seaham. Absolutely stunning, can't fault it. Nice big car park, £3 all day, North Shore cafe near car park for breakfast/ lunch and refreshments, prices average and food very nice. Beach is lovely and clean, dogs allowed. Spent the day there today, such a beautiful coast line in our area.

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Peter Tylee

6 years ago

This is a truly wonderful area, well set up and prepared for walkers and richly supplied with wonderful scenery. There are many places for taking in lovely coastal views if you just want to visit without completing any of the coastal walk (but do walk it if you can). There are seats here and there for a rest and perhaps some quiet contemplation. We encountered some of the very friendly locals.

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David Lovick

7 years ago

I love to walk along the cliff top and admire the scenery at anytime of the year. It is also a great place for my dog to stretch his legs and have a play with his animal friends without disturbing anyone. This area is very popular with locals and a lot of foreign visitors.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026