Durham Heritage Coast
for beautiful beaches and dramatic views
E Cliff Road, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7PS
Visit WebsiteImagine coastal paths with dramatic views out to the North Sea and beaches with an abundance of hidden sea glass. The Durham Heritage Coast, which runs from Sunderland to Hartlepool, is the perfect place to find just that with your four-legged friends.
- By The Beach
- Children Welcome
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
We recommend the coastal path from Seaham to Hawthorn Dene. This route takes you along the only coastline in Britain where you can see a wonderful display of magnesian limestone grassland, which supports the wildlife that can be found there.
The walk begins at Nose’s Point. From here follow the coastal path south along the clifftops. Branch off to Blast beach which is dog friendly all year round. This alien-like beach, with its burnt orange coloured sand and magnesium rocks, has an otherworldly feel. Dogs can run and swim to their hearts’ content and you can hunt for sea glass. Sea glass hunters visit the Heritage Coast from all over the world just to bag a piece of Seaham sea glass!
After exploring the beach, pick up the same coastal path and you’ll be greeted with a magical coastal dene. Hawthorn Dene is a maze of pretty pathways that lead you through picturesque woodland. Throughout the seasons the woodland floor is adorned with seasonal flowers.
If that’s still not enough, the dene stretches down to the rocky shores of Hawthorn Hive, opening out underneath a viaduct. Another chance to collect hidden sea glass or create beach art with the multitude of huge pebbles that cover the beach.
For The Dogs
Bring water and poop bags. A lead will be needed for parts of the coastal path.
Opening Hours
It’s a walk you can do any day of the year but recommended in daylight hours.
Parking
Park for free at Nose’s Point car park.
The Area
The nearby coastal town of Seaham is highly popular with dog walkers who visit the many dog friendly cafés and pubs. Or visit the town’s pretty marina for a bite to eat. We recommend The Look Out for a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake. If you’re looking for a sandier beach, just a 20-minute drive south of Seaham you’ll find Crimdon Dene beach. This welcoming stretch is backed by beautiful sand dunes, the only beach in the area to have them. It’s dog friendly all year round and also boasts a dog friendly café – Dunes – perfectly situated next to the free car park.
