Welcome
A coastline waiting to be explored…
From Sunderland to Hartlepool, the Durham Heritage Coast has emerged from its industrial past to an area worthy of Heritage Coast status with one of the finest coastlines in England.
The coastal path that runs along much of the coast leads you through a wonderful mosaic of great natural, historical and geological interest with dramatic views along the coastline and out across the North Sea, an area rich in shallow bays and headlands with yellow Magnesian Limestone cliffs. Click on the ‘Walking The Coast’ image of leaflets on the right to download a copy of the Heritage Coastal Footpath walk from Hendon to Hartlepool Headland or for any of our shorter circular walks along the heritage coastline.
Crimdon Coastal Hub
We are delighted that work will be starting on site on Monday 19th October 2020 for a community hub, café and toilet facilities at Crimdon for our local communities and visitors to enjoy. Crimdon has a wide sandy beach that is much enjoyed by families, scenic views and is also known for its annual visits from little terns, a protected species, who come from West Africa to breed every summer.
Funding from the Government’s Coastal Community Fund and Durham County Council will allow this much needed facility to go ahead with visitor numbers standing at 220,000 every year. The hub will also be a place for schools to learn about Crimdon’s unique coastal wildlife with space to accommodate them as well as community groups and volunteers alike.
The project will take approximately 31 weeks to complete and will create a number of full time employment positions.
We have welcomed support from Councillor Crute and Councillor Pounder from Blackhall who have been involved with this project from the start, helping us to see it from it’s vision to delivery. Councillor Crute told us “I’m delighted to see that construction of the new Coastal Hub at Crimdon is scheduled to begin soon. For a long time I’ve been inundated with calls from visitors and members of the public asking for improved facilities at Crimdon Dene so to see a start on site of the proposed Coastal Hub will be a huge boost for everyone with the interests of Crimdon at heart. Hopefully it will be the first step towards bringing in additional facilities and returning the resort to its traditional status as a key visitor attraction for the Durham coast.” Further updates as the project develops will appear on our Crimdon page.
SeaScapes
National Lottery funded – this project is set to make waves for coastal & marine heritage in the North East of England!
The Seascapes Board are currently looking for an Independent Board member – visit our SeaScapes section for more information on this role and for information about this exciting project and to get involved!
Latest News on Beach Care – Get Involved!
Further information on local beach cleans and how you can get involved is on our beach clean page.
Latest News – Easington Colliery Footpaths
Easington Colliery Local Nature reserve has benefitted from funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and now has a new network of footpaths running across the former colliery site. More information here
Our Coast – In Pictures
Take a look at the breathtaking views along a very special coastline. Watch a video of how the coast has changed or download one of our many publications so you can come and explore the area for yourself. We are also on Instagram
Our Coast -In words
Listen to coastal viewpoints, soundbites of what makes the coast so special to local people
Coast Watch
Information on Coast Watch on our Heritage Coastline in conjunction with Durham Constabulary and Northumbria Police (clicking on your relevant Police Authority area will take you to Coast Watch information and news in your locality).
