When most people think of Durham, the cathedral, castle, and historic city centre usually come to mind first. What many visitors don’t realise is that some of the North East’s best coastal scenery is less than half an hour away.
The Durham Heritage Coast stretches along the county’s eastern edge, home to sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, wildlife-rich nature reserves and traditional seaside towns. A morning exploring Durham’s cobbled streets can easily be followed by an afternoon beside the sea.
If you’re planning a stay at Hotel Indigo Durham, these six beaches and coastal destinations are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Seaham Hall Beach
Tucked away north of Seaham Harbour, Seaham Hall Beach feels a world away from the bustle of everyday life. Reached via woodland paths and coastal trails, this quieter stretch of coastline is known for its peaceful atmosphere and sweeping sea views.
The beach is particularly popular with walkers following the Durham Heritage Coast Path, while early risers are often rewarded with spectacular sunrises over the North Sea. Keep an eye on the shoreline and you may even spot some of the sea glass that has made Seaham famous.
Distance from Hotel Indigo Durham: Approximately 25 minutes by car.
Photo courtesy of Visit County Durham
Seaton Carew Beach
For a classic British seaside experience, head to Seaton Carew Beach. Long stretches of sand, traditional fish and chips, amusement arcades and sea views make this one of the most popular beaches near Durham.
The promenade is ideal for a stroll, while the wide beach provides plenty of space to relax and enjoy the fresh sea air. On sunny days, the atmosphere feels distinctly nostalgic, bringing together everything people love about a day at the coast.
Distance from Hotel Indigo Durham: Approximately 36 minutes by car.
East Durham Coast
The East Durham Coast tells one of the North East’s most remarkable stories. Once dominated by industry, the coastline has been transformed into a landscape of clifftop walks, wildflower meadows and protected habitats.
The scenery changes with every mile, from dramatic viewpoints overlooking the North Sea to hidden coves tucked beneath the cliffs. It’s one of the best places in County Durham for a scenic walk, particularly during spring and summer when the coastal grasslands come alive with colour.
Distance from Hotel Indigo Durham: Around 20–30 minutes by car.
Crimdon Dene Beach
Crimdon Dene is one of the Durham coast’s true wild stretches a long sweep of golden sand backed by rolling dunes and open countryside. While the main beach near the holiday park can get lively in summer, head a little further south and you’ll find a much quieter, more remote feel, perfect for peaceful walks and escaping the crowds.
The dunes here are also a protected breeding ground for the Little Tern, one of the UK’s rarest seabirds, which returns to nest along this stretch of coast each summer. At low tide, the sands open out for miles, creating sweeping coastal views that make it a favourite spot for walkers, dog owners and photographers alike.
Distance from Hotel Indigo Durham: Approximately 30 minutes by car.
Photo courtesy of Visit County Durham
Teesmouth National Nature Reserve
A visit to Teesmouth National Nature Reserve offers something a little different. Rather than a traditional beach day, this coastal landscape is all about wildlife, birdwatching and discovering one of the UK’s most important nature reserves.
The mix of sand dunes, mudflats, wetlands and coastal habitats attracts an incredible variety of birdlife throughout the year. Bring a camera, take a walk through the reserve and enjoy a slower pace while exploring one of the North East’s hidden gems.
Distance from Hotel Indigo Durham: Approximately 42 minutes by car.
Horden Beach
Horden Beach remains one of the Durham coast’s best-kept secrets. Reached via coastal paths and surrounded by dramatic cliffs, it offers a more rugged and untamed coastal experience than many nearby beaches.
The beach rewards visitors with striking sea views, fascinating geology and a sense of tranquillity that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore beyond the better-known seaside destinations and discover a quieter corner of the Durham Heritage Coast.
Distance from Hotel Indigo Durham: Approximately 28 minutes by car.
Stay at Hotel Indigo Durham and Discover the Coast
One of the joys of staying at Hotel Indigo Durham is having the best of County Durham right on your doorstep. Spend the morning wandering Durham’s cobbled streets and cathedral quarter, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the city, then head east for an afternoon of sea air, clifftop walks and wide, sandy shores.
After a day exploring the coast, return to Hotel Indigo Durham and unwind with dinner at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, before rounding off the evening with a nightcap in the Rotunda Bar. From the sea-glass shores of Seaham to the rugged cliffs of Horden, the wild dunes of Crimdon Dene and the birdlife of Teesmouth, some of the North East’s most scenic coastal destinations are just a short drive away, ready to be discovered.
