The North East of England offers breath-taking coastal scenery, with popular destinations like Whitby and Bamburgh attracting visitors from across the globe.
However, if you’re near Wynyard and looking for something a bit more secluded and off the beaten path, the region has many hidden gems that combine natural beauty, history, and charm.
Robertson Homes’ Wynyard Woods development provides the perfect home base from which to explore the stunning coastline of County Durham and the Tees Valley.
Here are some of the best coastal gems to explore that are ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Seaton Carew Beach
Nestled south of Hartlepool, Seaton Carew Beach offers wide sandy stretches perfect for a peaceful walk along the North Sea. It’s a great alternative to the busier beaches, with scenic dunes and natural rock pools exposed at low tide. You’ll also find traditional seaside amusements nearby, a nod to its history as a Victorian seaside town. Seaton Carew is a spot where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of a quiet beach day or an evening watching the sunset with fish and chips from a nearby takeaway.
Crimdon Dene Beach
Located just north of Hartlepool, Crimdon Dene Beach is a peaceful coastal retreat surrounded by dunes and greenery. This beach is an ideal spot for nature lovers, as it’s part of the Durham Heritage Coast and a designated nature reserve. The area is known for its grassland habitats that attract a variety of bird species, including the rare little tern during the breeding season. Crimdon is lesser-known and offers a relaxing environment to enjoy long coastal walks with views across the North Sea, or simply a quiet picnic with the family.
Blast Beach, Seaham
Blast Beach, near Seaham, offers a rugged and dramatic landscape that feels worlds away from the bustling promenades of other coastal towns. Once a site of heavy industry, the beach has since been restored to a wild beauty, where towering cliffs meet rocky shores and pebble-strewn sands.
Blast Brach gets its name from blast furnaces that were in operation in the area until the 1860s. Be prepared for a bit of a trek to access it, but the raw beauty of Blast Beach, along with its unique, almost mystical landscape, makes it well worth the journey. It is also a popular spot for finding sea glass, Seaham’s famous by-product of the Londonderry Bottle Works.
Blackhall Rocks
For another unique beach experience, head to Blackhall Rocks, located just south of Seaham. Known for its towering limestone cliffs and fascinating rock formations, this spot has a rugged charm that appeals to photographers and hikers alike. The beach here has a wild, unpolished feel, with rock pools and hidden coves that are especially fun to explore with children. It’s also part of the Durham Heritage Coast, a scenic area that is a true hidden gem compared to the more frequented tourist beaches.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Though a bit more popular than other hidden gems, Saltburn retains a sense of old-fashioned seaside charm and is a must-see for anyone exploring the North East coast. Known for its Victorian architecture, cliff lift, and long pier, Saltburn combines history with modern attractions like quirky art galleries and cafés. The cliff lift, one of the oldest of its kind, offers panoramic views over the sandy beach, making it a delightful way to explore the coast. Saltburn also has excellent surfing conditions, which attract a laid-back crowd and adds to its appeal as a year-round destination.
If you are looking for a different pace of life, visit Wynyard Woods’ show home in the exclusive Wynyard Village. Ideal for country living but still retaining access to Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough through the nearby A19, Wynyard Woods is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy the countryside our region has to offer.
For more information, visit https://www.robertsonhomes.co.uk/homes-for-sale/wynyard-woods/
