Enjoying England’s Coastal Paths
Here at TOG24, we’ve partnered with the King Charles III Coastal Path and Go Jauntly to raise the awareness of the amazing coastal walks available in England.
So grab that backpack, don that raincoat, pull on those walking boots, pull up those shorts and pull down that hat before you head out to the English coast for a fantastic walk this summer!
Chapel St Leonards to Chapel Point, Lincolnshire
This accessible coastal stroll is filled with family-friendly activities, sandy beaches, and remarkable viewpoints before reaching its final destination at the stunning North Sea Observatory.
Proceed towards the beachfront via the attractions on The Pullover. Take note of a brief yet steep ascent, but once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the coastline.
The promenade, adorned with flora, offers a wheelchair-friendly path where both children and adults can enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy performance. Alternatively, follow the sandy and pebbly beach until the observatory begins to come into sight.
The North Sea Observatory is situated at Chapel Point, remains open throughout the year, and can be accessed via both stairs and a ramp. Inside, you can replenish yourself at the Seascape Cafe or indulge in the observatory's art gallery.
Anderby Creek to Wolla Bank Beach, Lincolnshire
This circular walk spanning two miles through winding sand dunes, birdwatching opportunities, and even a Cloud Bar offers a unique experience from Anderby Creek to Wolla Bank Beach.
Obtain picnic provisions from Anderby Beach Cafe and ascend the (steep) path to the shore. On your left, you'll discover The Cloud Bar, the world's inaugural dedicated cloud observation platform, where visitors can engage in cloud spotting using the five rotating cloud mirrors.
Subsequently, follow the King Charles III England Coast Path, which will lead you to Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. Within the park, eight Wildlife Trust nature reserves provide children with the chance to spot various creatures.
The next landmark is the Round House, an ideal resting point that presents breathtaking vistas of the North Sea. It is also a favoured spot for avid birdwatchers, so bring your binoculars and observe the flying fauna.
As you depart from the beach, leisurely traverse the cascading sand dunes and take a break on one of the wooden picnic benches. The final stretch of the route veers along a grassy path adjacent to Anderby Marsh before conveniently looping back to the Round House and beachfront.
Ferrybridge to Castle Cove Cruise, Dorset
This former coastal railway trail encompasses stunning landscapes, exquisite gardens, and even a castle. The majority of the route is step-free, except for beach access.
The tarmac path of Rodwell Trail extends along the coast, offering sensational views across Small Mouth Bay to the Island of Portland. The sandy beach regularly attracts paddleboarders and provides an excellent opportunity for a dip, weather permitting.
Continue onward to enjoy vistas of the Victorian Portland Harbour, and a bit further along, on a clear day, catch a glimpse of the undulating cliffs of the UNESCO-designated Jurassic Coast.
Proceed past Castle Cove Sailing Club, away from the coastline, and you'll soon arrive at the tropical oasis of Sandsfoot Gardens. Here, history enthusiasts will find the remains of a castle, and although the structure is currently closed due to coastal erosion, informative panels are scattered around, providing insights into its history.
Tour Weymouth Beach & Nothe Gardens, Dorset
Featuring traditional seaside attractions and a charming old town, this is another perfect adventure for the entire family.
Commencing at Weymouth train station, your first point of interest is the seafront Grade II listed Queen Jubilee Clock, constructed in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
As you stroll along the promenade, numerous spots offer opportunities to sit and enjoy an ice cream. Additionally, there are amusement areas, fairground rides, and even Weymouth's Sandworld, housing an array of impressive sand sculptures.
Eventually, you'll arrive at Alexandra Gardens, where more amusements await, as well as St Alban Street, a delightful narrow road adorned with independent shops and cafes.
After leisurely exploring, the coastal path at Nothe Gardens provides a wonderful vantage point overlooking the entire town, while a nature trail beckons children to spot the eight animals and insects concealed near the playground.
Trundle High at Torrs & Tunnel Low, North Devon
Undoubtedly one of the finest cliff walks in North Devon, this route winds through Victorian pathways and concludes at the historic tidal pools.
Embark on the King Charles III England Coast Path and relish the array of breathtaking views overlooking Arganite Bay and the Bristol Channel. After traversing the cliff paths in a zigzag fashion, the summit unveils a remarkable 360-degree panorama and features a toposcope designed by the Arts College.
Descend from the summit, and the route proceeds towards the towering Grade II listed Bath House. Adjacent to it, you'll find the entrance to the subterranean beach tunnels, originally carved by Welsh miners in the 1820s. These caverns are now open to the public for a small admission fee.
Finally, make your way to the former ladies' beach and bathing pool, which can still be enjoyed at low tide and offers an ideal opportunity to unwind after your journey.
Ilfracombe Seascape and Old Town, North Devon (Step-free route available)
This coastal stroll in Ilfracombe weaves together the town's history, with the added bonus of passing by Ilfracombe's two oldest pubs. Begin at Damian Hirst's imposing bronze Verity sculpture, where the harbour entrance provides sublime views across to Hillsborough, also known as the 'sleeping elephant'.
St Nicholas Chapel (accessible only via stairs) can be freely explored when open, housing a museum and England's oldest functioning lighthouse. Down by the harbour, you can visit an aquarium located in the former lifeboat station. During low tide, the small harbour beach offers a great spot for relaxation and sandcastle building.
Across the promenade, you'll find The Landmark Theatre and Runnymede Gardens. With their rock bridges, streams, and bandstand, the gardens provide an ideal setting for an outdoor adventure.
Further along the route, The Lanes are adorned with beautiful mosaics by the Ilfracombe Civic Society, while Fore Street's charming colourful terraces guide the way to the George and Dragon and Prince of Wales—Ilfracombe's two oldest pubs—where you can reward yourself with a hearty pub lunch.
Solway Wetlands & Campfield Marsh, Cumbria
This delightful walk around Solway Wetlands Centre and Campfield Marsh combines enchanting vistas with a variety of fantastic nature spots and provides visitors with the option of choosing between a shorter and longer route for the day.
Inside the facility, you can discover all sorts of interesting information about the marshes and the wildlife that inhabits them. The staff will even lend you a pair of binoculars to bring along for the walk.
Along the trail, you'll encounter a series of viewpoints overlooking the marshes and ponds, where you hope to catch a glimpse of the diverse bird species that reside in the area.
The longer path then ventures into a small woodland, where you might come across a deer or two concealed among the trees.
Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, has been scientifically proven to enhance physical and mental well-being. It involves being calm and immersed in the peaceful ambience of the forest.
Follow the boardwalk that meanders between the marshes, and you'll soon arrive at the children's play area and picnic tables. There's also Bush Craft Island, an excellent spot for building dens.
Explore the Allonby Coast, Cumbria (Step-free)
Indulge in an ice cream and leisurely stroll along the shoreline on this step-free walk around the coastal path of Allonby. A children's playground marks both the starting and ending points of this circular route, allowing you to decide when to take a break.
If you choose to continue for now, a small bridge to the left of the playground will lead you across the Allonby Beck Burn and into the village, where you'll encounter a collection of distinctive and historic buildings, including The Reading Rooms, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, renowned for his work on Manchester's Town Hall and London's Natural History Museum.
Further along the path, you'll join the coastal trail, which offers magnificent views across the water to Scotland in the distance. Don't miss the renowned Twentyman's Ice Cream Parlour, as their homemade ice creams are a must-try.
Take a moment to admire the splendid Colonel Tom Moore mural at the end of the building before rejoining the coastal path and looping back to the playground where you began.
Amble in Amble, Northumberland (Step-free)
Opt for another step-free option with this flat route that takes you around the picturesque harbour in Amble By the Sea, providing endless views of the water.
Start at Bay View and head toward the pier. On a favourable weather day, take a stroll to the end for a spectacular vantage point. Further along the boardwalk, you'll encounter a picturesque scene of boats and yachts.
There are plenty of fish 'n' chip shops near the pier, including the popular Fish Shack. It's advisable to book in advance, as it tends to get crowded. If you turn onto Leazers Street, you'll find additional options for grabbing a bite, including one of our favourite chip shops, Harbour Fish Bar.
Continue along Harbour Road to complete the walk, or for a more scenic ending, take your fish 'n' chips back along the pier and find a seat—just be mindful of the seagulls!
Aldeburgh Town Tour, Suffolk (Step-free)
Immerse yourself in art and explore an array of independent shops on this step-free coastal walk in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
Your journey begins at the Aldeburgh Museum, a magnificent Tudor building listed as Grade I, which has served as a town hall for 400 years.
Next, stroll down Aldeburgh high street, where you'll discover treasures like The Aldeburgh Bookshop, a business that has been operating for over 70 years and is believed to be the birthplace of one of Aldeburgh's literary stars, George Crabbe.
Don't miss the Aldeburgh Cinema, which has been a vital part of the community for more than 100 years. You'll also find a variety of tempting food and drink options, including The Lighthouse Restaurant, Delphine's Diner, The Cross Keys pub, and The Chocolate Teapot, specializing in hot chocolate, macarons, and afternoon tea by the sea.
As you head towards the seafront, you'll soon reach the Aldeburgh Beach Lookout & Art House, where new artists, poets, and performers are invited to reside each week. It's an ideal spot to unwind and relax after your day of exploration.
