Nestled between Northumberland’s sweeping sand dunes and Yorkshire’s characterful seaside villages, Seaham is one of north-east England’s most rewarding coastal escapes. Part of Durham’s Heritage Coast, the former harbour town lies just 13 miles east of the city of Durham and six miles south of Sunderland, with cliff-top trails, wide beaches and sea views.
Seaham’s fortunes were transformed in the early 20th century when the 6th Marquess of Londonderry invested heavily in its harbour. Reminders of that past remain in place names such as Blast Beach and Chemical Beach, though a major environmental restoration programme has since helped turn the jaw-dropping coastline into one of the region’s natural highlights.
Today, the Durham Heritage Coast footpath links Seaham with Sunderland and Hartlepool, offering miles of scenic walking routes.
The town will once again host Seaham Food Festival on 1-2 August, bringing together food stalls, live cooking demonstrations – including by Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt – and family entertainment. For more information, visit durhamheritagecoast.org, thisisdurham.com and seahamfoodfestival.co.uk.
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