The 10 Best Coastal Walks in England
Fish and chips on a windy beach. Buckets and spades. Melting ice creams and the smell of salt in the air. The English seaside brings a fantastic kind of magic that’s stitched into childhood memories for so many of us.
Living near the Peak District, we’re lucky to have some pretty incredible views on our doorstep, but whenever we head for the coast, it always feels like an adventure.
And with over 2,700 miles of coastline around England, there is a lot of adventure to be had.
That’s only going to get bigger, too. The new King Charles III England Coast Path is slowly opening up new stretches every year, aiming to create the longest managed coastal walking route in the world. Not bad for a country best known for its green hills and chocolate-box villages!
So we thought we’d round up ten of our best coastal walks across England, from gentle clifftop rambles to big, breathtaking seaside routes that show off the best of what our not so little island has to offer.
10 English Coastal Walks to Inspire Your Next Adventure
South West England
1. Lizard Peninsula Circular Walk, Cornwall
The Lizard Peninsula is England’s most southerly point, and definitely one of the most amazing coastal walks you can do in the country.
The stunning views of Kynance Cove you’ll get on this coastal walk. Image via Pexels
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Kynance Cove, Cornwall
- Distance: Approx. 7 miles (11 km)
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging (some steep and uneven sections)
- Terrain: Coastal paths, cliffs, sandy beaches, grassy tracks
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, toilets at Lizard Village and Kynance Cove
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Family/Dog Friendly: Family-friendly for older kids; dogs welcome (on leads in places)
Good to Know
- Kynance Cove Cafe is a popular place for a bite to eat or a hot or cold drink after your walk. They are open all year 7 days a week, although their operating hours are reduced in winter.
- The sea breeze can pick up and the path is exposed in parts, so a windbreaker jacket is worth having in the backpack ready to go. We love the Berghaus Wandermoor (Mens and Womens) as it ticks both boxes: keeps you warm and then packs away in your bag.
Walk Highlight
You’ll pass everything from turquoise coves to old lighthouses, and if you’re lucky, spot seals bobbing about offshore. It’s a fantastic mix of English coast and postcard beaches, with Kynance Cove stealing the show.
2. Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, Dorset
If you’re looking for a walk with big views (and a big name), you can’t go past the coastal path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door — two of Dorset’s most famous landmarks, linked by a short but spectacular stretch of the South West Coast Path.
The fantastic views of Lulworth Cove. Image via Pexels
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Lulworth Cove car park, Dorset
- Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles (10 km)
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep in parts)
- Terrain: Cliff paths, grassy slopes, gravel tracks
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs, toilets at Lulworth Cove
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Family/Dog Friendly: Good for older kids and dogs (steep sections to manage)
Good to Know
- It’s a steep climb out of Lulworth Cove so take it steady and pack light. Lightweight hiking clothing and equipment will earn their keep here.
- Lulworth Cove can get busy in peak season, so aim for an early start to try and beat some of the crowds. The carpark is pay and display and open 24 hours to make life a bit easier.
Walk Highlight
The views on this walk are widely considered some of the best on the whole English coast. You’ll climb up above the cove, see Durdle Door’s famous arch appear on the horizon, and get that proper "wow" moment as you head down to the beach.
3. Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk, Devon
Rolling green hills, hidden coves, and one of Devon’s prettiest seaside villages waiting at the end — we have to say, the Branscombe to Beer walk is memorable for the very best of reasons.
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: National Trust car park, Margells Bridge, Branscombe
- Distance: Approx. 6 miles (9.6 km) return
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (some steep climbs and descents)
- Terrain: Cliff paths, woodland trails, pebble beaches
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs, and toilets at both Branscombe and Beer
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Family/Dog Friendly: Good for active families and dogs (on leads near cliffs)
Good to Know
- Some of the climbs are steeper than they look, and the path is well maintained but naturally uneven, so you won’t want to forget your walking shoes. ECCO is always a good option if you’re looking for a new pair.
- Mobile phone reception isn’t great throughout Branscombe valley. Make sure you’ve downloaded any maps beforehand, so you don’t have to rely on your phone.
Walk Highlight
The stretch between Branscombe and Beer shows off the best of the Jurassic Coast: crumbling white cliffs, seaside cafés, and wide open sea views almost the whole way. Beer’s shingle beach is the perfect reward for the turnaround point.
South East England
4. White Cliffs of Dover, Kent
A top ten list of English coastal walks wouldn’t be complete without the iconic White Cliffs of Dover!
White Cliffs of Dover in all their glory. Image via Pexels
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: National Trust Visitor Centre, Dover, Kent
- Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles (5.8 km)
- Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat, some gentle climbs)
- Terrain: Grassy cliff-top paths, well-trodden tracks
- Facilities: Parking, café, toilets at the Visitor Centre; small tea room at the Lighthouse
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Family/Dog Friendly: Family and dog friendly, though take care near cliff edges
Good to Know
- There’s very little shade along the route, so it’s worth packing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and plenty of water in a lightweight backpack.
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If you’re keen to see the famous cliffs but prefer to skip a long walk, there’s a short, wheelchair-accessible path that leads straight to a scenic viewpoint.
Walk Highlight
It’s hard to beat the moment when you look back and see the white cliffs drop away into the sea behind you. Add in the chance to visit a historic lighthouse and spot France on a clear day, and you’ve got a proper day out for the family.
5. Milford-on-Sea to Christchurch, Hampshire
We love the coastal walk from Milford-on-Sea to Christchurch, as it is a great choice if you’re after a scenic route that’s not too tough on the legs. You’ve also got plenty of options to extend on either side (such as Hurst Castle) if you want to take things up a notch.
View from Milford-on-Sea taken on a clear, brisk January afternoon.
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire
- Distance: Approx. 6 miles (9.5 km) one way
- Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (mostly flat, some uneven beach sections)
- Terrain: Promenade paths, beaches, grassy tracks
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs, toilets at Milford, Highcliffe, and Christchurch
- Family/Dog Friendly: Very family and dog friendly
Good to Know
- The Beach House in Milford-on-Sea is a great spot for food before or after your walk. They do everything from coffee and cake to proper meals to fill you up.
- You can do this walk the other way too (i.e. from Christchurch to Milford) and if little legs are getting tired, there are buses you can catch back.
Walk Highlight
Dipping in and out of beaches, stopping for ice-cream, and enjoying the view of the ocean the whole way is what makes this part of the country so brilliant for a coastal walk. Plus, if it’s a nice day at Milford, you might get to spot the Needles and Isle of Wight in the distance.
6. Beachy Head to Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Clifftop walking doesn’t get much better than this! The route from Beachy Head across the Seven Sisters is one of the most famous and photogenic coastal walks in England.
Seven Sisters — an incredible series of 7 chalk cliffs. Image via Pexels
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Beachy Head car park, East Sussex
- Distance: Approx. 8 miles (13 km)
- Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (lots of steep climbs and descents)
- Terrain: Rolling chalk cliffs, grassy paths
- Facilities: Parking, pubs, cafés, and toilets at Beachy Head, Birling Gap, and Exceat
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Family/Dog Friendly: Good for active families and dogs (care needed near cliff edges and steep sections)
Good to Know
- Birling Gap has a National Trust café and toilets, so it’s a good place to stop for a rest or refuel mid-walk.
- It’s worth bringing a good-sized reusable water bottle — you’ll definitely want it after a few of those hills!
Walk Highlight
You’ll climb and dip over all seven of the famous chalk hills, with jaw-dropping sea views the entire way. Lots of people consider this a once-in-a-lifetime walk, especially if you’re not local to the area.
North East England
7. Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
The coastal walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay is one of North Yorkshire’s most popular — with historic harbours, clifftop paths, and one of the prettiest fishing villages in England waiting at the end.
This is one of our favourite areas of the UK. Those views tell you why!
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Distance: Approx. 7 miles (11 km) one way
- Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (some ups and downs along the cliffs)
- Terrain: Cliff-top paths, grassy tracks, some uneven sections
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs, and toilets at both Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay
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Family/Dog Friendly: Good for active families and dogs (care needed near cliff edges)
Good to Know
- Regular buses run between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby if you want to walk one way and ride back.
- There’s plenty to do in both places (for example, Whitby Abbey), so if you’re just heading to the area for a coastal walk, we’d recommend factoring in some time to explore too.
Walk Highlight
It’s an easy route to follow and you get a good mix of open coastline and quieter grassy stretches. The view down into Robin Hood’s Bay is always a bit of a wow moment, especially when the tide’s out and you can see how far the beach runs.
8. Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
One of Northumberland’s best short coastal routes, the Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle walk is a great option for active families who love feeling the sea breeze and getting some steps in!
An English Heritage YouTube video, featuring our very own Craghoppers!
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Craster village, Northumberland
- Distance: Approx. 3 miles (5 km) return
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat and gentle)
- Terrain: Grassy coastal paths, farm tracks
- Facilities: Parking, pub, café, and toilets in Craster
- Family/Dog Friendly: Very family and dog friendly
Good to Know
- Craster is popular for its smoked kippers (especially with the Royal Family) so if you’re in the mood, the pub’s a great place to finish up after your walk.
- If you don’t mind an early start, sunrise is a cracking time to do this walk as there will likely be fewer people, golden light, and a castle silhouette to snap some photos of.
Walk Highlight
This is one of those walks where the view is the destination! You’ll see the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle getting closer the whole way, perched right on the headland. It’s simple but really memorable.
North West England
9. Whitehaven Colourful Coastal Walk, Cumbria
If you like a walk that mixes a bit of history with ocean views, the coastal path out of Whitehaven is a good one to have on your list: bright painted houses, old harbour walls, and a stretch of open clifftops to clear the head.
Whitehaven lighthouse with the incredible sea views behind. Image via Pexels
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: The Beacon, Whitehaven
- Distance: 7 miles (11.2km)
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Harbour paths, coastal tracks, grassy clifftops
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs, toilets in Whitehaven and St Bees
- Family/Dog Friendly: Good for active families and dogs (Dogs welcome under close control due to grazing livestock)
Good to Know
- The terrain itself is considered easy, but there are some uneven and narrow sections with short but steep climbs that make it classed as challenging, particularly for younger children.
- Whitehaven’s Beacon Museum near the start is a good stop if you’ve got time before or after the walk.
Walk Highlight
This English coastal walk starts at Whitehaven’s 17th-century harbour and picks up part of the Coast to Coast path, with old mining sites and industrial landmarks dotted along the way. It’s all part of the Colourful Coast project, and spots like Saltom Pit, Fleswick Bay, and the old Haig site make for some great talking points as you go.
East of England
10. Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham Beach, Norfolk
The stretch from Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham Beach is a brilliant one with long boardwalks, pinewoods, and some of the widest beaches you’ll find anywhere in England.
Dogs love Holkham Beach! Image via Pexels
Walk Snapshot
- Starting Point: Wells-next-the-Sea car park, Norfolk
- Distance: Approx. 4 miles (6.5 km) return
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (flat and gentle)
- Terrain: Beach boardwalks, forest tracks, sandy beach
- Facilities: Parking, cafés, toilets at Wells; café and toilets near Holkham Beach car park
- Family/Dog Friendly: Very family and dog friendly (some seasonal dog restrictions at Holkham Beach)
Good to Know
- Holkham Beach is huge with lots of sand to walk on, sit on, build sandcastles on! Even at high tide, you can enjoy it, without feeling like you're cramped in.
- If you’re bringing the pups, a dog drying robe can be handy, especially if the tide’s out and they’ve had a good run across the sand.
Walk Highlight
Keep an eye out for the colourful beach huts at Wells as they’re a favourite photo stop along the way. The kids love them, and you can even hire them out if you fancy it.
What to Take on a Coastal Walk in England
If you’re starting from scratch with coastal walking, or just needing to replace a few well-worn favourites, it’s worth thinking about the outdoor gear you take with you.
We’ve talked through the starting points for all of our top ten walks, but really, the best starting point is getting kitted out with hiking clothing that’ll keep you dry, warm, and comfortable from start to finish.
What you pack will depend a bit on the season and where you’re walking, but there are a few essentials we’d always recommend having ready:
- Packable Waterproof Jacket: We’ve put together a few popular options here
- Comfortable Walking Trousers: You can't go wrong with Regatta in our opinion.
- Layered Clothing: Lightweight base layers, midlayers like a fleece, and accessories like beanies and gloves
- Sturdy Walking Boots or Shoes: We’ve mentioned ECCO earlier, as these are our go-to!
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, suncream, and a baseball cap (even on cloudy days)
- Backpack: Something lightweight that fits your layers, lunch and water bottle
- Map or Navigation App: Saved offline if signal might be patchy
- Refillable Water Bottle: Stanley is always a fantastic choice.
- Snacks or a Picnic: Once you’re out on the coast, you might have a little way to walk before you reach a cafe or shops.
Final Thoughts
These English coastal walks are some of our favourites, and a good reminder of just how much there is to explore. So we hope this list has sparked a few ideas for your next trip!
Love a Good Walk?
If this post has you itching to pull your walking boots on, don’t miss our guide to the 10 Best Walks in the Peak District — a local favourite packed with scenic routes and practical tips.
About the Author
Tom, proud resident of Chapel-En-Le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.