The UK's Best Destinations for Coastal Walks

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Best Coastal Walks in the UK

When the weather’s kind, few places outshine the UK’s coastline for the sheer wow factor. And it’s about to get even better.

The King Charles III England Coast Path is a dramatic trail that stretches for around 2,700 miles, making it one of the longest continuous walking routes in the world.

When all sections are open in late 2024, the route will sweep from the Scottish border to the Cornish coast, connecting seaside towns, cities, ports, and landscapes across England.

To celebrate the UK’s newest coastal wonder, we’re spotlighting some of our favourite country house locations where salt air and sea breeze take centre stage.

Exmoor, Selworthy

Sweeps of open moorland, heather-clad hills, and dramatic sea views characterise Exmoor National Park. And Holnicote House is at the heart of it. Our characterful country property near the village of Selworthy puts you in easy reach of seafront stalwarts like Minehead, walks along sections of the South West Coast Path, and more. We recommend the route between Blue Anchor Bay and Selworthy. Explore the fascinating remains of WWII pillboxes and enjoy the very same views of Dunster Castle that inspired a JMW Turner painting. 

Cornwall, St Ives

England’s most westerly corner boasts over 400 miles of hidden coves, quaint fishing villages, and secluded sandy bays awash with stories of smugglers, piracy, and plunder.Chy Morvah - our grade II-listed property in the seaside hub of St Ives - is steps from the centre of town and close to four great beaches: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden. It’s also a short drive to the famous castle-crowned island of St Michael’s Mount and walks along the St Agnes Heritage Coast – the stretch of shoreline famous for its ghostly ruins of ancient tin mines.  

Northumberland, Alnmouth

The Northumberland coast has earned its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status. Sweeping beaches, sand dunes, and dramatic castles make it a destination for some of the best UK coastal walks. One of our favourite walking routes in the region is St Oswalds Way. Follow in the footsteps of the 7th century King of Northumbria who made it his mission to bring Christianity to the kingdom. Highlights include the fishing village of Craster, the impressive remains of Bamburgh Castle, the chance to visit the tidal island of Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) and spotting grey seals around Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Best of all, Nether Grange, our country house in Alnmouth, is right on the trail. 

North York Moors, Whitby

The Yorkshire coast never loses its capacity to enchant. So it’s easy to see the appeal of Larpool Hall, our Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in Whitby. Overlooking the Esk Valley and the North Sea, this charming house puts the seaside town best known for its fish and chips, quaint harbour, and Dracula connections right on your doorstep. But little compares with the 7-mile-long clifftop path (part of the 109-mile Cleveland Way) that ticks off the spectacular coastal scenery between Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay – the fairytale fishing village tucked away on Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast.

South Downs, Abingworth

Abingworth Hall is our cosy former farmhouse that’s the ideal base for exploring the South Downs – a landscape of ancient woodland, shapely hills, hidden valleys, and chalk cliffs that was finally bestowed national park status in 2010. We love walks along the South Downs Way. Enjoy glorious views over the English Channel on the coastal path between the seaside resort of Eastbourne and Beachy Head, before visiting the Seven Sisters – the wall of gleaming white sea cliffs that welcome visitors to what’s fondly known as the Gateway to England.

All destinations featured are included in our carefully-curated itineraries. We offer a fabulous selection of holidays all of which promise excellent walking and hiking opportunities. Please note, all itineraries are subject to change.

Published 19th April 2023