The United Kingdom is nearing completion of the longest uninterrupted coastal pathway globally.
Discovering Hidden Gems Along the England Coast Path
The England Coast Path, a soon-to-be-completed coastal trail, invites adventurers to explore eight distinct regions, from the sandy stretches at sea level up to the White Cliffs of Dover. Currently, 66% of the trail is open, with the remaining 34% expected to be completed by spring 2026. The trail, once finished, will span an estimated 2,700 miles, making it the world's longest continuous coastal trail.
The northeast section of the trail takes visitors through picturesque beaches, sleepy villages, meadows, and cliffs. Margate, Kent, once considered rundown, has seen a resurgence with its blue flag beaches, historic 18th-century buildings, and vibrant arts and food scenes. Attractions include the Dreamland amusement park and the unique Shell Grotto decorated with millions of seashells.
Eastbourne, East Sussex, is another underrated beach destination, known for its vibrant beaches, lively pier area, and access to Beachy Head, the UK’s highest chalk cliff with panoramic sea views. It offers a variety of aquatic activities like paragliding, kayaking, and boat tours.
Hastings, also in East Sussex, combines old-world charm with seaside fun. With a rich historical significance as the site near the Battle of Hastings and a thriving arts scene, it offers a quintessential British beach town experience.
Weymouth, Dorset, is a classic but sometimes overlooked seaside town offering beautiful natural scenery along the South West Coast Path portion of the England Coast Path.
In the southwest, visitors can enjoy views of fishing hubs on the Channel Coast and nature reserves on the Atlantic Coast. The Lincolnshire Coast features the Sound Tower and North Sea Observatory in Skegness.
The England Coast Path also offers opportunities for cycling, horseback riding, and dog walking, but regulations should be checked before setting out. Some sections of the trail lead visitors to numerous underrated coastal vacation destinations, such as Staithes in North Yorkshire, known for its cottages by the sea, fresh local seafood, and fossil hunting.
The trail also boasts a number of castles, including Rufus Castle on the Channel Coast and Dunster Castle on the Atlantic Coast. Any traveler looking for the best day trips from London should consider the southeastern stretch near the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.
Sections of the trail are available outside Bristol, through Devon and Cornwall, in Sussex and Kent, and as far north as Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumbria. The Ramblers Association, a charity dedicated to making Britain's green spaces welcoming to all, believes that someone will eventually walk the trail in its entirety.
The England Coast Path, also known as the King Charles III England Coast Path, will offer beautiful views of England's countryside and lead visitors to numerous underrated coastal vacation destinations. Despite some delays due to landownership disputes, budget cuts, and other unforeseen setbacks, the trail is a significant undertaking, similar in distance to walking from Los Angeles to New York City.
- For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, the England Coast Path serves as a lifestyle journey offering unexplored coastal vacation spots like Staithes in North Yorkshire, with its charming seafront cottages and abundant opportunities for fossil hunting.
- Beyond the stunning natural scenery and vibrant seaside towns, the England Coast Path promises a wealth of historical sites, such as Rufus Castle on the Channel Coast and Dunster Castle on the Atlantic Coast, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of travel, history, and lifestyle experiences.
