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King Charles III England Coast Path

South West Coast Path/Roy Curtis

A person on a footpath on the coastal path near sea

Why we love the King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path is a masterpiece in the making. When completed, it will be the world’s longest shore walk, encircling the entire English seaboard: a remarkable 2,795 miles (4,500km) of beaches, clifftops, cities and nature reserves. From the southern tip of Cornwall to the uppermost reaches of Northumberland, it will link world-famous landmarks with little-known corners – a journey through unique cultures, geologies, history and more.

So far, only a handful of sections are officially open, but more will soon follow already established routes like the South West Coast Path. As with all of Britain’s National Trails, it’s up to you how you walk it. Maybe you’ll hike its entirety, follow a long-distance route, or dip into shorter day walks?

Here, we focus on the sections that are now completed and signposted as the King Charles III England Coast Path. There are walks for all abilities, in all parts of the country – so where will the trail take you?

England Coast Path

Renamed to commemorate the King’s Coronation, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the world’s longest shore walk when complete, spanning a remarkable 2,795 miles (4,500km) of beaches, cities and nature reserves.

Many sections of the coast path are already open: the Olympic Trail on the south coast from Portland to Lulworth Cove was the first to open, having launched in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympic Games.

Be immersed in wild beaches and crowd-free trails along the north-east coast, or journey through Victorian towns, sandy beaches and thriving nature reserves on the north-west coast, close to the Lake District.

Discover golden sands and charming harbour villages along the Norfolk coast, admire the mighty Seven Sisters chalk cliffs in the south, or experience the best of Devon and Cornwall on the South West Coast Path.

Fun fact

Shutterstock / RAW-films

Young man sitting at the edge of the cliff near the white cliffs of Dover

Fun fact

On a clear day, it’s possible to see France from the top of the iconic 300-foot-high white cliffs of Dover, with spectacular views of the English Channel.

Did you know?

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Did you know?

  • In total, 74% of the coast path along the South West is within a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is the world’s smallest public railway, and travels along the peninsula at Dungeness, in Kent.

  • Thought to be the world’s longest chalk reef, the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds off the coast of England are 20 miles (32km) long and more than 100,000 million years old.

  • Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast is one of the largest lived-in castles in England, with a rich history dating back over 1,400 years.

  • The 11-mile (17.7km) long Walney Island is home to Cumbria’s only grey seal colony and is a haven for birdwatchers.

Things to do on the King Charles III England Coast Path

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Fly high at the Brighton i360

VisitBritain/i360

Brighton

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton
Brighton i360

Bathe in crystal-clear waters at this beautiful Dorset bay and beach, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take a dip at Lulworth Cove

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Person kayaking along the shores of coastline. Rugged cliff
Lulworth Cove, Dorset

A true British icon, these dazzling chalk cliffs tower over the English Channel. On clear days, you can see France from the top.

Visit the White Cliffs of Dover

VisitBritain

Dover

Woman pushing bicycle up a country road with white cliffs
White Cliffs of Dover

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Plan your trip to Chesil Beach

liam.jnd

Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, Dorset

For charming countryside and a wild coastline, look to England's very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Head to the Quantock Hills

the.mudgley.father

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills, Somerset

Camp, glamp, relax, fish, or try one of the many water sports on offer here.

Splash down at Skegness Water Leisure Park

caia image / Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Man with backpack fly fishing
Skegness Water Leisure Park

You can’t miss the Towner building in Eastbourne, on England’s south coast. This popular art gallery welcomes 175,000 visitors a year

Get creative at Towner Eastbourne

Towner Eastbourne Photo © Marc Atkins

Coastal Path

Towner Eastbourne by Marc Atkins
Towner Gallery

The unique Naze Tower is a 26-metre tall landmark on the Essex coast.

Visit the Naze Tower

Shutterstock / Daniel Baileydrone

Coastal Path

Walton on the Naze tower
Naze Tower

Be stunned by the unforgettable image of 100 cast-iron life-size figures looking out to sea, on Crosby Beach, Liverpool.

Check out sculptures by the sea

seward.photography/Antony Gormley

Coastal Path

Antony Gormley’s Another Place
Another Place by Antony Gormley

You can’t miss Scarborough Spa – the grand 19th century building along the seafront in South Bay. It’s now a popular music and entertainment venue.

Experience a night out at Scarborough Spa

David Rushton

Coastal Path

Scarborough Spa
Scarborough Spa

You can’t get any fresher than the fish caught and cooked up at the Dungeness Snack Shack, on the dramatic headland on the Kent coast.

Refuel at the Snack Shack

Gilbert McGarragher

Coastal Path

Dungeness Snack Shack
Dungeness Snack Shack

Fuel up on Norfolk’s best produce at this foodie favourite near Hunstanton.

Shop at Drove Orchards Farm Shop

Drove Orchards Farm

Coastal Path

Drove Orchards Farm Shop
Drove Orchards Farm Shop

Harry Potter fans might recognise these sites – Alnwick Castle stood in for Hogwarts, as did Durham Cathedral.

Follow in magical footsteps in Durham

VisitBritain

Coastal Path

Young woman hovering on a broomstick in the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral

Follow the Broadchurch Trail along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and discover the key filming spots of this popular TV series.

Discover the Broadchurch Trail

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Coastal Path

People kayaking along the shores of coastline
Broadchurch Filming Locations

In Hastings and Eastbourne on England’s south coast, discover the locations used in the drama Close to Me.

Head to Hastings and see where Close to Me was made

Justin Sutcliffe

Coastal Path

A hand posing a stack of stones on the coast with the Seven Sisters in the background
Close to Me Filming Locations

Discover Dover’s long history, from the Stone Age to medieval times and modern day, in the popular Dover Museum.

Discover Dover’s fascinating past at the Dover Museum

Alex Hare for Dover District Council

Coastal Path

Dover Museum
Dover Museum

Stop off at one of Kent’s most unusual museums, full of the collections of early-20th century explorer Percy Powell-Cotton.

Visit the Powell-Cotton Museum

Hedley Basford

Coastal Path

Powell-Cotton Museum
Powell-Cotton Museum

Victorious Festival

23rd - 25th August 2024

For a festival with a view, head to Victorious Festival in Southsea, Portsmouth, which combines great music with a great location.

Check out what's on at Victorious Festival

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, a large crowd enjoying Fontaines D.C. on the Common Stage.
Victorious Festival

Charming Broadstairs on the Kent coast comes alive to the sound of folk music every year with its popular Broadstairs Folk Festival.

Head to Broadstairs for its folk-tastic fun festival

Dylan Woolf

Coastal Path

Broadstairs Folk Week
Broadstairs Folk Week

One of the loveliest folk festivals in England takes place on a farm on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, with three days of fabulous fun.

See what's on at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Discover Botany Bay, the beautiful beach along from Broadstairs in Kent, with its white cliffs, chalk stacks and fossil-hunting.

Pack your bucket and spade for Botany Bay

VisitBritain/Kamal Muhsin

Coastal Path

Man standing on beach looking up at cliffs
Botany Bay

We love the traditional English seaside resort of Skegness, Lincolnshire, with its wide sandy beach.

Escape to Skegness

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

A child riding a donkey on Skegness Beach
Skegness Beach

Stop at stunning Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast and enjoy its beautiful beach and picturesque village.

Take a walk around Robin Hood’s Bay

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Coastal Path

A cottage on a hill with plants in pots outside door
Robin Hood’s Bay

Who said camping had to be basic? Not on the Isle of Wight. Get away from it all in a treehouse, yurt, safari tent or eco-lodge and enjoy island life in comfort.

Get ready to glamp it up

VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Coastal Path

Three chalk sea stacks rising out of the sea. Lighthouse
Glamping on the Isle of Wight

The dramatic Bamburgh Castle has overlooked the beautiful Northumberland coast for 1,400 years and is one of the country’s iconic heritage buildings.

Travel back in time to Bamburgh

VisitBritain/Yin Sun Photography

Coastal Path

Aerial view of Bamburgh Castle on the coast of Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle

Visit the much-loved Isle of Wight holiday home of Queen Victoria and see state and family rooms, her beach and glorious gardens.

Explore this royal residence

Historic England/English Heritage

Coastal Path

Osborne
Osborne

Quirky Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight has been a fortress, prison to Charles I and now, popular museum and English Heritage site.

Meet donkeys at Carisbrooke Castle

Historic England/English Heritage

Coastal Path

Carisbrooke gatehouse
Carisbrooke Castle

Take in the views on a walk along the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, along the coast from Skegness.

Visit Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Dog Walking at Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom at sunset.
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Check out Art Gene, a research centre in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, which pledges that our “whole environment can be a work of art.”

Visit Art Gene

richyjmo_

Coastal Path

Autumn-island escape
Art Gene

On the Kent coast, lies Dungeness – a vast shingle beach and nature reserve, which is home to an enormous variety of plants, wildlife, birds and bees.

Go bird watching at Dungeness

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

A female photographer in the Dungeness Landscape.
Dungeness Nature Reserve

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Fly high at the Brighton i360

VisitBritain/i360

Brighton

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton
Brighton i360

Bathe in crystal-clear waters at this beautiful Dorset bay and beach, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take a dip at Lulworth Cove

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Person kayaking along the shores of coastline. Rugged cliff
Lulworth Cove, Dorset

A true British icon, these dazzling chalk cliffs tower over the English Channel. On clear days, you can see France from the top.

Visit the White Cliffs of Dover

VisitBritain

Dover

Woman pushing bicycle up a country road with white cliffs
White Cliffs of Dover

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Plan your trip to Chesil Beach

liam.jnd

Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, Dorset

For charming countryside and a wild coastline, look to England's very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Head to the Quantock Hills

the.mudgley.father

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills, Somerset

Camp, glamp, relax, fish, or try one of the many water sports on offer here.

Splash down at Skegness Water Leisure Park

caia image / Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Man with backpack fly fishing
Skegness Water Leisure Park

You can’t miss the Towner building in Eastbourne, on England’s south coast. This popular art gallery welcomes 175,000 visitors a year

Get creative at Towner Eastbourne

Towner Eastbourne Photo © Marc Atkins

Coastal Path

Towner Eastbourne by Marc Atkins
Towner Gallery

The unique Naze Tower is a 26-metre tall landmark on the Essex coast.

Visit the Naze Tower

Shutterstock / Daniel Baileydrone

Coastal Path

Walton on the Naze tower
Naze Tower

Be stunned by the unforgettable image of 100 cast-iron life-size figures looking out to sea, on Crosby Beach, Liverpool.

Check out sculptures by the sea

seward.photography/Antony Gormley

Coastal Path

Antony Gormley’s Another Place
Another Place by Antony Gormley

You can’t miss Scarborough Spa – the grand 19th century building along the seafront in South Bay. It’s now a popular music and entertainment venue.

Experience a night out at Scarborough Spa

David Rushton

Coastal Path

Scarborough Spa
Scarborough Spa

You can’t get any fresher than the fish caught and cooked up at the Dungeness Snack Shack, on the dramatic headland on the Kent coast.

Refuel at the Snack Shack

Gilbert McGarragher

Coastal Path

Dungeness Snack Shack
Dungeness Snack Shack

Fuel up on Norfolk’s best produce at this foodie favourite near Hunstanton.

Shop at Drove Orchards Farm Shop

Drove Orchards Farm

Coastal Path

Drove Orchards Farm Shop
Drove Orchards Farm Shop

Harry Potter fans might recognise these sites – Alnwick Castle stood in for Hogwarts, as did Durham Cathedral.

Follow in magical footsteps in Durham

VisitBritain

Coastal Path

Young woman hovering on a broomstick in the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral

Follow the Broadchurch Trail along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and discover the key filming spots of this popular TV series.

Discover the Broadchurch Trail

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Coastal Path

People kayaking along the shores of coastline
Broadchurch Filming Locations

In Hastings and Eastbourne on England’s south coast, discover the locations used in the drama Close to Me.

Head to Hastings and see where Close to Me was made

Justin Sutcliffe

Coastal Path

A hand posing a stack of stones on the coast with the Seven Sisters in the background
Close to Me Filming Locations

Discover Dover’s long history, from the Stone Age to medieval times and modern day, in the popular Dover Museum.

Discover Dover’s fascinating past at the Dover Museum

Alex Hare for Dover District Council

Coastal Path

Dover Museum
Dover Museum

Stop off at one of Kent’s most unusual museums, full of the collections of early-20th century explorer Percy Powell-Cotton.

Visit the Powell-Cotton Museum

Hedley Basford

Coastal Path

Powell-Cotton Museum
Powell-Cotton Museum

Victorious Festival

23rd - 25th August 2024

For a festival with a view, head to Victorious Festival in Southsea, Portsmouth, which combines great music with a great location.

Check out what's on at Victorious Festival

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, a large crowd enjoying Fontaines D.C. on the Common Stage.
Victorious Festival

Charming Broadstairs on the Kent coast comes alive to the sound of folk music every year with its popular Broadstairs Folk Festival.

Head to Broadstairs for its folk-tastic fun festival

Dylan Woolf

Coastal Path

Broadstairs Folk Week
Broadstairs Folk Week

One of the loveliest folk festivals in England takes place on a farm on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, with three days of fabulous fun.

See what's on at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Discover Botany Bay, the beautiful beach along from Broadstairs in Kent, with its white cliffs, chalk stacks and fossil-hunting.

Pack your bucket and spade for Botany Bay

VisitBritain/Kamal Muhsin

Coastal Path

Man standing on beach looking up at cliffs
Botany Bay

We love the traditional English seaside resort of Skegness, Lincolnshire, with its wide sandy beach.

Escape to Skegness

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

A child riding a donkey on Skegness Beach
Skegness Beach

Stop at stunning Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast and enjoy its beautiful beach and picturesque village.

Take a walk around Robin Hood’s Bay

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Coastal Path

A cottage on a hill with plants in pots outside door
Robin Hood’s Bay

Who said camping had to be basic? Not on the Isle of Wight. Get away from it all in a treehouse, yurt, safari tent or eco-lodge and enjoy island life in comfort.

Get ready to glamp it up

VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Coastal Path

Three chalk sea stacks rising out of the sea. Lighthouse
Glamping on the Isle of Wight

The dramatic Bamburgh Castle has overlooked the beautiful Northumberland coast for 1,400 years and is one of the country’s iconic heritage buildings.

Travel back in time to Bamburgh

VisitBritain/Yin Sun Photography

Coastal Path

Aerial view of Bamburgh Castle on the coast of Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle

Visit the much-loved Isle of Wight holiday home of Queen Victoria and see state and family rooms, her beach and glorious gardens.

Explore this royal residence

Historic England/English Heritage

Coastal Path

Osborne
Osborne

Quirky Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight has been a fortress, prison to Charles I and now, popular museum and English Heritage site.

Meet donkeys at Carisbrooke Castle

Historic England/English Heritage

Coastal Path

Carisbrooke gatehouse
Carisbrooke Castle

Take in the views on a walk along the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, along the coast from Skegness.

Visit Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

Dog Walking at Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom at sunset.
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Check out Art Gene, a research centre in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, which pledges that our “whole environment can be a work of art.”

Visit Art Gene

richyjmo_

Coastal Path

Autumn-island escape
Art Gene

On the Kent coast, lies Dungeness – a vast shingle beach and nature reserve, which is home to an enormous variety of plants, wildlife, birds and bees.

Go bird watching at Dungeness

Alamy Stock Photo

Coastal Path

A female photographer in the Dungeness Landscape.
Dungeness Nature Reserve

Places to stay on the King Charles III England Coast Path

Brighton

Right on the stretch between Shoreham-by-Sea and Eastbourne, Brighton is a fun-loving city on the south coast, with a huge choice of quirky B&Bs.

Amble

This tiny harbour village is ideal for accessing Northumberland’s section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, while Bamburgh sits to the north.

Quantock Hills

Near the ​​route between Brean Down and Minehead, this region is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering farm-stays and campsites.

Explore nearby

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

Welcome to dinosaur territory; its beaches and rocks strewn with ancient fossils and footprints.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People kayaking along the shores of coastline

Historical hot property – evident in its castles, citadels and 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Getting to the King Charles III England Coast Path

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus or road, England’s coast is simple to reach – and is within an hour’s journey of many major cities, including London. For international arrivals, Gatwick Airport is just a 30-minute drive or train journey from Brighton, while Folkestone and Newcastle (whose sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path are already open) offer ferry links with France and the Netherlands. 

Getting around

The  King Charles III England Coast Path provides improved access to the country’s shoreline, making it easy for everybody to visit. However, the coast is also home to thriving cities, towns and attractions, so it’s already very simple to navigate. For day walks, why not take the bus to a location on the path, and then hike back to your hotel? Or, hire a bike to explore the nearby countryside trails.

By foot

Walk it, of course! Even though the full route isn’t completed, many sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path are already open – so you can have a preview.

By train

From charming steam trains to high-speed networks, England’s coast is well connected by rail. Services usually link up with bus routes, too.

By bike

Venture out on two wheels to discover the best sights, beaches and picnic spots. Not all sections of the path are suitable for cyclists though.

Want to know more?

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