Seaham Hall Beach Caves

The caves at Seaham Hall Beach aren't the dramatic grottoes you might be imagining - they're more modest sea-carved alcoves worn into the rocky shoreline near Peterlee. Still, there's something compelling about them, especially when the tide's out and you can actually get down to explore the darker recesses. You'll find them tucked beneath the cliff face, weathered sandstone and shale creating natural arches that locals have probably known about for generations.

The real appeal here is the walk itself. Seaham's coastline is genuinely worth a ramble, with the beach offering proper Durham views - industrial heritage mixing with natural drama. The caves themselves are free to visit whenever the tide permits, though you'll want to check conditions before heading down; it's the kind of place where the weather and sea state matter more than opening hours.

Kids usually enjoy the adventure of poking around the caves for an hour or so, though it's not a day-long destination. Walkers will get more from it, treating the caves as a pleasant waypoint on a longer coastal stretch. The novelty wears off fairly quickly if the weather's poor or the tide's high and you can't access them properly.

If you're staying at The Barn at Easington just down the road, it's well worth the short drive to add this to your itinerary. Combine it with a proper walk along the Durham coast and you've got a decent half-day outing.