Blast Beach with sunlit rock pools and bright green seaweed covered rocks in the foreground and white capped waves behind. To the right, a strip of pale orange and grey pebbled beach at the foot of cream coloured craggy cliffs topped with vegetation stretch away into the distance. The sky is intense blue with white fluffy clouds. — Blast Beach, Durham Coast | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Coast and beaches

We care for more than 890 miles of coastline. Plan your next coastal adventure and visit a soft, sandy beach or rugged, windswept cliff.

Things to do at the coast

Top islands to visit

Whether you're looking for a rugged family adventure or a quiet day trip with stunning views, here are your top picks for islands to escape to.

A visitor walking over the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, with a rocky island visible on the other side of the bridge and the sea behind

Best beaches for rock pools

Built to help mariners navigate over the centuries, discover more about these beacons of light.

Two adults and a child rockpooling at Wembury

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do at the beach

Try out the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities children can enjoy by the sea, from paddling or swimming, to catching crabs and skimming stones.

Girls paddling in a stream on the beach at Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire

Top coastal walks

Explore some of the UK's most famous natural landmarks on a coastal walk. With a variety of walking trails offering clifftop views, golden sands and local wildlife, there's a walk for everyone.