Discover England: England's Coast - The Regions

Northumberland’s coast features dramatic landscapes, magnificent castles and quaint fishing villages. It’s home to more castles than any other county in England and has more than 30 miles of spectacular beaches. Along this wild and rugged coastline, you can discover fishing communities clustered round sandy coves, visit the tidal Holy Island of Lindisfarne or explore Bamburgh Castle, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.

The Yorkshire coast has stunning natural landscapes, iconic harbour towns and the outstanding North York Moors national park. This unique coastline is 36 miles long and home to a rich choice of pretty seaside towns and villages, from traditional resorts like Scarborough, to historic fishing communities like Whitby and Staithes, many of which are located in the stunning North York Moors National Park.

Home to extensive nature reserves, vast sandy beaches, stylish coastal towns and rich history, this coastline is a haven for nature-lovers. The famous Norfolk Broads, including the National Park, are home to an enormous variety of birdlife, especially at migration times. But the East Coast also offers museums, stately homes, quaint villages and market towns, ancient churches and much, much more.

From the buzzing city of Brighton to the historic treasures at Eastbourne, this region is packed with cultural features and history as well as a stunning natural landscape. You can visit art galleries, Victorian shopping streets and regional theatres in the cities. But this area is also home to the must-see South Downs National Park and the spectacular Seven Sisters chalky cliffs. Brighton and Eastbourne are ideal stop-overs, both feature a vibrant arts scene with a range of galleries, concert venues and nightlife alongside excellent places for eating out and shopping.

This world heritage coastline features some the country’s most iconic coastal landmarks including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site and features rocks and fossils dating back 185 million years, but this unspoilt coastline also offers unmissable natural features such as Chesil Beach. You’ll find a rich variety of food, pretty coastal towns, castles and scenic coastal paths. As well as a rich variety of natural features, this coastline is dotted with quaint towns like Swanage, Lyme Regis and Sidmouth.

Walk the spectacular Coastal Path, discover a range of water-based activities or simply explore the cliffs and bays, wide sandy beaches and picturesque harbours made popular in scores of films and books. With an extensive number of beaches, beautiful fishing hamlets, tiny pebbled coves and windswept bays, it’s little wonder this region is so popular with returning visitors. The South West Coastal Path hugs the coastline and is perfect for walkers of all levels of fitness, but the area’s also famous for its excellent local seafood and celebrity-owned restaurants.