Stretching from clifftop paths to wild coves and sweeping moorland, this landscape remains blissfully underexplored by comparison. It’s a region that invites movement - whether on two feet, two wheels, or in the water - and rewards it with bracing sea air, cinematic vistas, and a profound sense of space.

Tucked along the Durham Heritage Coast, Seaham Hall serves as both a gateway to adventure and the sanctuary that follows it. This 5-star Georgian country house hotel - blending history, elegance, and coastal charm - offers the perfect counterpoint to the salt-soaked, sun-drenched energy of your active day. With one of the best spas in the North East, it invites you to unwind just as deeply as you dared to explore.

If your idea of heaven is a dawn dip or a midday paddle, then Seaham Beach should be your first stop. Just steps from the hotel, this sandy stretch is one of the lesser-known gems among UK wild swimming locations - perfect for a morning swim before breakfast or a spontaneous splash later in the day. Backed by a clifftop promenade and famed for its soft sand and sea glass, it’s a setting as beautiful as it is accessible.

A short stroll away, Seaham Harbour Marina offers calm, sheltered waters that attract a regular community of swimmers. It’s ideal for beginners and seasoned swimmers alike, with handy changing facilities and local cafés providing comfort post-swim. For those after a more adventurous outing, Adventure Access offers SUP and kayaking sessions right from the marina - a fantastic introduction for all ages and skill levels, with the added bonus of the open sea’s serenity.

Families and nature lovers should head to Blast Beach, a secluded cove just south of town, where rockpooling and beachcombing yield curious sea creatures and colourful treasures. Whether you're swimming, paddling, or simply beach-strolling, Seaham offers some of the most rewarding coastal activities UK adventurers could hope for.

You don’t have to travel far to find some of the best hikes in the North East - the Durham Heritage Coast Walk is practically on Seaham Hall’s doorstep. This easily accessible route offers options from one to five miles, combining off-road walking with open skies, sea air, and cinematic views over the cliffs and down to the glinting sea. With heritage landmarks along the way, it’s a walk that nourishes both body and mind.

For something more substantial, pick up the Seaham to South Hetton section of the Durham Round Trail. This route follows a disused railway line, winding inland via Stoney Cut Bank for sweeping views back toward the North Sea. At 7.5 km (approx. 4.6 miles), it’s an ideal half-day walk with gentle gradients and moments of stillness among the fields.

Whether you're after a gentle coastal amble or a scenic leg-stretcher, the trails around Seaham easily rank among the best coastal walks UK has to offer. The beauty here is that you're never far from the sea, yet rarely surrounded by crowds - a rarity that turns a walk into a restorative ritual.

For cyclists, Seaham offers an energising mix of coastal breeze and railway path solitude. With over 34 km of cycle-friendly routes in the area, you can explore everything from quiet loops to longer legs of the North Sea Cycle Route. Start from Seaham Harbour and join National Cycle Network Route 1, one of the most iconic long-distance routes in the UK. This 22-mile stretch toward Stockton is primarily off-road and blissfully traffic-free, making it perfect for all levels of rider.

Prefer something shorter? The Murton Loop is a moderate circuit ideal for weekend exploration. Taking in the scenic countryside and returning via Cold Hesledon, it gives you that satisfying blend of effort and reward, without overexertion. Thanks to the mixed surfaces - railway paths, quiet roads, and some off-road sections - it offers a varied, tactile cycling experience that connects you with the surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re here for a relaxed pedal or part of a more ambitious UK outdoor adventure weekend, the Seaham coastline proves that outdoor activities near Durham are not only accessible but also beautifully invigorating.

There’s something invigorating about plunging into the cold North Sea and knowing that your evening will end in a hot eucalyptus steam room. At Seaham Hall, the experience of movement is always followed by one of deep stillness. Home to one of the best spas in the North East, the award-winning Serenity Spa is a destination in itself - spanning 44,000 sq ft and designed to soothe sore muscles and re-centre the mind.

Asian-inspired interiors and a world-class menu of treatments set the tone for recovery. Drift away with a marine-powered ishga facial or seaweed-infused massage, or linger longer in the salt sauna, outdoor hot tubs, or hydrotherapy pool. For those looking to elevate their experience further, Novara Skin and Aesthetics offers a pioneering, doctor-led approach to skin health. Every treatment is tailored using state-of-the-art skin analysis - ideal for those seeking results with a side of luxury.

Tempted to stay the night? The Serene Sundays package is perfect for weekend adventurers, offering breakfast in The Dining Room or in-suite, full spa access (including extended Monday access until 5pm), a Templespa ‘Do Not Disturb’ gift, and a two-course Monday lunch at Ozone. Late checkout until 1pm lets you take your time – as it should be.

For a deeper reset, the Two Night Retreat invites you to slow down even further. Available Sunday to Thursday, it includes breakfast both mornings, £100 dining credit to spend in Ozone or The Dining Room, a complimentary cheese board, and round-the-clock spa access. It’s a thoughtful blend of freedom and luxury – a reminder that active travel can, and should, be deeply restful too.