Best attractions and places to see around Easington Colliery include a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area, once a significant coal mining town, now features a transformed colliery site designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore coastal grasslands, historical memorials, and access the Durham Heritage Coastal Path. This region offers opportunities for walks, nature observation, and insights into its industrial past.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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This impressive modern sculpture, which the hiker encounters here, is a contemporary reminder of the suffering and horror of the First World War. When designing the memorial, the artist did not choose a glorious fighter and victor. Instead, he depicts a war-weary soldier, rifle in hand, who has slumped slightly and needs to rest.
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I always love this coastal walk. I tend to park a bit further away in the 1st car park on top of the hill, when 1st coming into Seaham. Then walk all the way to Blast Beach. If no one knew either, Blast Beach was used/inspired in the film Alien 3. Due to the director being a Northern lad.
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This coastal walk is well worth it. A beautiful walk with lots of contrast, costal paths, woodland trails and small secluded beaches. If you are very lucky you can see either dolphins or porpoises. Plenty of lovely places to eat and drink in Seaham. It’s a must to go and see the statue of Tommy the soldier.
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Tommy is a statue of a First World War soldier by artist Ray Lonsdale, displayed close to Seaham war memorial, on Terrace Green by the seafront in Seaham, County Durham, in North East England. It is officially named 1101 (or Eleven-O-One), referring to the first minute of peace as the armistice came into force at 11am on 11 November 1918, but is more popularly known as Tommy, referring to the archetype private soldier Tommy Atkins.
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Hurworth Burn Reservoir is a 21 acre lake built in 1867. It's surrounded by woodland and attracts a rich variety of wildlife.
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Worth a visit just for the views but a bit difficult to access. Best access is from Leechmere Road. The track begins just before the houses and is signed for the Tunstall Hills park. One tip, once you've been there return the way you came. I tried to find a way down following some unmarked tracks and ended up having to cross a farmers field which is not ideal.
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The Durham Heritage Coast is a 5.5mile section of coast path heading south from Seaham. It passes through stunning cliff top scenery and wild beaches. Some owned and managed by the National Trust.
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Easington Colliery is rich in mining heritage. You can visit the Reconstructed Miners' Pit Cage, which stands where a mine shaft once operated, offering insights into the area's industrial past. The Memorial Garden, located by the B1238, commemorates those who worked at the colliery, featuring a horizontally laid pithead wheel. Additionally, the Easington Colliery Cemetery holds a memorial to the 83 men who died in the 1951 mining disaster.
Yes, the Easington Local Nature Reserve (ELNR) is a transformed colliery site now a thriving coastal grassland with footpaths and excellent views. It's home to wild flora and fauna, including Skylarks and butterflies. The reserve also provides easy access to the Durham Heritage Coast, an 11-mile coastal footpath with dramatic views and wild beaches.
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially walking and cycling. You can explore numerous footpaths within the Easington Local Nature Reserve, leading to the Durham Heritage Coastal Path. For cycling, there are several routes, including gravel biking and road cycling options. You can find detailed routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain biking around Easington Colliery.
Absolutely. The Hurworth Burn Reservoir is a great family-friendly spot for picnics and wildlife observation. The Easington Local Nature Reserve offers easy walks and opportunities for nature spotting, which can be enjoyable for all ages. Additionally, Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) – Seaham is an impressive monument that can spark historical interest, and the nearby Seaham seafront has cafes and ice-cream parlours.
The Durham Heritage Coast offers stunning cliff-top scenery and wild beaches, perfect for scenic walks. The Seaham Coastal Path provides a beautiful walk with contrasts of coastal paths, woodland trails, and secluded beaches. For panoramic views of the surrounding area and coastline, consider visiting Tunstall Hill Trig Point.
Spring and summer are particularly rewarding. In springtime, the Easington Local Nature Reserve is known for its Skylark populations. During summer, you can enjoy displays of wildflowers and butterflies like the Dingy Skipper and Durham Argus. The coastal paths offer pleasant walks year-round, but warmer months provide the best conditions for nature spotting and enjoying the beaches.
Beyond the colliery memorials, the nearby Easington village boasts Seaton Holme, a 13th-century house and one of England's oldest domestic buildings. St. Mary's Church in Easington Village has Anglo-Saxon origins, making it a site of significant historical interest. The Green Shelter in the village is a historic monument and a local meeting place with views of the village green and the sea.
Yes, Easington Beach is accessible via a path under a railway bridge. It's known for its attractive stones of various shapes and sizes. Visitors often find signs of Victorian industries, such as bricks, iron deposits, and sea glass, making it an interesting spot for beachcombing.
The Pay Note Cafe is conveniently located opposite the Easington Local Nature Reserve, offering a place for refreshments before or after your exploration. In the nearby town of Seaham, especially around the Tommy Statue, you'll find coffee shops, cafes, fish and chip shops, and ice-cream parlours.
The Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) – Seaham depicts a First World War soldier. Officially named 1101, it refers to the first minute of peace on Armistice Day. This impressive modern sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering and horror of the First World War, portraying a war-weary soldier in a moment of rest.
Yes, Hawthorn Dene, located between Easington and Seaham, features outstanding Magnesian Limestone grassland. Further afield, Castle Eden Dene is the largest area of semi-natural woodland in northeast England, renowned for its yew trees and miles of waymarked footpaths, offering a different natural experience.


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