About This Place

Blast Beach lies just south of Seaham, around Noses Point and near the village of Dawdon. It’s a place shaped by industry, transformed by nature, and known for its dramatic landscape and rich history. The beach and surrounding area played a key part in the Turning the Tide project - an ambitious effort between 1997 and 2002 that tackled the environmental damage left by more than a century of mining and heavy industry along the Durham coast. --> Today, it’s a success story, part of the Durham Heritage Coast, and a destination that stirs all the senses. With the help of Durham County Council, the National Trust, and others, industrial scars were healed, wildlife returned, and coastal paths were opened up. The cliffs now support unique limestone habitats, and the views from Noses Point are wide and full of life. A couple of limestone stacks rise from the shore, there’s a fossilised tree stump near a seating area, and red-tinged rock pools hint at the lingering traces of iron oxides. The beach also has a WWII pillbox. Blast Beach has had its moment on the big screen too. The bleak opening scenes of Alien 3 were filmed here before restoration began. More recently, it appeared in The Last Kingdom, standing in for the Icelandic coast. Reaching the beach requires a short but steep walk. The path itself crosses the remnants of an old slag heap, a reminder of the area’s past. But at the bottom, you’ll find a coastline that has emerged from its industrial shadow and invites exploration.

💡 Our Take

Blast Beach, near Seaham in County Durham, is a fantastic off-leash haven for dogs! Your furry friends will love the freedom of year-round access to its unique, darkly-coloured sands, a result of its industrial past. While parking is available nearby, be aware that immediate facilities are limited, so bring your own water and clean-up bags. Swimming can be unpredictable due to currents, so keep a close eye on your pups in the water. Blast Beach is especially great for energetic dogs that love to run and explore, though its open space might be overwhelming for very small or nervous dogs.