Blackhall Beach dubbed County Durham's 'hidden gem' with free parking

Blackhall Beach, which is between Crimdon and Peterlee, has received several good reviews online, despite being overshadowed by the likes of Seaham a little further north and Saltburn a little further south.

On Tripadvisor, Blackhall Beach has been dubbed County Durham's 'hidden gem' with free parking, with the beach receiving an average rating of four stars out of five and has been recognised as a great spot for walking and its cleanliness.

And it seems like people are praising Blackhall for the way it has been cleaned up, compared to how it was 40 years ago.

Blackhall Beach (Image: UK BEACHES)

With some mentioning industrialisation and coal spoils on the beach four decades ago, visitors have been reviewing it on TripAdvisor - saying about the 'turnaround' for the location.

It was also praised for offering good views of nearby clifftops, as well as its heritage.

One person who visited recently said: "We had a wonderful walk on Blackhall Beach this afternoon. A huge, clean beach. Hardly anyone about. Easy free parking, and nice paths down onto the beach. No litter. Signs of the coal heritage of the beach. Very good for dramatic photo opportunities."

Another visitor also praised its walking routes, and its nearby pubs, restaurants and coffee shops for something to eat. 

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The reviewer, who rated it five stars, said: "Lovely walk on cliff tops at Blackhall rocks followed by coffee outside a nice hotel on the way back driving towards Castle Eden. Plenty of car parking and most dogs seemed to be on leads. The path is quite smooth could walk a long distance or in a loop and back to the car if short of time. Steps down to the beach as well although quite a few but the beach is quiet so loads of room."

Meanwhile, one person admitted that they didn't want to write a review because they wanted to keep the area to themselves. 

They said on the review: "I don't know if I want to tell everyone about the East Durham Coast, as it is such a beautiful part of the country, we want to keep it all for ourselves!! We have some amazing unspoiled beaches and views along the coastline."