A County Durham beach with 'golden sands' has been branded 'beautiful' and an 'amazing' spot on TripAdvisor by those who have visited it. 

Crimdon Beach, based between Hartlepool and Blackhall, is one of several spots in County Durham down the coastal route - attracting tourists, holidaymakers, walkers and dog walkers.

And it seems as though people have been impressed with what they have seen when they visited the beach, with visitors praising the beach, including its location, cleanliness, and 'golden sands'.

But it's not just that - Crimdon is shrouded in history and is important for nature too.

Known for its sandy shores and popularity among miners since the 1920s, the beach plays a crucial role as a breeding ground for Britain's rarest sea bird, the Little Tern.

These birds travel annually from West Africa in May, with volunteer wardens protecting the eggs and chicks from predators.

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The surrounding dene, a limestone gorge blanketed in layers of glacial clay, sand, and gravel, was formed during the last period of glacial activity.

It's not just the rare sea bird that people have reportedly seen on the beach, with some saying on TripAdvisor that they have seen seals on the stretch of sand. 

So what have people said about Crimdon Beach?

The majority of people heaped praise on the beach, with TripAdvisor ranking the beach as four out of five stars. 

Those who loved their time at Crimdon said: "We always enjoy Crimdon Beach. A mix of beautiful soft golden sand with pebbles and rocks further up. Always have an amazing time on this beach."

Meanwhile, another person who was lucky enough to see seals added: "Amazing clean beach and in the evening if you are lucky you can see the seals lying on the beach. Lots of rock pools to keep the kids busy."

In contrast, the few who haven't been impressed with the beach are certainly in the minority, with a few having complaints of irresponsible dog owners.