The planet's most extensive coastal trail was launched this year in England. The King Charles III England Coast Path winds through fishing villages, seaside urban centers, and ancient historical landmarks.
The trail's official portal provides detailed information and tools for creating personalized itineraries. Visitors have the freedom to traverse the entire route or choose specific segments, such as stargazing in Northumberland or the beaches of Cornwall.
One segment of this route covers the north of the country, starting at the Anglo-Scottish border near Berwick and ending at the Humber Bridge near Hull. The journey begins in Northumberland, characterized by sandy beaches and coastal fortresses. Moving south, the path crosses the blooming fields of the Durham Heritage Coast, the traditional fishing villages of North Yorkshire, the seabird colonies of Bempton, and the notable chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head.
In Northumberland, the Craster Coastal Cabins function as luxury accommodation within the British International Dark Sky Park, offering ideal conditions for astronomical observation. These cabins are equipped with a gas stove, kettle, refrigerator, utensils, and cutlery.
Just 13 kilometers away is Alnwick Castle, famous for being the setting of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Interested parties can participate in 'flying lessons' using brooms; instructors portray characters and teach the basics of flying. This activity is included in the castle ticket but requires prior booking.
In the coastal town of Whitby, the Saltmoore is a sophisticated accommodation option, a two-Michelin-starred boutique hotel situated between the Yorkshire Moors national park and the ocean. The red brick building blends with the local landscape. There, guests can savor British cuisine at the Brasserie and relax at the Sanctuary spa.
The surrounding coastal town has great appeal. Its landscapes served as inspiration for Bram Stoker's classic Dracula, especially the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey near the harbor. In addition to its literary significance, Whitby offers guided tours and gin tastings at the Whitby Distillery, which will open a new facility near the abbey in 2027, as well as classes at the Whitby Surf School for those wishing to experience the North Sea waves.
Between the Anglo-Scottish border and Wales, near Chester, the trail passes by unmissable sites such as the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, and the Liverpool coast. The large lagoons and industrial heritage are highlights in this area.
The The Grange Hotel, located in Grange-over-Sands, serves as an excellent base for exploring the northwest. This hotel, housed in an imposing Victorian mansion, offers spacious suites of up to 37 m², an indoor pool in the spa, and a diverse menu at Carriages.
Just 3 km away is the village of Cartmel, a destination renowned for its gastronomy. Besides being known as the land of traditional sticky toffee, good cuisine can also be found at Unsworth’s Yard, a space that brings together regional producers, including the Unsworth’s Yard brewery and cheese and wine shops, all gathered in a charming central courtyard.
Further south, in Cockerham, Patty’s Barn offers rural houses and four and five-star cabins overlooking the marshlands. The property includes a game room, hot tub, yoga classes, and a gym. For the more adventurous, there is the option of skydiving in collaboration with Black Knights Skydiving.
Continuing along the trail, visitors reach Crosby Beach, where a quieter stretch of the coast hosts Antony Gormley's installation Another Place, composed of one hundred cast iron sculptures scattered across the beach, partially disappearing with the changing tides. For safety reasons, it is recommended to view the works from the promenade.
In Liverpool, the journey takes on a touch of maritime heritage at the four-star Titanic Hotel in Stanley Dock. Located in a restored former port warehouse, the hotel retains original elements, such as exposed brick walls, steel beams, and arched ceilings. The basement houses the Maya Blue Wellness spa, whose pools are set under vaulted ceilings and antique piping.
Although some parts are still being finalized, the southeast section of the trail traverses the landscapes of Sussex and Kent, covering everything from the wetlands of Romney Marsh to the white cliffs of Dover. Along the way, visitors pass picturesque villages, such as Alfriston, and towns from the historic confederation of Cinque Ports, such as Rye, which received privileges in the Middle Ages in exchange for providing ships to the Crown.
The route also includes very well-known towns, such as Brighton, famous for its shops and attractions like the Brighton Zip, which is the longest zip line on the south coast of England.
In Sussex, The Alfriston constitutes an elegant retreat in the namesake village, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Housed in a 14th-century manor, this boutique hotel blends historical elements with modern amenities. Its restaurant, the 1554 Brasserie, focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, while the Signet Spa offers treatment rooms, sauna, and an outdoor heated pool.
Along the coast, establishments such as The Rose in Deal, elected the best boutique hotel in the UK in 2025 by the Sunday Times, and No. 124 by GuestHouse in Brighton, represent a new generation of coastal hotels, combining contemporary design, sea views, and gastronomy with local products.
In Margate, the mysterious Shell Grotto delights visitors with its labyrinth of underground passages lined with seashells, whose origin remains a mystery. In Brighton, the i360 observation tower allows visitors to ascend 137 meters above the seafront in a glass capsule, providing panoramic views of the city and the coast.
The southwestern part of the coastal trail extends from the Bristol Channel to Penzance, subsequently following the Jurassic Coast to Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire. This route combines cliffs, surfing-friendly beaches, and historic coastal towns.
The Lizard Peninsula, the southernmost point of Great Britain, is marked by ancient rock formations and the strong weather conditions of the Atlantic, creating a landscape of cliffs and plateaus dotted with small fishing ports.
Nearby, this section of the trail also features new boutique accommodation options. In Bristol, the Gotham Hotel incorporates Art Deco glamour with a modern touch in the city center. Meanwhile, THE PIG-at Combe, in the Otter Valley, Devon, provides a relaxed countryside atmosphere, with meals made from its own garden produce and rustic-inspired spa treatments.
