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Why we love the King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path is a masterpiece in the making. When completed, it will be the world’s longest shore walk, encircling the entire English seaboard: a remarkable 2,795 miles (4,500km) of beaches, clifftops, cities and nature reserves. From the southern tip of Cornwall to the uppermost reaches of Northumberland, it will link world-famous landmarks with little-known corners – a journey through unique cultures, geologies, history and more.

So far, only a handful of sections are officially open, but many will closely follow other established routes, such as the South West Coast Path. As with all of Britain’s National Trails, it’s up to you how you walk it: maybe you’ll hike its entirety, follow a long-distance route, or dip into shorter day walks?

Here, we focus on the sections that are now completed and signposted as the King Charles III England Coast Path. There are walks for all abilities, in all parts of the country – so where will the trail take you?

Things to do on the King Charles III England Coast Path

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Fly high at the Brighton i360

VisitBritain/i360

Brighton

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton
Brighton i360

Bathe in crystal-clear waters at this beautiful Dorset bay and beach, which is also a Unesco World Heritage site.

Take a dip at Lulworth Cove

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Person kayaking along the shores of coastline. Rugged cliff
Lulworth Cove, Dorset

A true British icon, these dazzling chalk cliffs tower over the English Channel: on clear days, you can see France from the top.

Visit the White Cliffs of Dover

VisitBritain

Dover

Woman pushing bicycle up a country road with white cliffs
White Cliffs of Dover

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Plan your trip to Chesil Beach

liam.jnd

Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, Dorset

For charming countryside and a wild coastline, look to England's very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Head to the Quantock Hills

the.mudgley.father

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills, Somerset

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Fly high at the Brighton i360

VisitBritain/i360

Brighton

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton
Brighton i360

Bathe in crystal-clear waters at this beautiful Dorset bay and beach, which is also a Unesco World Heritage site.

Take a dip at Lulworth Cove

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Person kayaking along the shores of coastline. Rugged cliff
Lulworth Cove, Dorset

A true British icon, these dazzling chalk cliffs tower over the English Channel: on clear days, you can see France from the top.

Visit the White Cliffs of Dover

VisitBritain

Dover

Woman pushing bicycle up a country road with white cliffs
White Cliffs of Dover

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Plan your trip to Chesil Beach

liam.jnd

Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, Dorset

For charming countryside and a wild coastline, look to England's very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Head to the Quantock Hills

the.mudgley.father

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills, Somerset

Places to stay on the King Charles III England Coast Path

Brighton

Right on the stretch between Shoreham-by-Sea and Eastbourne, Brighton is a fun-loving city on the south coast, with a huge choice of quirky B&Bs.

Amble

This tiny harbour village is ideal for accessing Northumberland’s section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, while Bamburgh sits to the north.

Quantock Hills

Near the ​​route between Brean Down and Minehead, this region is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering farm-stays and campsites.

Explore nearby

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

British Airways i360

Brighton

Female yoga class taking place on the viewing platform of British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

Welcome to dinosaur territory, with beaches and rocks strewn with ancient fossils and footprints.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People kayaking along the shores of coastline

Historical hot property – evident in its castles, citadels and 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Getting to the King Charles III England Coast Path

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus or road, England’s coast is simple to reach – and is within an hour’s journey of many major cities, including London. For international arrivals, Gatwick Airport is just a 30-minute drive or train journey from Brighton, while Folkestone and Newcastle (whose sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path are already open) offer ferry links with France and the Netherlands. 

Getting around

The  King Charles III England Coast Path provides improved access to the country’s shoreline, making it easy for everybody to visit. However, the coast is also home to thriving cities, towns and attractions, so it’s already very simple to navigate. For day walks, why not take the bus to a location on the path, and then hike back to your hotel? Or, hire a bike to explore the nearby countryside trails.

By foot

Walk it, of course! Even though the full route isn’t completed, many sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path are already open – so you can have a preview.

By train

From charming steam trains to high-speed networks, England’s coast is well connected by rail. Services usually link up with bus routes, too.

By bike

Venture out on two wheels to discover the best sights, beaches and picnic spots. Not all sections of the path are suitable for cyclists though.

Want to know more?

To find out how the King Charles III England Coast Path is progressing, check out the official website.