North Gare Beach (Seaton Carew)

North Gare is one of the three sandy beaches along the County Durham coast near Seaton Carew. Backed by low sand dunes the beach here forms part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. 

The beach forms the northern shore of the mouth of the River Tees and also runs along the side the Seaton Channel as it joins the river and runs into the North Sea. The backdrop is a strange combination of natural beauty and heavy industry. There are views across the Tees Basin and along the coast towards Middlesbrough. The view southwards in particular is towards a multitude of chimneys and cranes, whilst behind the south end of the beach is the power station.
That said much of the backdrop is occupied by the Seaton Carew Golf Links. 

To access this part of the beach by car it is best to park in the car park at the end of North Gare Road.  From here a footpath leads across the golf course, through an area of dunes, to North Gare Pier, which stretches about 250 yards into the sea. 

The dunes around this area are popular with birdwatchers.  Look out for a wide variety of wading birds and interesting migrant varieties.  In springtime, the entire area of beach can sometimes be totally submerged by the tides. During springtime and summer, the dunes and marshland behind the beach are home to a wide variety of wildflowers, including 4 different species of marsh orchid which flower here in June and July.

On the other side of Seaton Channel, also in the Teeside Natural Nature Reserve, Greatham Creek is home to a colony of seals.