North Gare Beach (Seaton Carew)

North Gare Beach (Seaton Carew) - County Durham
© Mick Garratt and licensed for reuse under this Licence

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.

Type of beach

Sandy

Lifeguard service

No

Dogs friendly beach?

Dogs allowed

Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round

County Durham dog friendly beaches »

Facilities

  • Cafe/restaurant
  • Toilets
  • Disabled facilities
  • Shop
  • Slipway

Nearest town

Hartlepool

Postcode

TS25 2DT

OS grid ref.

NZ 5392 2772

Parking

There is free parking by the beach with disabled spaces.

Water quality

Water quality star rating

Awards

Marine Conservation Society Recommended

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