Blackhall Rocks Beach
Durham and North East
Blackhall Colliery

​A real hidden gem on the Durham Heritage Coast and a must-visit spot, especially for birdwatchers.

The cliffs and coast feature natural exposures of reef-limestone set down 250 million years ago, making the perfect home for breeding skylarks. Blackhall Beach has been transformed from the bleak industrial landscape it once was (famously featured in the final scene of ‘Get Carter’ starring Michael Cane in 1971) to a beautiful stretch of clean and quiet coast. Be sure to head down and explore the rocky beach, where you’ll find the largest cliff caves in Durham’s magnesium limestone coastline.

In summer the cliff tops are awash with rich and unique wildflowers and grasses, on Magnesian Limestone grassland. Plants include cowslip, thrift, common rock-rose, birds-eye primrose and bloody cranesbill. Most of this type of grassland has been destroyed in Britain over the past century and two thirds of the remainder can be found in the north east. The meadows are at their best in June and July when they are in full bloom.

These vast areas of wildflower rich meadows and grasslands are ideal for bird watching. We have one of the highest densities of breeding skylarks in County Durham; other birds include merlins, short-eared owls, stonechats, meadow pip, kestrel and numerous sea birds.

The area is also visited by hares, voles, foxes, stoats, weasels and one of the largest populations of toads in County Durham.