Five Regal Adventures to Welcome the King Charles III Coastal Path

May 2023: As part of the celebrations for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the England Coast Path will be renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ after an unveiling on 10 May 2023. The new National Trail will be fully walkable by the end of 2024, connecting communities across England. Set to be the world’s longest managed coastal path, the King Charles III England Coast Path will cover around 2,700 miles when it is complete. The next two sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path to launch will be in Filey, North Yorkshire, and Crosby Beach, Liverpool – both will be opened on 10 May 2023.

 

Here, VisitEngland shares five King Charles III England Coast Path walking routes, each with a nearby castle to explore. These adventures along dramatic cliffs, smooth sandy beaches and historic piers get a royal twist with experiences including immersive ancient history tours, glamping in castle grounds and exploring subtropical stately gardens.

 

North East – Amble to Bamburgh

Over a stretch of 47 km/ 29 miles along Northumberland’s coastline between Amble and Bamburgh, you’ll discover England’s natural beauty through coastal cliffs, rocky bluffs, and white sandy beaches. Stroll over to Bamburgh beach for a chance to surf along Northumberland’s most picturesque breaks, suitable for beginner and advanced surfers. Located just off the coast, Bamburgh Castle was home to the royal family between the 12^th and 15^th Centuries. Set in an enormous compound, the castle features an immersive and interactive experience bringing its history to life. Explore the film set of the Netflix hit, The Last Kingdom and get a backstage look at the costumes and props used during filming. Alternatively, take a grand tour of the grounds to discover 3,000 years of history. Make the journey a long weekend and stay at one of the many accommodations offered on the castle grounds including seaside cottages and the clock tower.

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path-north-east/route-description

 

North West – Whitehaven to Silecroft

Stretching down the North Western coast, this walk measures at a brisk 54.9 km/ 32 miles and features views of the Lake District National Park, Braystones’ beach huts, and sometimes parallels the picturesque Cumbrian Coastal Railway. Along the path, inland towards Muncaster and Ravenglass, walkers will find Muncaster Castle – a much-loved family home sitting on 77 acres of flourishing gardens and woodlands. Tour inside the castle for a closer look at the incredible architecture and artefacts of the late 17^th Century compound, and learn the story behind the ghost that wanders the castle grounds at night. End the day with a stay at one of the castle’s many accommodation choices, from four-star hotels and cosy cottages to glamping in the gardens of the castle grounds.

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path-north-west/route-description

 

East – Maldon to Salcott

Beginning in Salcott (named after its huts which stored the area’s salt harvested since the Iron Age) and ending in Maldon (known for showcasing England’s beautiful Blackwater Estuary and Nature Conservation), the trail runs along the East coast totalling 42 km/ 26 miles. It loosely follows the northern bank of the River Blackwater allowing walkers to spot diverse sea-life and salt marshes, along with easy access to Northey Island and Osea Island. Just a short journey from the coast lies the largest Norman Keep in Europe – Colchester Castle, offering visitors access to interactive exhibits, a 13^th Century prison and Roman Vaults. The castle houses artefacts dating as far back as the Roman-era, and offers tours deep below in the haunted vaults, and high above for incredible rooftop views. End the day just down the coast, with a stay on the calm and idyllic Osea Island, or take a chance with the ghosts and experience a night in Colchester Castle’s centuries old prison.

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path-east/route-description

 

South East – Folkstone to Ramsgate

Along the South East coast sits the Folkstone to Ramsgate path stretching 59 km/ 37 miles. Featuring incredible views of the White Cliffs, diverse wildlife and sites like the historic Cinque Port of Sandwich and St. Martin’s Battery. On the path, near historic ports with views of France, sits Dover Castle where visitors can learn about the medieval court of Henry II and discover the castle’s Roman and Saxon history. Get exclusive views from above in the Great Tower or go underground to discover the secret tunnels used during wartimes. Stay overnight for a chance to sleep in Peverell’s Tower, with a private rooftop terrace showcasing amazing views across the channel. Guests will receive a luxury hamper and private access to the castle after it’s closed.

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path-south-east/route-description

 

South West – Brean to Minehead

Graded as an easy trail, Brean to Minehead stretches an astonishing 93 km/ 58 miles along the South West coast and is considered a four-day adventure. Walk the sandy beaches of Berrow and Burnham-on-sea, or experience the cliff formations from Lilstock to Blue Anchor. Situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park you’ll find Dunster Castle, which is surrounded by subtropical gardens. Tour inside for a closer look into the castle’s 1,000-year history or discover the microclimate inside the River Garden which keeps the area green all year round. End the day with a relaxing slumber at Dunster Castle Hotel and wake up with a quintessential English breakfast to jumpstart another day of coastal walking.

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/england-coast-path-south-west/itinerary/brean-to-minehead

 

For more information on planned celebrations along the England Coast Path visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path-celebrations

 

 

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Notes to editors:

• VisitEngland’s comprehensive What’s New in England 2023 overview can be downloaded here. Password is England2023.
• Accompanying images can be downloaded here. Registration to the from the VisitBritain asset library is required to download images. Register here.

 

 

For more detail and to receive our comprehensive overview of What’s New and What’s On in 2023 please contact the VisitEngland PR team:

Louise Ferrall / Josie Self

Email: vepr@visitengland.org or visit media.visitengland.com  www.visitengland.com