The coastal footpath runs through Horden and follows the England Coast Path. The area also includes former colliery sites, special habitats and places where the mining history is visible. This lets you take different aspects of the area into account when planning your stay.
Coastal Paths and Walking Route
The coastal walking area near Horden has well-marked paths. The green Horden Circular Walk offers a shorter, clearly defined option: it is one mile long and takes about 30 minutes. The distance and approximate duration help you factor the time needed for this walk into your day’s plans.
Limekiln Gill Local Nature Reserve can also be reached from Horden via connected coastal paths. Alongside the circular walk, this provides other ways to explore the coast. The paths lead to an area where grassland, cliff slopes and their habitats are among the distinctive features of the surroundings.
Grassland and Habitats
Former spoil heaps from Horden Colliery have been transformed into coastal grassland. The cliff slopes near Horden provide a habitat for the Northern Brown Argus. Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve is also home to a colony of sand martins nesting in the cliff slopes.
The protected area includes species-rich Magnesian Limestone grasslands. This type of grassland is of national importance in north-east England. Another distinctive feature of the area is the passive mine water treatment plant near Horden: it uses reed beds to filter iron and other chemicals from rising mine water. The landscape around Horden therefore brings together transformed colliery sites, valuable grassland habitats and a mine water treatment plant.
Art and Notable Places
Several sculptures give specific places in Horden their own character. A Little Tern sculpture stands near the footpath at Cotsford Field. Near Warren House Dene are the Horden Butterfly sculpture and the Horden Wheel seating area. There is also a Chrysanthemum sculpture in Horden Park.
Horden Colliery Heritage Centre tells the story of Horden Colliery through a tour. Cream tea is served in the Centre’s Vintage Tea Room. Horden Hall offers a different historical perspective: the small manor house dates from the mid-17th century.
Parks and Mining History
Horden Welfare Park has a Victorian-style bandstand. It is also home to the Marra sculpture, which depicts a miner with his heart torn out and symbolises the impact of colliery closures on the local community. The park has play facilities and space for cricket, bowls and football. Organised activities may require a permit. The park also has information about mining history.
Horden Memorial Park is another venue for community events. The Remembrance Sunday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Service are held there every year. If you are planning to travel for either event, check the date in advance.
Practical Information
Horden station has a total of 36 bicycle parking spaces on Platform 2. Check this information again before your trip. Along with its paths, parks and historic sites, Horden offers a range of options to help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Croxdale, Shildon, Stanhope, Barnard Castle, Chester-Le-Street, Burnhope, Lanchester, Hamsterley
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