A Coast for All… Autumn Colours

Autumn’s the perfect season for coastal walks. If you want amazing nature up-close, head over to the Lincolnshire coast. 

You’ll encounter spectacular bird migrations and thousands of seal pups!

If you’re planning a walk on the east coast, you’re in for a treat, it’s the perfect time to observe seals and migrating birds. 

Late October sees grey seals at Donna Nook Nature Reserve arriving to give birth, an amazing event that continues to early January, this noisy and fascinating spectacle is a must-see. Pups are born with white coats and suckle from their mother for the first few weeks, gaining weight quickly from the rich milk. The mother then leaves the pup to mate again before leaving the beach. The deserted pup then sheds its white coat before heading out to sea to find its own food. 

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust keeps close watch on the nature reserve; in 2023 some 2,207 pups were born at Donna Nook. 

Lincolnshire is also one of the premier birdwatching counties in the UK, its location on the East Coast Flyway means huge numbers of birds stop to refuel here on their annual migrations. The Wash is globally significant described as one of Britain’s last great wildernesses, the largest and most important estuary for birds in the UK. It supports more than 400,0000 non-breeding waterbirds including 14 internationally important species, not least the Redshank. 

During the autumn migration at RSPB Frampton Marsh, it is possible to see more than 100 bird species in a day. Tides can also have a big effect on both species and numbers.  

The highest tides of the year can push thousands of birds over the sea bank and onto the pools and grassland to roost, best tides for this are often between six and nine in both the morning and evening. The sight and sound of these flocks taking to the air is awesome! 

With the crowds long gone, autumnal beaches are the perfect time for an autumn escape with your dog.

Kent’s White Cliffs Country have made it their mission to welcome four-legged friends with dog-friendly events, places to eat and stay and shops displaying Dogs Welcome stickers in their windows. 

Pawfest takes place every October in Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal. Great for all breeds and all the family, there’s a huge range of fun activities and games to encourage fitness in a safe environment.  

There’s a raft of dog-friendly experiences for both dogs and their owners too, visit Barnsole Vineyard, step aboard Captain Colin’s Riverbus on the River Stour including refreshments at the aptly named Dog and Duck pub, join a Capture Kent photography walk along the Dover Cliffs or take part in stone-carving sessions and craft workshops. 

Walks are the focal point for any dog-friendly escape, exploring parks and gardens festooned in autumnal hues is magical. Tramp through Walmer Castle’s tree- lined woodland walk and colourful herbaceous borders, check out the seasonal produce of the kitchen garden. Goodnestone Park Gardens is another must for autumn colours, meander its arboretum, parterre and terraces or head to the six acres of mature shrubs and trees at The Pines Gardens at St Margaret’s Bay. 

Almost one quarter of this coastland is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at its best explored on foot. Hike the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, strike out on part of the King Charles III England Coast Path or the North Downs Way, just layer up and enjoy! 

Around the corner, Margate’s sunsets on the Isle of Thanet have been immortalised in Turner’s magnificent paintings, never better than in autumn. Watch the sunset on Margate’s King’s Steps munching fish ‘n’ chips or enjoy a crisp morning watching the sunrise at Kingsgate Bay Broadstairs. 

Russet colours abound at Quex House and Gardens or at Ramsgate’s Ellington Park or at King George IV Memorial Park, just two minutes from Ramsgate’s seafront. 

If you’re looking to really pamper your pooch, head north and check out Seaham Hall Hotel on the Durham Heritage Coast. 

It’s set just moments from Seaham beach, book a garden suite with hot tub for the pawfect stay. Or opt for The Seaton Lane Inn, all the beaches on this coast are dog-friendly year-round, so explore sandy Crimdon Beach or the clifftop trails at Blackhall Rocks, return at night to the warming bar for a hearty home-cooked dinner. 

Don your walking boots and visit Castle Eden Dene for a 13- mile coastal footpath or explore the nature reserves of the Northern Saints Trail, The Way of Love is inspired by St Hilda, St Helena and Mary Magdalene. 

You’ll find mesmerising autumn colours in Castle Eden Dene’s ancient woodlands, enjoy the russet displays of majestic yew, oak, chestnut and ash trees punctuated with bright berries and earthy fungi underfoot. 

On the west coast, the astonishing sunsets in Lancashire are hard to beat. Choose from the Lake District backdrop of mountains and fells behind Morecambe Bay or head to Cleveleys beach for the Mythic Coast Sculpture Trail. Rest at Mary’s Shell for a spectacular sunset, the final descent in the shell itself. 

Lancaster is hailed as one of the UK’s most dog-friendly cities but there’s plenty of choice on the coast too.  With or without a dog, explore the Heysham Coast Trail, 5km of ancient ruins, pretty beaches, sculptures and landmarks.