The dazzling British seaside walk just named one of best new things to do in world in 2026
As the world eagerly awaits its completion, this incredible attraction is already being hailed as a must-see marvel, and it's right here at home.
It has been described as "a masterpiece in the making" filled with beaches, clifftops, cities and nature. Now this incredible attraction, due to be completed in the spring of 2026, has been officially named one of the best NEW things to do in the world next year.
As the year comes to a close, you might well be starting to think about how you’ll fill your diary for 2026. And while the Pyramids of Egypt, Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China and Machu Pichu may top your bucket list, there is something much closer to home, that is considered one of the best natural attractions in the whole world. Better still it is only weeks away from completion.
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Sections of it have already appeared in blockbuster films and some of it you may already be familiar with. Completely free of charge and accessible, when it opens it will be the longest of its kind on the entire planet. You won't need to take a long haul flight or book and expensive package tour to do this either because it's right here on our own doorstep!
The 2,700-mile King Charles III Coastal Path will be complete next year, meaning that keen walkers will be able hike the entire English coast, from Berwick-upon-Tweed in Scotland all the way down to Land's End in Cornwall.
When completed, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the world’s longest shore walk, encircling the entire English seaboard. From the southern tip of Cornwall to the uppermost reaches of Northumberland, it will link world-famous landmarks with little-known corners – a journey through unique cultures, experiences, geologies, history and more.
With more sections of the path officially open, others will soon follow the already established routes like the South West Coast Path which featured in the controversial film The Salt Path this year starring Gillian Anderson. Other sections have also appeared on screen too. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland appears in Danny Boyle’s thriller 28 Years Later, also this year.
Time Out described the dazzling seaside walk as "officially one of the best new things to do in the world in 2026" but that's not to say you have to walk it all at once!
As with all of Britain’s National Trails, it’s up to you how you do it and for most people they will dip into shorter walks rather than try and attempt the whole thing in one go - but what an adventure if you have the time and the energy!
Perhaps the best bit of the walk is Britain's bracing beaches. According to Visit Britain: "Britain’s beaches aren’t just for the summer – you can feel the sand (or pebbles) between your toes all year round.
"From secret coves to enormous dunes, the King Charles III England Coast Path takes you past some of our most treasured seaside spots." But they warn "a fish and chip supper is a must for keeping warm!"
Time Out’s UK news editor Ed Cunningham said: "The trail, which has been in the works since way back 2009, will follow the entire coastline of England, spanning 2,674 miles (4,303 km) of cliffs, beaches, cities, national parks and more. Once complete, it’ll be the longest (managed) coastal trail in the entire world.
"More than just a few signposts, the King Charles III Coastal Path will link up legendary seaside spots with stretches of coast that have never before been properly accessible."
The naming decision of the path was made in recognition of his Majesty's "deep love and concern for England's wildlife, natural and rural places" and his frequent reflections on the benefits of walking for health and well-being.
The chairman of Natural England, Tony Juniper, stated that the path is a "fitting tribute to what he has been doing" as an "enormous and effective champion" for environmental protection and restoration initiatives over the years.
The King has a particular personal connection to the Norfolk landscape, which includes parts of the path, and has previously displayed his watercolour paintings of the region.
More than two thirds of the trail is already open to the public, including paths all the way up the northeast coast and in the southwest. The remaining sections – which include Silverdale to Cleveleys in Lancashire, Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth in Devon and Wooton Bridge to the Medina on the Isle of Wight – are all due to be complete in the next three months.
Time Out offers it own recommendations for picking certain sections of the walk. They say:"Choose from paths that pass world-famous sites like Durdle Door, Dungeness's shingle beach, Dover’s white cliffs or the Norfolk Broads National Park.
"Or cut through seaside towns like Margate, Brighton, St Ives, Whitby, Skegness, Cromer, Scarborough and Blackpool. Other en-route places they feel worth of a mention are Liverpool which is close to the final stretch of the north west section of the King Charles III England Coast Path. "Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials."
