Combine Howick Hall's grounds with the coast on this mapped 5.8 km (3.6-mile) circular walk. It is graded easy on Walkmates, with an estimated walking time of two hours. The coastal and road sections are separate from simply visiting the gardens.
This is a walk that begins at Howick Hall. There is plenty of parking at the hall, and access to the estate is charged.
We'll walk through the park towards the coast. The Howick Hall estate is deceptively large. Before leaving the gardens for the coast, ask the visitor team which exits are available and how re-entry works; keep your admission ticket.
Once at the beach, you'll join at the bridge separating Sugar sands and Howick. You'll follow the coastal path north (left if you're facing the sea). This will lead you over some dramatic coastline. There are many hidden gems at this section of coast. At low tide you can see the boiler of a wrecked ship, and there's the famous Rumbling Kern nearby too.
Rejoin the main road that leads back towards the estate once you reach the farm buildings. If you get to the Bath House, you've gone too far.
The road is quite narrow, when there are passing cars, it's best to keep out of the way a bit and be sensible on bends. Some cars there travel at speed, so I always remove my headphones, and am prepared to get on the verge to let them pass.
Return to the car park. If you want a coffee in Howick Hall, reenter, and the cafe is close to the main house.
It's a lovely walk with plenty of variety, as you'd expect from one of the UK's most famous historic estates.
It would of course be remiss to not mention that Earl Grey tea was first blended here 😃
Garden admission and opening
Check Howick Hall's visitor FAQ for tickets and seasonal opening before following a route through the estate. Only assistance dogs are admitted to the gardens and arboretum. Confirm coast exits and any re-entry arrangements with the visitor team on the day.
The longer Howick Hall Gardens and Rumbling Kern route has its own map and a 7.8 km distance. For a walk along the coast rather than through the ticketed gardens, compare Boulmer to Craster.
