Mate
I live in Seaham and it's a good beach, some clean some mixed areas. See the link below for a complete lowdown from a pro, instead of a jack of all trades.
Seaham Beach - Page 2- World Sea Fishing Forums | Sea Angling and Sea Fishing Online | Fishing Reports
South end of the prom, directly opposite the part of the cliff that jutts out furthest, very clean, no snags. Had whitey,(codling-my fishing partner, not me!) and a 3 pound Bass (which went back in). Careful of Featherbed rock (goole earth) people have been swept in and killed-avoid. Pier can be good, for me, mainly whitey but have heard of lots of Dogfish, and usually some one pulls in a big cod. The end quite snaggy, as was the channel into the port the last time we fished. Have actually had a whitey weighing 1 & 1/2 pounds last year. No rails so can get a tad hairy. You'll need to join Seaham Angling Club, and you'll get a key. £30.
Regards parking, never had any dramas. We've also seen naked female skinny dippers; another reason why I'm a fan.
Have fished in Ripon when I used to live there, caught pike to 18 pounds and chub to 5 pounds in the Ure, great place. Fished a pond down by the river (forgotten name) and had tench to 6 pound there, brilliant. Also a trout lake near past the golf course, near Masham I think, again v.good. Never caught a barbel (in 6 years!) but saw some massive ones, laughing at me.
Need anything else, drop me a message