Grab your bucket and spade for a British beach holiday this year, and find out everything Yorkshire's coastline has to offer. There's something rather special about a trip to the Yorkshire coast. You'll find dramatic cliff top walks, beautiful beaches (great for fossil hunting), and plenty of history.
Ranging from the industrial landscape of Teesside down to the city of Kingston upon Hull, there are lots of delightful towns and cities to discover on Yorkshire's coastline and plenty of beautiful beaches. Whether you fancy a magical boat trip, making sandcastles on the beach or watching the world go by from a beachfront cafe, Yorkshire is the perfect place to visit for a holiday or long weekend this year.
Sandsend
Just a short distance from the historic small town of Whitby, the tiny village of Sandsend is situated where the North Yorkshire Moors meet the sea. This pretty but quiet village has grassy cliffs and a breathtaking and extensive sandy beach, which is usually empty.
While away the day exploring rock pools, trying your hand at surfing or hunting for fossils. There are even small streams running into the sea, complete with ducks.
Further afield you could visit the abandoned alum quarries; visit nearby Lythe which has the ruins of 12th century Mulgrave Castle and the history-rich St. Oswald’s Church; or enjoy a bracing walk along the beach to Whitby.
It's a bit of a foodie destination too. Eat at the many small cafes dotted along the beach or the local pub, the Hart Inn. Or try Etsbek House which has 2 AA rosettes and a seasonal menu, or the Bridge Cottage Bistro, both of which use delicious local ingredients. If you want the best view, head to the Sandsend Cafe for decent cafe fare and a stunning view of that glorious beach.
Stay at Spindrift Cottage, a traditional seaside holiday cottage with cosy woodburner, patio garden and a prime spot right by the beach.
Filey
Filey is a traditional seaside resort, with promenade, sandy beach and traditional fish and chips. Its huge beach (Sunday Times Beach of the Year) is a glorious sweep of soft, golden sand that is so big it never seems crowded, even on the busiest days.
Play beach games, build sandcastles, fly a kite, take a walk or just sit in a deckchair and watch the birds, seals and even porpoise in high summer. The town is busier and has some quirky shops, lovely Edwardian architecture and a decent museum.
Eat at Inghams fish and chip restaurant, the Monsoon Indian restaurant which is small but serves great food, and San Marcos Italian restaurant which serves authentic food in a great atmosphere.
Stay at Osgodby Cottage, a handsome double-fronted cottage with spacious interiors that's just a hop, skip and jump from Filey beach and has a beautiful large garden, ideal for children.
Whitby
One of the most popular seaside resorts in Yorkshire and famous for its atmospheric Abbey, Whitby boasts a Blue Flag beach perfect for families. Everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach is here including various food and drink options. For a quieter and sheltered sandy beach (dog friendly all year round) try Tate Hill on the east side of the River Esk.
Drag yourself away from the beach to take a lifeboat cruise passing the brightly coloured fishing trawlers in the working harbour or to explore the architecture of this delightful town. Packed with history, don't miss the Whale Bone Arch, Captain Cook Museum and the Abbey itself. Stop at The Duke of York pub on your way up or down the 199 steps.
If you visit with older teens follow in Bram Stoker's footsteps as you take the Dracula Walk around the cobbled streets of Victorian Whitby. Younger kids will love a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Related post: What to do in Whitby with kids
Eat fresh fish and chips from on the Quayside or head into town for something more substantial. The Ditto Restaurant on Skinner Street, Burgsy's on Grape Lane, the Black Horse Inn on Church Street and The White Horse & Griffin on Church Street all come highly recommended.
Stay at Spyglass 1708, a gorgeous Grade II listed former Sea Captain's house that's nestled down one of Whitby's famous yards with stunning views of the town's famous Abbey. Leave the car behind and explore the town on foot, or take a walk along the beach to Sandsend (see above).
Robin Hood's Bay
If you want to see the Yorkshire coast at its most beautiful, isolated Robin Hood’s Bay is the place to go. This scenic village has it all: brooding cliffs, a tumble of red-roofed fishing cottages, and cobbled pathways that lead down to a rugged, unspoilt beach.
The beach is another brilliant place to hunt for fossils. Known as Smuggler's Town because of its 18th century history, there are fascinating tales to be told and you can spend hours hunting for gold and spinning yarns with the kids. Visit the museum in the Old Coastguard Station for inspiration.
There are some wonderful walks from Robin Hood's Bay including Sneaton Forest and Fallign Foss Waterfall a short walk inland. Otherwise, admire the breathtaking views and explore the town's architecture at this elemental and wild stretch of coastline. (No deckchairs or slot machines here!)
Eat at Ye Dolphin on King Street (check opening times) or at The Laurel Inn with its bar hewn from solid rock.
Stay at Lilly's Cottage, a gorgeous 17th century cottage that is tucked away in the labyrinth of pretty streets in Robin Hood's Bay. The cottage is dog-friendly and they will love the sandy beach which is just a short stroll away.
Explore Yorkshire's dramatic and beautiful coastline this year.
Other places to visit in Yorkshire:
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Ranging from the industrial landscape of Teesside down to the city of Kingston upon Hull, there are lots of delightful towns and cities to discover on Yorkshire's coastline and plenty of beautiful beaches. Whether you fancy a magical boat trip, making sandcastles on the beach or watching the world go by from a beachfront cafe, Yorkshire is the perfect place to visit for a holiday or long weekend this year.
Sandsend
Just a short distance from the historic small town of Whitby, the tiny village of Sandsend is situated where the North Yorkshire Moors meet the sea. This pretty but quiet village has grassy cliffs and a breathtaking and extensive sandy beach, which is usually empty.
While away the day exploring rock pools, trying your hand at surfing or hunting for fossils. There are even small streams running into the sea, complete with ducks.
Further afield you could visit the abandoned alum quarries; visit nearby Lythe which has the ruins of 12th century Mulgrave Castle and the history-rich St. Oswald’s Church; or enjoy a bracing walk along the beach to Whitby.
It's a bit of a foodie destination too. Eat at the many small cafes dotted along the beach or the local pub, the Hart Inn. Or try Etsbek House which has 2 AA rosettes and a seasonal menu, or the Bridge Cottage Bistro, both of which use delicious local ingredients. If you want the best view, head to the Sandsend Cafe for decent cafe fare and a stunning view of that glorious beach.
Stay at Spindrift Cottage, a traditional seaside holiday cottage with cosy woodburner, patio garden and a prime spot right by the beach.
Filey
Filey is a traditional seaside resort, with promenade, sandy beach and traditional fish and chips. Its huge beach (Sunday Times Beach of the Year) is a glorious sweep of soft, golden sand that is so big it never seems crowded, even on the busiest days.
Play beach games, build sandcastles, fly a kite, take a walk or just sit in a deckchair and watch the birds, seals and even porpoise in high summer. The town is busier and has some quirky shops, lovely Edwardian architecture and a decent museum.
Eat at Inghams fish and chip restaurant, the Monsoon Indian restaurant which is small but serves great food, and San Marcos Italian restaurant which serves authentic food in a great atmosphere.
Stay at Osgodby Cottage, a handsome double-fronted cottage with spacious interiors that's just a hop, skip and jump from Filey beach and has a beautiful large garden, ideal for children.
Whitby
One of the most popular seaside resorts in Yorkshire and famous for its atmospheric Abbey, Whitby boasts a Blue Flag beach perfect for families. Everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach is here including various food and drink options. For a quieter and sheltered sandy beach (dog friendly all year round) try Tate Hill on the east side of the River Esk.
Drag yourself away from the beach to take a lifeboat cruise passing the brightly coloured fishing trawlers in the working harbour or to explore the architecture of this delightful town. Packed with history, don't miss the Whale Bone Arch, Captain Cook Museum and the Abbey itself. Stop at The Duke of York pub on your way up or down the 199 steps.
If you visit with older teens follow in Bram Stoker's footsteps as you take the Dracula Walk around the cobbled streets of Victorian Whitby. Younger kids will love a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Related post: What to do in Whitby with kids
Eat fresh fish and chips from on the Quayside or head into town for something more substantial. The Ditto Restaurant on Skinner Street, Burgsy's on Grape Lane, the Black Horse Inn on Church Street and The White Horse & Griffin on Church Street all come highly recommended.
Stay at Spyglass 1708, a gorgeous Grade II listed former Sea Captain's house that's nestled down one of Whitby's famous yards with stunning views of the town's famous Abbey. Leave the car behind and explore the town on foot, or take a walk along the beach to Sandsend (see above).
Robin Hood's Bay
If you want to see the Yorkshire coast at its most beautiful, isolated Robin Hood’s Bay is the place to go. This scenic village has it all: brooding cliffs, a tumble of red-roofed fishing cottages, and cobbled pathways that lead down to a rugged, unspoilt beach.
The beach is another brilliant place to hunt for fossils. Known as Smuggler's Town because of its 18th century history, there are fascinating tales to be told and you can spend hours hunting for gold and spinning yarns with the kids. Visit the museum in the Old Coastguard Station for inspiration.
There are some wonderful walks from Robin Hood's Bay including Sneaton Forest and Fallign Foss Waterfall a short walk inland. Otherwise, admire the breathtaking views and explore the town's architecture at this elemental and wild stretch of coastline. (No deckchairs or slot machines here!)
Eat at Ye Dolphin on King Street (check opening times) or at The Laurel Inn with its bar hewn from solid rock.
Stay at Lilly's Cottage, a gorgeous 17th century cottage that is tucked away in the labyrinth of pretty streets in Robin Hood's Bay. The cottage is dog-friendly and they will love the sandy beach which is just a short stroll away.
Explore Yorkshire's dramatic and beautiful coastline this year.
Other places to visit in Yorkshire:
Pin it:
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