North Yorkshire’s coastline is a captivating blend of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and charming seaside towns, creating a captivating mosaic of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Stretching from the historic town of Whitby, famed for its Gothic abbey and maritime legacy, down to the expansive sands of Filey, this coastline has inspired artists, writers, and photographers for centuries.
From the fossil-strewn bays to bustling harbours, North Yorkshire’s coast offers both tranquil retreats and thriving communities, making it an unforgettable setting for relaxation, adventure, and discovery.
As well as the popular towns, the North Yorkshire coastline is home an incredible selection of villages.
Explore our Coastal Villages
Cayton Bay
Nestled between the popular coastal resorts of Scarborough and Filey, Cayton Bay boasts a stunning, wide-sweeping beach that offers a quieter beach escape than its better-known neighbours. Cayton Bay is beloved by surfers and appeals to both seasoned professionals and beginners. If you’re not catching waves, try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking instead. Explore the rocky cliffs, and you might stumble upon hidden fossils.
If you’re travelling with your four-legged companion, you’ll be pleased to know Cayton Bay welcomes dogs year-round without restrictions, making it an ideal spot for pet-friendly holidays. Keep in mind that the beach lies at the base of the cliffs, so expect a gentle slope and a few steps as you descend to the shore.
Ravenscar
Perched dramatically on the Yorkshire coast south of Whitby, Ravenscar offers captivating clifftop vistas and rugged beach coves.
Atop the cliffs stands the renowned Raven Hall Hotel, once home to Dr. Francis Willis, King George III’s physician—legend has it that the king sought treatment there. These days the village is a quiet retreat, and visitors can enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the sea.
The industrial heritage of the coast can be viewed in the surrounding landscape, most notably the remains of alum works. Here the vital product Alum, used to fix dies in the booming textile industry was created from the plentiful supply of coastal shale. The site is now maintained by the National Trust.
To explore the coastline further, follow the Cleveland Way National Trail or opt for a bike ride along The Cinder Track, both offer views over the beautiful scenery and out across the North Sea.
Robin Hood’s Bay
This coastal village rests on a rocky outcrop and reaches down to a beautiful bay through winding narrow streets that are an endless treat to explore.
The cobbled streets that wind down the steep incline to the bay are home to a bounty of curiosities, from antiques and collectables to studios and galleries. In and among you will find delicious treats and refreshments home baked and lovingly prepared.
When the tide goes out at Robin Hood’s Bay, the shallow beach means a rugged mix of bedrock and sand that reaches far out from the seawall is revealed. The crinkles and pockets of the rock are filled with aquatic secrets and fossilised treasures.
Runswick Bay
This pretty village, tucked into a nook in the coastline and cliffs is the perfect place for a quiet coastal getaway. A collection of red roof cottages on the intricate hillside sit above a collection of colourful fishing boats on the water’s edge.
Along with the chance for rock pooling and fossil hunting, the sandy beach of Runswick Bay is the ideal location for a relaxing stroll or building a sandcastle.
The village also lies on the Cleveland Way National Trail, which provides an excellent route for exploring the coastline in either direction.
Staithes
The intricate cobbled streets are squeezed into the hillside above the harbour. Among the shops and cafés, you will find a treasure trove of businesses and artisans. The artistic community of Staithes is a key part of the village’s character and includes an annual festival with open studios and pop-up galleries.
As well as being popular with geologists and fossil hunters, Staithes is the home to childhood memories with the children’s TV series ‘Old Jack’s Boat’ filmed in the village.