Beach Hopping in North Yorkshire: Your Seaside Adventure Awaits
Coastal escapes and sandy shores waiting to be discovered
- Stories & Inspiration
- Beach Hopping In North Yorkshire Your Seaside Adventure Awaits
There’s something special about spending summer on the North Yorkshire coast. Whether you’re chasing golden sands, hunting for rock pools or simply soaking up the sunshine, our beaches offer a perfect escape for every mood.
Why choose just one when you can explore them all? From lively bays filled with fun and ice cream to quiet coves ideal for relaxing strolls, this is your go-to guide for a summer of beach hopping along the coast.
Runswick Bay - a picture-perfect escape
If you were to draw the perfect seaside postcard, it might look a lot like Runswick Bay. The charming red-roofed cottages tumble down the hillside towards a crescent of sandy beach, and the calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Best for: a peaceful, photogenic day by the sea.
Robin Hood’s Bay – smugglers’ paradise
Step back in time in Robin Hood’s Bay, where winding streets lead you down to a rocky beach perfect for fossil hunting. The village is steeped in smuggling history and the dramatic setting between two headlands makes it one of the most unforgettable spots on the coast.
Best for: fossil hunting, history buffs and dramatic scenery.
Sandsend – serene seaside strolls
Just north of Whitby, Sandsend is the place for a slower pace. With a wide sandy beach, quaint cafes and spectacular views back towards Whitby Abbey, it’s a favourite for both walkers and families. At low tide, you can walk all the way into Whitby – beach hopping without even getting back in the car!
Best for: scenic walks, coffee with a view and laid-back beach days.
Ravenscar - wild and wonderful
Ravenscar isn’t your typical bucket-and-spade stop. Here, it’s all about rugged beauty and wildlife spotting. The rocky beach is a bit of a scramble to reach so be sure to bring sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure! Oh, and don't forget those binoculars for wildlife spotting you never know what you might find!
Best for: nature lovers, hikers and anyone who enjoys wild, untamed coastlines.
Staithes – where the sea meets history
Staithes is a small village with a charming beach that sits snugly within the harbour, surrounded by steep cliffs and cobbled streets. Once a busy fishing port, it’s now popular with walkers, fossil hunters and visitors drawn to its rich coastal heritage. The surrounding cliffs and shoreline reveal layers of geological history, while the village itself retains a strong sense of character.
Best for: coastal walks, local history and exploring rockpools.
Hunmanby Gap - secluded sands and scenic views
Just a short distance from Filey, Hunmanby Gap is a quieter, less crowded beach a favourite amognst locals. It’s a peaceful spot with plenty of space to stretch out and it welcomes dogs year-round. The surrounding cliffs provide stunning views along the coastline, making it a great choice for those looking to escape the busier beaches.
Best for: quiet beach walks, dog-friendly outings and coastal views.
Filey - family-friendly shores and rockpool fun
Filey offers a vast stretch of soft, golden sand that gently slopes into the sea, making it ideal for families and paddlers of all ages. The beach is spacious and open, perfect for long walks or relaxing days by the water. At low tide, the nearby Filey Brigg peninsula invites exploration of rockpools and coastal wildlife — just be sure to check the tide times before heading out.
Best for: family-friendly beaches, paddling, and rockpool adventures.
Whitby – from abbey ruins to sandy shores
Whitby’s West Cliff Beach is a beauty, framed by dramatic cliffs and overlooked by the famous Whitby Pavilion. At low tide the long stretch of beach is perfect for ball games, relaxing, or a refreshing dip.
When you’ve had your fill of sun and sea, head up into Whitby itself for quirky shops, the famous 199 steps, and maybe a portion of Whitby’s legendary fish and chips.
Best for: mixing beach time with history, culture and seriously good food.
Scarborough – the double act: North Bay & South Bay
Scarborough is Yorkshire’s classic seaside town, with two distinct bays both within walking distance along Scarborough’s famous Marine Drive (Royal Albert Drive). Each offers a different way to enjoy the coast one lively and full of attractions, the other with a more calm and relaxed vibe.
South Bay – arcades, ice cream parlours, donkey rides and that buzzing promenade atmosphere. This is your go-to for a classic British seaside day, complete with fish and chips on the harbour wall.
Best for: arcade-hopping, ice-cream-licking, fish-and-chip-eating fun.
North Bay is a little quieter, perfect if you’re after some peaceful beach time. The long sandy stretch is ideal for picnics, paddling and kite flying, plus it’s a favourite with surfers and paddleboarders.
Best for: best for peaceful picnics, gentle paddles and a spot of surfing
From Scarborough’s two bays to the peaceful sands of Hunmanby Gap, the heritage streets of Staithes and the dramatic coastline of Robin Hood’s Bay, beach hopping in North Yorkshire offers a coastal journey full of variety and memorable experiences.
Most of these seaside spots are also linked by the famous Cleveland Way, a scenic walking route that runs along much of the county’s coastline. Along the trail, you’ll pass Filey, Scarborough, Whitby, Sandsend, Runswick Bay, Staithes, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Ravenscar, with Hunmanby Gap just a short detour away (near Filey).
So grab your beach gear and get ready to explore all that North Yorkshire’s coast has to offer!
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