Why visit... Filey

Located on the North Yorkshire coast, 8 miles south of Scarborough, lies a small coastal town with a beach that stretches for miles. To help you plan your visit, here are some of the most asked questions about Filey.

Some Frequently asked questions about Filey.

Can I walk around Filey?

Filey is a compact town and is flat in most areas, with gentle slopes and easy‑to‑navigate streets, so you can explore most of what it has to offer on foot. The heart of the town is Murray Street, offering independent shops, cafés and bakeries. From here, you can choose to walk to The Crescent, which is lined with beautiful gardens overlooking the sea. With rows of benches, there will be a seat nearby for you.

Take the descent down Crescent Hill, where at the bottom you’ll meet the promenade with access onto the beach. The promenade runs the full length of the bay, giving you a relaxed, scenic route with uninterrupted sea views. Reaching Filey Brigg is also manageable on foot, with several paths leading up to the top for those who enjoy a slightly more energetic walk.

What are the big events in Filey?

Filey hosts several popular events throughout the year, each bringing its own charm to this small seaside town. Perhaps one of the most loved is the Filey Food Festival, usually held four times a year in Crescent Gardens. It features a mix of global flavours, indulgent sweet treats, and locally crafted spirits and ales.

Another favourite is Filey Kite Festival, which takes place on the Brigg during the summer months. Huge, colourful kites fill the sky, dancing in the wind, and you’ll often find food stalls and plenty of family entertainment alongside the displays.

More annual events include Filey Folk Festival which celebrates a variety of music styles and performers each year. Filey is also home to the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire, a major motorsport event that draws in thousands of visitors each year.

What are the best walks to do from Filey?

Filey is no doubt one of the best places to start your walking adventures, with some of the most breath-taking routes on the Yorkshire Coast, be sure to pack your camera.

The Cleveland Way passes right through the town, leading you north towards Cayton Bay, Scarborough and Whitby, or south along the sands to Hunmanby Gap. You can also join the King Charles III England Coast Path, which winds its way down to Flamborough Head and Bridlington, offering dramatic clifftop views along the way.

For those who enjoy a long‑distance hike, both the Centenary Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way begin (or end) in Filey, taking you deep into the countryside. And of course, if you prefer something gentler, Filey’s long stretch of golden beach is perfect for slow, easy walks.

Are dogs allowed on the beach at Filey?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Filey Beach, but there are seasonal restrictions in place from 1 May to 30 September each year. During this period, dogs are not permitted on the main stretch of beach directly in front of the promenade. This is clearly signposted at all access points.

Outside the restricted zone, there is still plenty of dog friendly beach to enjoy, dogs are welcome north towards Filey Brigg and south towards Hunmanby Gap. Most of the beach remains dog friendly year-round, with only a small central section affected by the summer ban. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs are allowed on all areas of Filey Beach with no restrictions.