Long stretches of white-sanded beaches, rocky coves and impressive cliffs, the Yorkshire coast is home to many family-friendly seaside towns and charming fishing villages.
The rugged coastline makes for a wonderful visit all set against the backdrop of the North York Moors and in striking distance of our holiday homes at York House and Abbots Green. And did we mention the fish and chips? No trip to the Yorkshire coast would be complete without enjoying the delights of this Great British classic for lunch or supper.
To get you started, here are 8 of our favourite resorts. If there’s something in particular you need that’s not mentioned below, you can always ask our friendly Park Managers who have a wealth of local knowledge to share, too.
Scarborough
With its dramatic cliffs and plenty of colourful attractions, Scarborough is a great destination to enjoy a traditional day out at the seaside. South Bay is the busiest beach and is a favourite spot to build sandcastles, relax with an ice cream or enjoy a donkey ride. The promenade is flanked by traditional entertainments, too. North Bay is the town’s blue flag beach meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness.
Bridlington
This resort has lots to offer, with two sandy beaches stretching in both directions and a bustling harbour set in the middle. You can visit the elegant promenades, explore the old town, enjoy the amusements and funfair or simply soak up the seaside atmosphere as you watch the fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch. For a bit of adventure, there are speedboat rides across the bay, pleasure cruises to spot seabirds – including puffins at the right time of year – and North Sea fishing expeditions.
Filey
Another traditional favourite, Filey is an ideal place to unwind and have some seaside fun. With five miles of unspoilt sandy beach, it is a family friendly destination and doesn’t get too crowded, even in the height of summer. Slightly off the beaten track, it is a lovely spot for a great day out at the coast without the volume of tourists who visit the main resorts.
Whitby
With its atmospheric, wind-swept Abbey famous for being the inspiration of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a busy working harbour and Yorkshire’s finest fish and chips, Whitby is a coastal town that never loses its charm. The cobbled, narrow, medieval lanes in the old town are fun to explore and there are many attractions including the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It is a superb destination for a seaside visit.
Sandsend
This pretty fishing village enjoys excellent views of Whitby Abbey, and a fine stretch of beach divided by a stream running into the sea. It is popular with families, surfers and fossil hunters! The village offers award-winning restaurants, cafes, two pubs plus a well-stocked village shop.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Exploring the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay is a ‘must’ if you are visiting this coastline. Here, the scenery is dramatic and breath-taking, steeped in history stretching from the Jurassic period to the present day. With its narrow, cobbled lanes stretching from the clifftop down to the impressive beach at the bottom, it is one of the UK’s best spots for fossil hunting. Famous for ‘smuggling, shipwrecks, storms, fishing, wildlife’, Robin Hood’s Bay has a rich heritage and there is no other place quite like it.
Staithes
Once a large fishing port, Staithes is a stunning coastal village with a charm all of its very own. Why not explore the winding, narrow streets and ginnels or admire the ‘higgledy-piggledy’ fishermen’s cottages that lead to the pretty harbour and beach? It offers a great day out for all the family and children might recognise it as the spot where CBeebies’ Old Jack’s Boat with Bernard Cribbins is filmed.
Runswick Bay
Just a few miles north of Whitby, Runswick Bay was once a fishing village and boasts a beautiful and sheltered sandy beach. It is a very pretty spot with scenic paths heading both North and South on the Cleveland Way, including spectacular views over Kettleness. It’s a popular destination with families, as children can enjoy rock pooling, building sandcastles, the coastal walks and fossil hunting. Don’t forget your bucket and spade!