Must-See Places to Visit on the North Yorkshire Coast
Friday 19th June, 2020 by hs-admin
The Yorkshire coastline stretches 45 miles and along the way, you’ll find plenty of charming towns and quaint villages. North Yorkshire in particular is bursting with hidden gems. From Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Staithes, to Sandsend and Whitby, you’ll always find something new to discover…
Marske-by-the-Sea
The delightful town of Marske-by-the-Sea is located between Redcar and Saltburn. Although small in size, this popular town makes up for it in charm. Boasting a busy town square packed with independent cafes, micropubs, bars, restaurants and shops, you won’t tire of trying new places.
Located right on the coast, Marske also boasts a beautiful sandy beach. Popular for surfing, boating, fishing and windsurfing, you’ll often spot people in the sea in the distance. Marske isn’t as busy as its neighbouring towns Redcar or Saltburn so if you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter, this cosy town is definitely worth a visit.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
This charming Victorian spa town is home to long stretching sandy shores and a delightful town centre packed with independent eateries and bars. Home to the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, Saltburn’s incredible Grade II* listed, cast-iron pier stretches 681ft into the sea giving you amazing views of the water.
Saltburn beach recently came 3rd in The 30 Best British Beaches by The Times so you can expect beautiful golden sands and surfers glittering in the distance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Saltburn is a great spot for surfing so hop on your board (or rent one from the surfing shop on the seafront) during your visit!
Staithes
The quaint hamlet of Staithes is packed with character and history. You’ll find winding cobbled streets, mismatched cottages and high cliffs towering in the distance. Once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East, fishermen still fish here today so you’ll be able to try the most delicious seafood caught fresh from the North Sea.
Staithes was named one of Britain’s most beautiful seaside villages by The Telegraph and it’s no wonder why. The village is full of surprises. Head to the small beach known as the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ and you’ll find fossils upon fossils in the sand and the rock pools. Staithes is also hugely popular for art. There are painted illusions throughout the village so make sure you follow the ‘Painted Illusions Trail’ during your visit to see them.
Runswick Bay
With its sweeping bay and picture-perfect cottages, Runswick Bay is one of North Yorkshire’s prettiest spots. Located at the Northern end of the sandy bay, it’s becoming a firm family favourite for rock pooling, walking and fossil hunting.
The village itself has high soaring cliffs and narrow winding paths. As you walk along the seafront, there is an old thatched coastguard’s cottage which is believed to be one of the last thatched houses on the Yorkshire coast.
Sandsend
Just three miles down the coast from Whitby is the lovely little village of Sandsend. The village sits along a sweep of golden beach, which is divided by a stream and then runs into the sea. Standing on the shoreline, you can even see views of Whitby Abbey on clear days!
The village itself is the home of food. From beach shacks to tea rooms to seriously renowned restaurants, Sandsend boasts an array of fine food. Surprisingly you’ll also find two spas – one for dogs and the other for their owners – as well as an art gallery selling work by some of the region’s best artists.
Whitby
Whitby is a hugely popular tourist destination and it’s easy to see why. With nostalgic seaside charm in abundance, you can dip in and out of arcades, try the local catch of the day at one of the fish restaurants or play on the sands of the coveted Blue Flag beach.
The town is also brimming with history. Visit Whitby Abbey which dominates the skyline in the distance and inspired Bam Stoker’s cult gothic novel Dracula. Be prepared to climb Whitby’s 199 steps up to the Abbey – this is one challenge visitors to the town cannot resist!
Robin Hood’s Bay
The old fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay is brimming with charm. A popular spot for walkers, it is the eastern end of the 190-mile Coast to Coast and it’s also a great stopping off point for those walking the Cleveland Way.
It’s like stepping into a different world when you visit Robin Hood’s Bay. Steep streets wind up and down from the clifftop to the beach. Cottages, shops and cafes line the cobbled streets. If you like spooky stories, take the Ghost Walk to hear all about the village’s past and the old tales which come with it.