Explore the North Yorkshire Coast
Thursday 25th July, 2019 by Host & Stay
North Yorkshire is the perfect place to escape the everyday and enjoy the relaxed pace of coastal life. With stunning villages and towns packed with golden beaches, magnificent countryside, heritage sites, charming restaurants, cosy pubs and much more – it is the ideal location for everyone. You’re assured to get a warm welcome from the lovely North Yorkshire locals too!
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Historic architecture weaves its way through Saltburn, which has been peppered over the years with independent shops, cocktail bars, pubs and restaurants. The Victorian Spa town has retained much of its charm with a striking pier stretching out into the sea. The oldest operating water balanced cliff lift in the UK journeys from the town to the pier below.
Saltburn also boasts a stunning beach which was ranked in the top 40 British beaches this month by The Sunday Times. Colourful boutique beach huts overlook the promenade and high cliffs tower above the golden sands in the distance. Try your hand at surfing with surf board and wetsuit rentals priced at £22. The lovely Seaview Restaurant on the promenade serves delicious fish and chips too! Enjoy a gin and tonic at the end of your day in The Guns Bar – a quirky hotspot with a great atmosphere.
Saltburn has plenty of beautiful walks too. The Valley Gardens are a maze of paths and tracks which wind through the flowers and woodland. If you want to explore further, join the Cleveland Way and head South out of Saltburn through to Skinningrove. You’ll then climb up to Boulby Cliff, which is the highest cliff on the eastern coast of England. From there, you’ll drop down to the local fishing village of Staithes.
Staithes
Staithes is the quaint coastal hamlet which was recently named one of Britain’s most beautiful seaside villages by The Telegraph. It has high cliffs, winding streets and mismatched cottages bursting with charm. The small village was once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East and local fishermen still fish for cod, lobsters and crabs today. If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a cosy and friendly atmosphere, head to the Crab and Lobster on the harbour.
The village is also known for its abundance of fossils which can be found along the small beach and in the cluster of rockpools. This area is nicknamed the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ as it’s packed with history.
Staithes is a magnet for art and artists alike. Throughout the village you’ll find amazing painted illusions known as the ‘Painted Illusions Trail’ created by the famous artist Paul Czainski. It is also the home to the impressionist art society, known as Staithes Group, and their work can always be seen dotted around. Visit Staithes Gallery and browse the wonderful exhibits inspired by the village.
From Staithes, you can continue your walk through to Runswick Bay.
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is the small village huddled at the northern end of the beautiful sandy bay. With cliffs soaring above and narrow paths winding throughout the village, it is postcard perfect. Charming cottages dot the hillside and an old thatched coastguard’s cottage sits on the seafront, which is believed to be one of the last thatched houses on the Yorkshire coast.
The village offers a cosy pub along with a delightful teahouse selling homemade cakes and pastries. The Bay also has a popular yacht club right on the beach.
From Runswick Bay you can climb the cliffs to arrive at Sandsend, which is a three mile walk to the popular tourist hotspot – Whitby.
Whitby
Whitby is the beautiful seaside town which is divided in two by the busy harbour and the River Esk. The East bank is the older side of the town, complete with narrow medieval streets and the famous ruined Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s gothic novel ‘Dracula’. Try locally sourced fish with stunning views of the river at Abbey Wharf and have a relaxing pint at the White Horse and Griffin.
A swing bridge spans the River Esk, connecting the East and West sides of the town. The West side is newer and boasts outstanding fish restaurants, cosy pubs and fun arcades complete with bowling alleys and mini golf. Enjoy traditional fish and chips at the Magpie Cafe. The nostalgic charm continues as you stumble upon the gorgeous West Cliff Beach which is lined with idyllic beach huts. It is so beautiful it has the coveted blue flag award and remains the only beach in Yorkshire to have the status.
Whitby forms part of the North York Moors National Park, which is a haven of woodland and moorland making up small villages like Goathland and Grosmont. One of the most famous villages in the North York Moors National Park is Robin Hood’s Bay which is known for once being the busiest smuggling community on the coast. 16.5 miles along the coast from Robin Hood’s Bay, you’ll find Scarborough.
Scarborough
The popular tourist destination of Scarborough is the original seaside resort with people flocking to the town for almost 400 years now. Venture to the lively seafront and enjoy arcade games, ice-cream parlours and shellfish stalls. Along the beautiful beach sits a long row of brightly coloured beach chalets which can be rented for the day.
Experience a touch of Scarborough’s history at Scarborough Castle and the Rotunda Museum of Geology. The town also boasts amazing attractions such as Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Sea Life Marine Sanctuary. As night falls, there’s still tons to do. Go to one of four theatres, which each offer something different, or head to Scarborough Spa Complex for the seaside orchestra.