We don’t want to sound biased, but there’s a whole host of amazing beaches in Yorkshire waiting to be explored. Who needs to travel to far-flung corners of the planet when we’ve got incredible coastlines here in the UK?
From the bustling Whitby Beach to the historic surroundings of Robin Hood’s Bay, there are plenty of beaches in Yorkshire waiting to be discovered. The ultimate destination for a classic seaside holiday with the family, a weekend just isn’t enough to fully explore Yorkshire’s gorgeous coast. Not quite sure where to visit first? That’s why we’ve put together our list of the best beaches in Yorkshire.
Curious to see which beaches are our favourites? Take a look at our top seven below…
Our list wouldn’t be complete with a mention of Whitby Beach! Set along the coast of Whitby, this golden stretch of sand is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. Backed by the high cliff tops, you’re likely to see the iconic Whitby Abbey watching over as you explore this busy beach.
With an abundance of rock pools, safe water for paddling, and clean sands for sunbathing, Whitby Beach is a fantastic family beach in Yorkshire. After a day in the sunshine, you can simply stroll back to the pier and make the most of the excellent fish and chip shops in Whitby.
Stay at…Little Gem (ref. 1015782) Whitby
Little Gem is a cosy one-bedroom cottage in the heart of Whitby. The ideal retreat for couples, you’ll have all the home comforts you need to completely unwind – including a smart TV so you can load up your Netflix account.
A popular seaside town in Yorkshire, thousands flock to the town of Scarborough each summer to make the most of South Bay Beach. With a choice of amusements, eateries, and bars along the pier, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained. If you would prefer to hit the waters, you can always rent a speedboat or enjoy a leisurely voyage on a sailboat.
The beach has retained much of its classic charm, from ice cream vans to donkey rides on the sands. Dogs can enjoy the beach during off-season months, but there are restrictions in place between 1 May and 30 September.
Read more in our guide to the best beaches in Scarborough.
Filey is another popular seaside town along the coast of North Yorkshire. Officially part of the Scarborough borough, it was once a humble fishing village but its gorgeous beach ended up attracting lots of visitors to its shores during the 19th century. Filey Beach is a five-mile stretch of golden sand and a gorgeous beach in Yorkshire, making it a great choice for morning runs and evening walks.
Planning a refreshing swim? The beach is patrolled by qualified lifeguards during the summer months, so you can safely enjoy a dip. We’d always recommend that you check the tide times before heading in though. After a dip in the sea, why not enjoy a hearty meal in one of these delightful Filey restaurants.
Stay at…Sleeper Cottage (ref. 1015771) Filey
A sweet two-bedroom cottage in the town of Filey, Sleeper Cottage comfortably accommodates up to four guests. During your stay, you’ll have exclusive access to the onsite amenities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and gym.
The scenic fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay is home to a gorgeous beach. Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is an excellent choice for those who want to escape the crowds of Whitby and Scarborough to enjoy somewhere a little quieter. If you’re planning on bringing your pup along for the holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that this beach is dog-friendly year-round – ‘walkies’ have never looked so good!
Children will love scouring the rock pools for sea life, before exploring the sands in the hopes of discovering a prehistoric fossil. After a busy day, stroll back into the village to grab a bite to eat – there are some fantastic pubs and cafes to be found here.
Stay at…Seawinds (ref. 1015726) Robin Hood’s Bay
A charming family home just five minutes outside of Robin Hood’s Bay, Seawinds is the perfect choice for a family holiday in North Yorkshire. One of its most lovely features is the conservatory, boasting sublime views of the surrounding countryside.
Staithes is a traditional fishing village, just 10 miles north of Whitby. Staithes Beach is a small sandy beach nestled by the harbour – a popular spot for fossil hunting and sunbathing in the warm summer months. The village is home to a community of renowned artists, and it’s easy to see where they get their inspiration from after a day of exploring the local area.
While this beach is a little smaller than other beaches in Yorkshire, you’ll still get to enjoy spectacular sea views from its shores. We wouldn’t recommend swimming in the sea, but there’s plenty of other options for swimming and surfing just a little further down the coast. Or why not check out these fun-filled things to do in Staithes!
Stay at…Roxby Cottage (ref. 1015761) Staithes
A three-bedroom retreat in the picturesque village of Staithes, Roxby Cottage is ideally positioned just minutes from the local shops, tea rooms and art galleries in the village. If you feel like exploring further afield, the town of Whitby is just a 10-minute drive away.
A pretty seaside village with sweeping coastal views, Runswick Bay is a small yet popular village along Yorkshire’s northern coast. If you’re looking for a beach with prestige, then look no further than Runswick Bay Beach. Winner of The Sunday Times Travel award for ‘Britain’s Best Beach’ in 2020, you only have to take a look at the pictures to see why!
This sheltered bay is perfect for a day of bathing, rock pooling, and paddling in the cool waters. It’s a great place to unwind and watch the fishing boats sail by.
Stay at…Ammonite Lodge (ref. 1015738) Runswick Bay
Set within a small gated community in the scenic surroundings of Runswick Bay, Ammonite Lodge is a charming two-bedroom retreat. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, you’ll probably leave the car on the drive the whole time you’re here!
Yet another small but picturesque village along Yorkshire’s coast, Sandsend is a wonderful place to explore. Sandsend Beach sits between the popular shores of Whitby and Runswick Bay, yet offers plenty of privacy for its visitors. The views from the beach are absolutely gorgeous – you can even see the ruins of Whitby Abbey high on the clifftops.
If you’re stopping in Whitby, you can reach Sandsend Beach on foot – the entire journey should take around an hour and a half. If you decide to do this, be sure to stop at the seaside cafe in Sandsend to refuel before heading back!
Find out more about our favourite seaside towns in Yorkshire.
Discover these beautiful Yorkshire beaches from one of our sea view cottages in Yorkshire. From romantic cottages for a weekend away to dog-friendly cottages for the whole family to enjoy, your perfect break begins here.
