Coastal towns in Yorkshire certainly aren’t in short supply. From the bustling pier of Scarborough to the scenic village of Robin Hood’s Bay, there’s plenty of beautiful seaside towns just waiting to be discovered.
This beautiful county is brimming with coastal hotspots. Whether you prefer the atmosphere of a classic seaside resort or would prefer to escape the crowds, you’re bound to find somewhere you love. If you’ve been thinking about booking a coastal escape for a while now, why not see what Yorkshire’s seaside towns have to offer?
Planning a short break somewhere new? Here are seven of the best seaside towns in Yorkshire…
The classic seaside resort of Scarborough has it all. From its golden beaches and bustling pier to the many independent shops and eateries that line its historic streets, this vibrant town has been attracting visitors since the Victorian era.
The perfect destination for a family holiday by the sea, you’ll find plenty of amazing attractions and things to do in Scarborough. Whether you feel like a fun-filled day of go-karting or perhaps a relaxed ride on a traditional steam train, there’s so much to do here.
Best attraction: The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is host to massive music events throughout the year. Previous guests have included Lewis Capaldi, Stereophonics, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race… Not forgetting the Scarborough Sparkle, one of our favourite Christmas events in Yorkshire.
Yet another delightful seaside town in Yorkshire with a gorgeous golden beach. A little quieter than some of the other resorts along the Yorkshire Coast, Filey is the perfect choice for those who want to unwind by the coast while avoiding all the crowds!
It might be a quieter option, but Filey still has plenty to offer its guests. A mile north of the town is Filey Brigg, a dramatic peninsula famed for its fossils and rock pools that are brimming with sea life. You’ll also find a fantastic range of restaurants in Filey, from authentic Italian cuisine to local seafood restaurants.
Best attraction: The award-winning Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park offers a great day out for families. From woolly alpacas to Shetland ponies, the park is home to a unique assortment of friendly resident animals.
A charming two-bedroom cottage just a few miles outside of Filey, Honeycomb Cottage is perfect for romantic breaks or weekends with the family. Set within the tranquil countryside, you’ll get to enjoy complete peace and quiet here.
The coastal town of Whitby is steeped in history. Perched on its clifftops is the ancient Whitby Abbey, with its origins dating all the way back to the 7th century. The inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, these fascinating ruins have been attracting visitors for over 1500 years.
Looking to try some local delicacies? Whether you’re looking to sample some proper Yorkshire ales or perhaps some locally-caught fish and chips in Whitby, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat within the town.
Or why not head to one of Whitby’s wonderful beaches for a day of sandcastle building or fossil hunting?
Best attraction: Discover the seafaring history of the town at the Whitby Museum, home to a unique display of archaeological and maritime finds from the local area.
Full of traditional character, Ashben Cottage is a two-bedroom townhouse in the heart of Whitby. This lovely home is ideally positioned for guests to explore Whitby’s historic streets, before returning back to unwind in complete comfort.
A picturesque fishing village set within the North York Moors National Park, Robin Hood’s Bay is a wonderful place to discover. With the idyllic Robin Hood’s Bay Beach, cobbled streets, and an excellent choice of local shops and pubs to enjoy, there’s more than enough to keep you busy!
This unassuming village has quite the history! A hub for smugglers, its narrow and winding streets were perfect for sneaking in with gin, tobacco, and brandy from their ships!
Best attraction: Take a walk around The Old Coastguard Station, a National Trust’s visitor centre with unique displays, including sea creatures found on the beach below!
Discover our favourite things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay here.
Enjoy panoramic views of both the coast and countryside from Seawinds, a cosy three-bedroom home just a five-minute drive from Robin Hood’s Bay. The sunny conservatory is the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Runswick Bay is a gorgeous cliffside village, famed for its sandy beach – great for rock pooling, picnicking, and even a spot of swimming. Home of the last remaining thatched cottage on Yorkshire’s coast, this former coastguard’s house attracts a lot of visitors over the summer months.
Runswick Bay is ideally positioned as part of the Cleveland Way National Trail, so you can enjoy wonderful coastal walks without having to drive anywhere. There’s also a small selection of cafes to refuel at after a fun-filled day on this popular Yorkshire beach.
Best attraction: Winner of the ‘Best Beach of the Year’ title by The Times, Runswick Bay Beach is a sandy sheltered cove, perfect for family days out by the sea.
A stylish and spacious lodge accommodating up to six guests, Seagull Lodge is ideally located on the holiday park at Runswick Bay. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, you can definitely leave the car on the drive while you’re here!
Quite literally just around the corner from Whitby, Sandsend is a quiet little village with a golden beach. A great choice for walkers and cyclists, you’ll find lots of great routes along the Cleveland Way.
The village is renowned for its small yet impressive selection of restaurants, ranging from classic fish and chips to fine dining! Escape the bustle of Whitby and enjoy a few relaxed hours in this charming seaside village.
Best attraction: Enjoy a date night at the Estbek House Restaurant in Sandsend, an award-winning eatery that specialises in dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Discover the best things to do in Sandsend here.
Wow, what a view! Shore View is a luxurious three-bedroom cottage, close to the beach in Sandsend. The balcony sun deck is the perfect spot to bathe in the glorious sunshine while making the most of those dreamy sea vistas ahead of you.
Bridlington boasts not one, but two glittering beaches – as well as a busy harbour which you can sit and watch the fishermen bring in the local catch of the day. All the ingredients for a classic seaside break are here, including funfairs, donkey rides, and boating tours along the coast.
Head over to Bridlington Old Town and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. With its olde worlde antique shops and delicious Bridlington restaurants, it’s certainly worth a look around. Check out our guide on things to do in Bridlington for more information on the area.
Best attraction: Take a relaxed stroll around the Sewerby Hall and Gardens, an impressive Grade I listed home set within 50 acres of beautiful grounds and is one of our favourite attractions along the Yorkshire Coast.
Make a break for it this summer with a stay in one of our sea view cottages whilst visiting one of these seaside towns in Yorkshire!
Whether you’re looking for a cosy cabin or a stylish seaside apartment, check out these 15 things to do in Yorkshire or free days out in Yorkshire to have a holiday to remember.
