Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is a wonderful place to visit, especially when the sun is shining. Just six miles south of Whitby, it’s a lovely change from the hustle and bustle of the town.
With its cobbled streets, interesting shops, and a pretty beach, it’s no wonder that the village has become a popular destination for visitors from across the UK and even further afield. For those planning a visit, we’ve put together a handy guide for a day out on Robin Hood’s Bay Beach…
Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is a small, sandy beach with sweeping views across the coast. The beach is a popular summer destination and by far one of the best beaches in Yorkshire. At high tide, it could easily be missed, but once it rolls out a lovely spot for dog walking, fossil hunting, and sand-castle making is soon revealed! Rumour has it that the bay was once used by smugglers, who created underground passages under the village.
The craggy sea cliffs towing over the beach are an impressive sight to behold, and you can even take a walk along them as the scenic Cleveland Way trail runs right through the village itself. If you’re stopping in Whitby and don’t mind a good hike, you can enjoy the scenic Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay walk.
The beach isn’t one of the biggest along the Yorkshire coast, so there’s no dedicated car park along the seafront. However, there are two pay and display car parks within the village. To get to the beach from the car park at the top of the village, there’s a steep walk down through the picture-postcard streets – well worth it to get a feel for the area (and to scope out the best places to enjoy a drink!).
Lifeguards do not patrol the beach, therefore it is important to take extra caution if you plan on paddling along the shore. The tide can come in very quickly here, so always check the times before heading out.
The water is incredibly cold here, so not the best for swimming – even in the summer months.
Unlike many other beaches along the coast, Robin Hood’s Bay Beach does not have any seasonal dog restrictions. So, if you’re bringing the pooch along on your next dog-friendly holiday to Robin Hood’s Bay, this beach is definitely one to check out!
If there’s one thing you have to try while visiting Yorkshire’s coast, it’s the fresh seafood. From Whitby scampi to locally caught haddock, you’ll find an excellent selection of regional fish dishes in the cafes and restaurants within the village. Here are a few of the most highly rated in the area – most are well within easy walking distance of the beach:
An ‘express style’ chip shop, Fish Box serves up award-winning fish and chips. With seating both inside and out, you can enjoy this seaside classic whatever the weather might be doing. You can even download their app and get your food ordered as you’re walking over from the beach.
Address: Robin Hood’s Bay Rd, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4SE
A charming converted chapel set along the seafront of the village, The Cove serves up tasty home-cooked food. A cafe by day and a pizzeria in the evening, you can always rely on a delicious meal here. It’s also a great place to sample the local ales, as well as their carefully curated wine list!
Address: The Old Chapel, Chapel Street, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4SQ
An excellent choice for those who just want to grab a light lunch, Tea, Toast and Post is a friendly cafe just metres from the sea. Once the old post office for the village, it has been transformed into a cosy cafe serving exotic teas, freshly-brewed coffee, and imaginative toast dishes.
Address: King St, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4SH
Looking for a refreshing pint after exploring the coast? Check out our favourite pubs in Robin Hood’s Bay.
If you feel like having a wander through the village, you’ll find an assortment of interesting things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay. One of the most popular is the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, which manages to pack a lot of unique artefacts into quite a small exhibition. For more insights into the fishing, shipping, and smuggling history of the village, you can also pop into The Old Coastguard Station.
If you’re thinking about staying in Robin Hood’s Bay, we’ve got a whole host of lovely cottages nearby. Here are a few of our most popular homes in the area:
Seawinds (Ref. 1015726) Robin Hood’s Bay, North York Moors & Coast
Just a five-minute drive outside of Robin Hood’s Bay, Seawinds is a delightful three-bedroom home. A great choice for families, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy those spectacular countryside views. The conservatory is a particularly cosy spot to soak up the sights, with double doors opening out onto your own private garden.
Fossil Cottage (Ref. 1015799) Whitby, North York Moors & Coast
Fossil Cottage is a charming Grade II Listed cottage, less than a fifteen-minute drive from Robin Hood’s Bay. A former fisherman’s cottage, it has been lovingly transformed into a cosy retreat that offers all you need for a relaxing weekend by the seaside. Just yards away from the famed 199 Steps in Whitby, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy all the attractions and amenities within the town.
Foresters House (Ref. 1015670) Whitby, North York Moors & Coast
A gorgeous 17th century home in Whitby, Foresters House combines both traditional and modern design to create a cottage that feels both homely and stylish. Sleeping up to six guests across three bedrooms, it’s a great choice for family holidays. Set within Whitby’s old town, you’ll be able to walk to all the excellent bars and restaurants within the town.
Can’t wait to get your toes on the soft sand at Robin Hoods Bay Beach? Our Robin Hood’s Bay cottages offer all you need for a relaxing seaside break.
Choose from contemporary apartments, cosy holiday lodges, and dog-friendly homes across Yorkshire’s stunning coast. From these Whitby cottages to these Scarborough holiday homes, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in Yorkshire. Take a look at our lovely selection and get planning your next weekend away today!
