Journal

The Ultimate Guide to Runswick Bay Beach

With picture perfect scenery and glistening waters, why go abroad when you can enjoy crisp white sands and awe-inspiring clifftop views at Runswick Bay beach?

Runswick Bay Beach Guide 

The jewel in the crown of the Yorkshire coastline, Runswick Beach offers a vast landscape of natural sights, walks and good old-fashioned hospitality.  

Keep reading to discover why Runswick Bay Beach is one of our favourites…


Runswick Bay Beach 

You may have heard that Runswick Beach has got a few trophies in its cabinet – including the prestigious accolade of the 2022 Seaside Award and the UK’s cleanest beach, as well as the Sunday Times’ Beach of the Year 2020.

It’s a hotspot for nature hunting, and if you’re lucky, you might just spot some seals. These lovable pups can crop up at any time of year! 

A shot of Runswick Bay Beach, houses and kayaks

The beach is located around nine miles north of Whitby, joining the ranks of some of the best beaches in Yorkshire. Surrounded by rockery and jaw-dropping views, Runswick Bay beach is also complemented by a charming village.  

Here you’ll find red roof cottages, offering chocolate box views alongside bright and colourful fishing boats. This is thanks to Runswick’s rich fishing and lifeboat history. The village ran its own lifeboat in the 19th Century, all the way through to 1978 when it was moved to nearby Staithes. 

It’s also known for its resilience. In the 17th century, the whole village was destroyed by a landslide – one of the consequences of the area’s constant coastal erosion. Remarkably, there were no fatalities and locals rallied together to build it back up.

It was these community efforts that make Runswick Bay Beach such a fun place to explore today. 


Runswick Bay and the Cleveland Way National Trail 

One of the best-known things to do in Runswick Bay is the Cleveland Way National Trail. This is a sprawling, 109-mile or 175-km trail that was officially opened in 1969.

Today, it’s recognised as one of England and Wales’ national trails and takes anywhere between seven and eleven days to complete. 

Cleveland Way Public Footpath Signpost

Running from Helmsley to Brigg at Filey, the trail actually dates back to the 1930s. You can thank the Teesside Ramblers’ Association for its existence – it was designed to link the Hambleton Drove Road, the Cleveland Escarpment and the Yorkshire coast. 

Along the way, you’ll pass historic hamlets, moorland and clifftop views. At its peak, the trail takes you some 454m above sea level, which you’ll find at Urra Moor and Round Hill. A close second is the 400m views over in Hambleton End, which you’ll hit before you head downhill to picturesque villages. 

You can also tick off landmarks such as the Captain Cook Memorial, or smell the beautiful purple wildflowers. Head to Upgang Beach if you want to experience the ‘best fish and chips in the British Isles’ – if they say so themselves! 


Fossil Hunting at Runswick Bay Beach 

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a fossil hunter, you’ll also love the opportunity to dig up a slice of history at Runswick Beach. You can find the perfect fossil hunting spot just by the car park. Head down the end of the steep road where you’ll get access to the foreshore. 

New to fossil hunting? Ease yourself in with an exploration of early to late Liassic rocks. These rocks from the Jurassic period can be found in abundance at Runswick Bay, so look out for ammonite fossils as you head east.

Make sure you visit when the tide is out, or you’ll risk losing the best finds. You may also be able to collect fallen blocks of shale from the bedrock, which is a little less strenuous! 


Is Runswick Bay Beach Dog Friendly? 

Now for the all-important question: is Runswick Bay beach dog friendly? Runswick Bay beach is the perfect destination for dog lovers.

A corgi happily walking on the beach

First of all, the streets themselves are free from cars, so you can make your way down to the beach without a worry. On the beach, there are absolutely no restrictions for dogs, so let pooch run free! 

Obviously, this is on the grounds that you look after your dog responsibly. Watch the tides and always pick up after your pups to preserve the beauty of the bay. Its sprawling horseshoe shape is ideal for little ones and their four-legged friends to run around.  


Runswick Bay Beach Café 

Looking for a bite to eat after an action-packed day of exploring and fossil hunting? Check out the fabulous selection of eateries on offer at Runswick Bay. The Sandside Café is a hit with visitors, ideal for a smooth cappuccino or a sandwich made with locally sourced crab. 

You’ll also find Dotty’s Tearooms on the high street in Staithes. This quintessentially English café serves tea in China cups and beautiful homemade scones. Have a flick through the free newspaper daily and don’t forget to bring your dog along. 

Looking for somewhere child-friendly? Keep them entertained at The Sneaky Fox. There’s outdoor seating, perfect for those great British summer days, plus a miniature adventure golf course.

Play the full 18 holes or work up a sweat with a round of table tennis. And of course, that’s not forgetting the food itself. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or an indulgent spot of afternoon tea!


Runswick Bay Beach Parking 

There are two main car parks in Runswick Bay. The car park closest to the beach is chargeable throughout spring and summer, but get in quick as there are only 80 spaces.

Sandcastles built on the sand on a beach

Pop the postcode TS13 5HT into your satnav and you’re away. You’ll pay a minimum charge of £3.00 between the months of March and October. 

In busier periods, you’ll find a second car park at the top of the hill, a bit further away from the beach. With over 100 spaces and charged at £6 for 24 hours, it’s well worth the trek, even just for the breathtaking views along the way!


Has our facinating guide on Runswick Bay beach got you eager to go fossil hunting? Check out our wonderful range of Runswick Bay holiday cottages and find your perfect home-from-home. 

For more inspriation on how to spend your time in our awe-inspiring region, give our guide on 4 fabulous days out in North Yorkshire a read!