The Most Beautiful Places in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is often celebrated as God’s Own County, and with its sweeping coastlines, dramatic national parks, pretty villages and historic towns, it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re dreaming of a seaside escape, a cosy countryside break or days spent exploring heritage towns, Yorkshire offers some of the UK’s most breath taking locations.

Below is a refreshed, expanded guide to the most beautiful places to visit across the region — ideal inspiration for planning a stay with Yorkshire Coastal Cottages.

We’ve picked out some the most beautiful places in Yorkshire in this handy guide…

North York Moors National Park

With more than 1,435 km² of sweeping heather moorland and woodland, the North York Moors is one of Yorkshire’s most striking natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walking trails, ancient stone walls, cycling routes and seasonal wildlife sightings. The National Park also features waterfalls such as Hayburn Wyke and other natural landmarks that draw visitors all year. Perfect for dog friendly holidays!

Explore our collection of North York Moors Cottages for a peaceful countryside stay

Roseberry Topping

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Based in the National Park, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway dates back to 1832, when it was known as the Whitby and Pickering Railway. Today, we still see the age-old steam locomotive, taking passengers throughout the most beautiful places in Yorkshire. The picturesque villages of Grosmont and Goathland both famous for their Victorian stations are located along this historic heritage steam line, plus Pickering too.

Steam locomotive, Darnholme – Image EYPS

There’s also afternoon tea available on board, or a three-course lunch if you’re feeling fancy. Look out for seasonal events too throughout the year, such as the Santa Special.

York Shambles

York ranks as one of the UK’s most beautiful historic cities thanks to its medieval charm, iconic York Minster and network of winding cobbled streets. The Shambles — one of York’s most famous lanes — blends preserved medieval buildings with boutique shops and cafés and is believed to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Fancy a city break, browse our nearby York Cottages

York – The Shambles

The Cleveland Way

Feel like lacing up your walking boots? The Cleveland Way National Trail stretching 109 miles from Helmsley to Filey Brigg, this National Trail offers some of the most scenic coastal and moorland walking in the country. Expect dramatic clifftops, peaceful villages and sweeping views — a favourite among hikers and photographers alike

Cleveland Way near Scarborough – Image Michael Brian Shannon

You’ll also find plenty of beaches along the way, don’t forget to sample delicious fish and chips after your days walk.

Cayton Bay Beach, Scarborough

Situated just south of Scarborough, Cayton Bay is known for its expansive sandy beach, dramatic cliffs and consistent surf — it’s a known surfer’s spot with large white-water waves, or you can take your kayaks and paddle boards into flat water lagoons on the reef. Try your hand at the surf school for a different kind of day out.

With quieter surroundings than nearby resort towns, it’s perfect for a relaxing beach day. Find the perfect base with our Cayton Bay Cottages or nearby Scarborough Cottages

Cayton Bay – Shutterstock

Coastal Gems

Whitby & Sandsend

Whitby blends coastal charm with historic intrigue. Its iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey — said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the famous 199 steps. The bustling scenic harbour, where Captain Cook learned his trade as an apprentice, while narrow cobbled streets offer ice cream stalls, local shops selling the unique Whitby Jet gemstone and award winning fish and chips plus traditional pubs. Whitby is also famous for boat trips, fishing, whale watching and don’t forget the twice a year Whitby Goth Weekend

Situated between Runswick Bay and a short distance from Whitby is the picturesque, quiet coastal village of Sandsend, know for its expansive sandy beach, fossil hunting and delicious foodie places to eat, a great base for families and couples

Discover our popular Whitby Cottages or enjoy the peaceful coastal luxury at our Sandsend Cottages

Runswick Bay & Robin Hood’s Bay

Undoubtedly two of the best places to stay in Yorkshire, Runswick Bay, situated north of Whitby, and Robin Hood’s Bay, south of Whitby, are equally impressive, picturesque car free coastal villages with colourful houses built into the cliffside and a rich fishing history. Head north or south from Whitby to find high cliff walks, sandy beaches and sea views.

Runswick Bay village has seen its fair share of drama, having been rebuilt completely after a landslide in 1682 – but stands as resilient today as ever. Known for its dog friendly sandy beach, fossil hunting, a favourite with families.

Robin Hood’s Bay – Alexey Fedorenko

Robin Hood’s Bay renowned for its steep, narrow cobbled streets, smuggling history and stunning views, makes this tiny village a popular gem that is not to be missed.

Stay in the heart of these villages at Runswick Bay Cottages or Robin Hood’s Bay Cottages

Scarborough, Filey & Bridlington

Recognised as Britain’s first seaside resort, Scarborough enchants visitors with its golden beaches, dramatic clifftop castle, Sea Life aquarium, and the serene oriental gardens of Peasholm Park. Its unique mix of coastal scenery and family attractions ensures its place as one of Yorkshire’s favourite holiday destinations.

Plan your seaside escape with our range of Scarborough Cottages perfect for families and couples

Quieter than its neighbouring coastal towns, Filey is celebrated for its unspoilt sandy beach, wildlife-rich clifftops, and laid-back seaside charm. It’s an ideal retreat for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families in search of a slower pace

Filey – Shutterstock

Explore tranquil coastal living with our Filey beach Cottages

Bridlington is a traditional seaside town which offers elegant promenades, a historic harbour, sandy beaches and a charming Old Town filled with independent shops and cafés. It is ideal for families and visitors looking for nostalgia and coastal activities. Don’t miss the famous Bridlington Kite Festival, this free 2 day event in May is located on Sewerby Cliff top every year.

Browse our family‑friendly Bridlington Cottages for a classic seaside break.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Here’s a fun fact about Yorkshire that you may not have known – RSPB Bempton Cliffs is home to the only albatross of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. With a wingspan of 2.4m, ‘Albie’ is known for soaring across the cliffs of East Yorkshire’s Flamborough.

Bempton Cliffs – Image Martina Hardiman

Overlooking the North Sea, the RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a stunning nature reserve with more than half a million seabirds flocking to catch a meal. Species depend on the time of year, so be sure to look out for gannets, puffin and barn owls.

Flamborough

Flamborough Head features a nature reserve with a huge range of seabird colonies, as well as butterflies and flowers. Bring your binoculars and indulge in a little birdwatching. Can you spot the drinking dinosaur?

Flamborough Head – Image MaybemaLeo

Do you need to see it to believe it? Feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire by staying at one of our Yorkshire holiday cottages.

For more inspiration on how to spend your time in our wonderful county, whatever the weather, give our guide on indoor activities in Yorkshire for a rainy day a read! 

And you wont be short on things to do with our blog on events in North Yorkshire!