Thinking of heading to the Yorkshire coast this summer? Here are my top places to visit, depending on the vibe you’re after. It’s my firm belief that the Yorkshire coastline is one of the most underrated stretches of shore in the UK. Whether you’re after sandy beaches, a quintessential seaside town, or a unique historical coastal gem, the Yorkshire coast has it all. Here are my top picks.
Scarborough: The Ultimate Seaside Town
For the classic British seaside day trip, it has to be Scarborough. It’s easy to reach by train from Leeds and York, making it perfect for a spontaneous coastal escape.
Scarborough has two sandy beaches to choose from. South Bay is full of traditional amusements, ice-cream shops and great seaside food. Harbour Bar is a must for soft‑serve ice cream, and Princess Café and the Tunny Club serve brilliant fish and chips. You’ll find donkeys on the beach, a ferris wheel, and plenty of family‑friendly fun.
If you want sweeping views of the Yorkshire coastline, head up to Scarborough Castle for panoramic scenery.
Runswick Bay: Slow, Peaceful Coastal days
Just north of Whitby, Runswick Bay is tiny, tucked away, and rumoured to be one of the best beaches in the UK. It’s easy to see why.
There’s not much here except the beach, and that’s the charm. One small café serves coffee, snacks, ice cream and beach essentials. Spread out a towel on the soft golden sand, bring a picnic, brave a dip in the sea, and enjoy the peace that comes from a beach with no amusements, shops or bars. Did I mention it’s dog friendly too?
Make time to wander through the cottages that cling to the cliffside. Their immaculate gardens make the whole village feel cosy and cared for.
Whitby: A Coastal Town Like No Other
Whitby is one of the most unique places on the Yorkshire coast thanks to its links to Dracula. In Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula first arrives in the UK via a dramatic shipwreck in Whitby. You’ll find nods to the story all over town.
Climb the iconic 199 steps to reach Whitby Abbey, where Dracula took refuge when he first arrived. In town, you can brave the Dracula Experience, join a ghost walk, or play pirate‑themed mini golf. Explore the jet shops, wander the narrow alleyways, and enjoy Whitby’s lovely beach.
Robin Hood’s Bay: The Most Beautiful Coastal Village
Just six miles from Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay is a perfect coastal village with a fascinating history. In the 1700s, it was known for smuggling, and legend says goods could be passed from cottage to cottage all the way up the hill.
Today, it’s a gorgeous place to wander. Admire the quaint cottage fronts, browse the independent shops, and head down to the beach for rockpooling. We spend a lot of time here just seeing what little creatures you can see in the pools You can also walk along to Boggle Hole, said to be home to a troll. Bramble’s Bistro is a great spot for food and was super accommodating for gluten free diets.
Bridlington: The Best Beach Day
South beach in Bridlington has perfect golden sand, lifeguards in summer and the RNLI station sits close by. There’s loads of space to set up for the a full on beach day, with your umbrella, chairs and blankets. The sea is ideal for paddling or a little swim.
If the weather turns, head up the road to Sewerby. Sewerby Hall, a Georgian house with huge gardens and its own small zoo, is a brilliant day out in its own right.
I’ve only scratched the surface of the amazing places to visit along the Yorkshire coast. Which is your favourite? Or where will you head first?
I’m always exploring new spots and sharing the best days out in Yorkshire, so follow my socials for more inspiration.
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