Yorkshire beaches: Why you should look forward to visiting in the future
22 April 2021
Yorkshire has so much to offer, especially when it comes to its amazing beaches and coastal locations. Making plans to visit the Yorkshire seaside in the future is certainly a smart idea. There are an abundance of locations to explore with charming beaches up and down the coast. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway in future months, the Yorkshire coast is an option that must be considered. Yorkshire’s seaside is also a great home base for exploring more of this beautiful county such as the North York Moors. With great hotels in Robin Hood’s Bay, giving you access to coastal delights such as Scarborough, Whitby, and Ravenscar, for us the choice to visit is easy but if you need more convincing, read on to discover why Yorkshire’s beaches are worth the trip.
THERE’S INCREDIBLE CHOICE AVAILABLE
Choice is always an attractive option when seeking out coastal destinations and Yorkshire doesn’t fall short in this regard. You can visit a different beach each day of your trip to the Yorkshire coast, with the eclectic locations offering something for everyone. Suzy, from the blog Yorkshire To Do with Kids, has spent plenty of time at the county’s beaches and shared her thoughts with us, highlighting the great choice available:
“The Yorkshire coastline is so varied and incredibly beautiful. They have a beach for everyone’s tastes from the tourist beaches in Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Whitby and Scarborough to the quiet and picturesque beaches such as Cayton Bay, Thornwick Bay, Fraisthorpe beach and Hunmanby Gap. There are huge sandy beaches to be found, fantastic rockpools for crab hunting and stunning rocky cliffs lined with seabirds such as gannets and puffins.”
There is truly something for everyone when it comes to Yorkshire beaches and this is something that Sophie, from the travel blog We Dream of Travel, chose to emphasise when speaking to us, highlighting a Blue Flag boasting beach in the process:
“One of the things that makes the beaches in Yorkshire so appealing is that they have something for everyone. With over 100 miles of spectacular coastline, Yorkshire boasts both sand and shingle beaches, as well as white cliffs and rugged coast teeming with wildlife. Therefore, no matter what you are looking for, you are guaranteed to find it. Yorkshire is even home to a prestigious Blue Flag awarded beach, Whitby Beach. So not only is it one of the best things to do in Whitby, but it is also officially one of the cleanest beaches in the world!”
The variation of seaside experience is an immensely attractive feature of Yorkshire beaches and is something that Jim from the Yorkshire family blog Bewildered Dad also made sure to highlight when speaking to us: “Yorkshire’s beaches are so varied that you have everything you need within a few miles, no matter what your mood. Scarborough was Britain’s first seaside resort and still offers the best traditional British beach holiday around. Filey has that huge expanse of beach, mixed with the chance to explore the rock pools on the Brigg. There’s the Gothic splendour of Whitby, the quaint and secluded villages of Runswick Bay and Staithes, and so much more. Whatever your mood in the morning, there’s a Yorkshire beach for you.
“Combine that with the beauty of the nearby North Yorkshire Moors, the friendliest locals around and the best fish and chips in the world, and why would you go anywhere other than the Yorkshire coast?”
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THE SCENERY IS AMAZING
Whatever direction you turn in Yorkshire, a scenic vista isn’t far away. This is particularly true on the coast, with rugged cliffs, picturesque seaside towns, ancient abbeys, and sandy shores all forming the spectacular nature of the surroundings. If you want to relax during your seaside break but also enjoy picture-perfect coastal scenery, Yorkshire is certainly the place to be. Iconic Whitby and the gorgeous chalk cliffs at North Landing beach in Flamborough are just two standouts to mention.
Speaking about the sheer beauty on display at Yorkshire’s beaches, Jen from the parenting blog Mum in the Madhouse, shared with us: “Yorkshire’s beaches are some of the most beautiful and unspoilt in the country with something for everyone from Victorian grandeur and sublime surfing at Saltburn to Kayaking at Runswick Bay. More people are cottoning on to just how fabulous this area of the coast is and how unique the Yorkshire coast is with its combination of beauty, affordability and fabulous people you don’t find anywhere else – They don’t call Yorkshire God’s Own Country for no reason!”
THE BEACHSIDE TOWNS AND VILLAGES ARE A TREAT
While lounging around on the sand and basking in the sun on a lazy afternoon is a perfect way to enjoy the beach, sometimes it’s nice to mix things up. One of the great attributes of Yorkshire beaches is the many charming seaside towns that can be explored during your time on the coast. Scarborough, for example, is one of the most famous seaside resorts in the country. Scarborough’s two sandy beaches are accompanied by a 12th-century castle, museum, SEA LIFE Sanctuary, and much more.
You also have the likes of the lovely village known as Robin Hood’s Bay. Describing its many virtues, the travel blog Oliver’s Travels shares: “It’s a steep walk into this rugged bay, but if you don’t mind the climb back to the car, it’s so worth it for its incredible charm. Former fishing cottages perch on the hillside and the village is packed with cafes, pubs and shops selling antiques, souvenirs and local Whitby jet.”
Monica, of the travel blog The Travel Hack, has visited Yorkshire’s coast and shared with us how even if the weather is bad, a trip to Yorkshire’s beaches is by no means a failure: “Yorkshire’s beaches are so appealing because there is so much to do in Yorkshire and the beautiful beaches are an added bonus. If you visit Yorkshire and have a rainy day (which is very possible as we are in the UK!) then there are still a million things to see and do. For some areas in the UK, it’s all about the beaches and there isn’t a lot to do away from the beach but in Yorkshire, there’s so much more!”
THE COASTAL WALKS ARE STUNNING
Yet another virtue of Yorkshire’s seaside is the many stunning coastal walks that are on offer. You can stretch your legs for miles along the rugged cliffs while enjoying majestic views over the bays, beaches, and coastline. Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay is just one of many great coastal walks to choose from, starting at the craggy heights of Ravenscar town as you work your way along the Cleveland Way National Trail that combines the beautiful North York Moors with the finest cliff top views. Whether you are starting at Whitby or Bempton Cliffs, Runswick or Staithes, Yorkshire’s coastal walks are a great accompaniment to the area’s lovely beaches. It never hurts to get a bit of exercise between ice creams and sandcastles!
READ ALSO: The best coastal walks in Yorkshire
THEY ARE FULL OF SURPRISES
For the uninitiated, beaches in the north of England might not rouse too much excitement but for those in the know, they are well aware of the delights in store. The unexpected nature of Yorkshire beaches allows these brilliant locations to truly impress, bringing that wow factor to all who visit. The surprise element of the beaches here is something that travel blogger Helena Bradbury pointed out when speaking to us:
“For me, Yorkshire beaches are something special because they’re unexpected. People don’t really associate great beaches with the UK, especially not beaches in the north. But whether you’re looking for a romantic Robin Hood’s Bay getaway or a family trip to Filey, there are beautiful sandy beaches and they’re right alongside lovely seaside towns too. Visiting these coastal locations in Yorkshire is a reminder that you don’t need to get on a plane and travel to the Mediterranean for your dose of beaches, sunshine, history and adventure when it’s right here on our doorstep.”
SURFERS WILL BE IN THEIR ELEMENT
Surfers needn’t feel left out during a trip to Yorkshire’s coast, with the beaches offering some excellent surfing opportunities, with great waves and a dramatic backdrop. With a long stretch of coast and its natural geology, Yorkshire beaches lend themselves to some pretty amazing surfing conditions. Surfers will have plenty of choice while being able to avoid the crowds if desired.
Speaking to us about the delights of surfing off the Yorkshire coast, the team at Scarborough Surf School said: “The surfing in Yorkshire, whilst cold and sometimes grey, offers some of the best waves in the UK. With breathtaking beaches and the rugged natural coastline, there are many options to explore and surf really good waves in most conditions.
“Scarborough is ideally situated with the busier beaches like North and South bays, whilst the southern beaches at Cayton Bay offer unrivalled natural beauty with long golden beaches and cliffs to the south. Popular in all months, we offer surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and coasteering sessions from our clifftop location.”
REASONS TO VISIT YORKSHIRE BEACHES
– There’s incredible choice available
– The scenery is amazing
– The beachside towns and villages are a treat
– The coastal walks are stunning
– They are full of surprises
– Surfers will be in their element
As you can see, Yorkshire’s beach scene has plenty to offer. We hope you will consider visiting some of the county’s amazing seaside locations in the future and enjoy all of what this wonderful part of the UK has in store.
For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.