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8 Charming Villages And Vibrant Towns To Visit On The Picturesque Yorkshire Coast

The Yorkshire Coast is a popular tourist destination that sees thousands of people flock to enjoy the perfect landscapes and beautiful sandy beaches. And, it’s easy to see why. There is something about it that hits differently about these sea spots. The Yorkshire Coast towns and villages stand against the harsh winds and cloudy skies through the autumn and wire months and fill up with tourists with their ice creams and buckets and spades in the summer months.

It’s the perfect staycation. There is nothing like a British seaside visit . Whether that’s fish & chip s by the sea, a lemon top ice cream or galavanting on the beach with the family.

1. Staithes, North York Moors

There will never be a list that Staithes doesn’t top for us it is perfect. As you head towards it along The Cleveland Way , you’re greeted with this view that has seldom changed over the years. Its cobbled and narrow streets still have the same.

A popular spot with photographers, the North York Moors village with its scattered red roof cottages is near Whitby and is home to a small sandy beach. It is a part of the Dinosaur Coast , which. is a popular spot for fossil hunters.

2. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Home of Dracula, Whitby is probably Yorkshire’s most famous and popular seaside town. Head up the 199 steps and visit Whitby Abbey, before heading for some fish & chips. You’re never short of the  best fish and chips  you’ll ever have in this beautiful coastal town.

There is more to Whitby, located along the Yorkshire Coast, than meets the eye. From Its quirky narrow streets to its busy harbour with its views of Whitby Abbey. There are plenty of pubs and bars and of course, restaurants to enjoy when you visit.

3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North York Moors – Best Yorkshire Coast towns and villages

This old fishing village, which is ranked as one of the  prettiest in the UK , is another beautiful place where you can enjoy a nice walk along the beach before heading over to enjoy the cafes and pubs. Walking around the narrow streets and checking out the idyllic cottages is great fun.

It’s renowned for its fossil hunting along the beach, and it is home to some fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants once you’ve had a jaunt up and down the hills a few times. Our favourite has to be The Laurel Inn, which is full of ye olde character and serves some classic Yorkshire ales. You half expect a fisherman to stumble in after a day at sea looking for a well-earned pint.

4. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s  oldest seaside town  still has that old charm that drew Victorian tourists back in the day. Play on the arcades and walk along with the front taking in the cliff views for a perfect day out. At Christmas time, you can enjoy some of the events they have going on, so it’s grand all year round.

It has some fantastic beaches that help make it one of the best summer locations across the country and also has the fantastic Asian-inspired Peasholme Park, which has plenty of things to do for families. You’ll never go board from a trip to Scarbrough that’s for sure.

Read More: 15 Of The Best Beaches In Yorkshire To Visit This Summer

5. Sandsend, North York Moors

Sandsend is a quaint seaside village between Whitby and Scarborough. It has beautiful views of Whitby Abbey and a beautiful stretch of beach with a stream running through it to the sea. The village has fantastic restaurants, a village shop and a couple of pubs to enjoy a few ales.

We highly recommend the fish tacos from The Fish Cottage with views of the coast in the outdoor seating area. Sandsend is a lot less busy compared to its busier counterparts but has a massive street of beach to enjoy. It’s also part of the Cleveland Way making for some fantastic walks.

6. Runswick Bay, North York Moors Best Yorkshire Coast towns and villages

Further up the coast from Whitby, the former fishing village is hidden in a sheltered cove and offers a beautiful sandy beach. It’s great for the kids as they can hunt through the rock pools and go fossil hunting. If you’re out for a brisk walk, it’s along the Cleveland Way, which offers fantastic views.

The beautiful sandy beach is just a few miles north of Whitby and has a wonderful thatched house on the Yorkshire Coast, which is the only one remaining on the coast. The scenes is very dramatic and takes you back in time.

7. Flamborough, East Yorkshire

One of East Yorkshire’s hidden gems, North Landing a wonderful beach spot, Flamborough Head and Thornwick Bay are just a stone’s throw from the village and are a perfect convex that is brilliant to visit If you enjoy bird watching, head over to Bempton Cliffs, one of the largest and most accessible mainland nesting colony of the gannet; plus puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other seabirds. and see the thousands of birds that nest in the cliffside.

Flamborough is located near to the market town of Driffield, and the popular beach spot Bridlington where you can enjoy cruises on the Yorkshire Belle to get a closer look at some of these amazing birds.

8. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North York Moors – Best Yorkshire Coast Towns And Villages

Yorkshire’s answer to Brighton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a quirky seaside town that’s up and coming. Its pier and water-balanced cliff lift that’s the oldest of its kind is the focal points of the town. And, it’s a lovely spot for fish & chips and arcades down at the bottom.

Its highest street up top is getting more and more independent restaurants bars and craft ales spots perfect for those looking for a weekend away – definitely one of our favourite spots on the coast that’s for sure.

Read More: 7 Yorkshire Coast Hidden Gems For You To Explore This Summer

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Nathan Ellis

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Things to do on the Yorkshire Coast

You will never be stuck for things to do on the Yorkshire Coast. With 45 miles of sweeping coastline offering a wide range of attractions and outdoor activities, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Our stunning coastal views, surrounded by beautiful countryside, make for the perfect location to find new adventures or simply escape and relax. 

Are you looking to indulge a little during your stay? We have just what you need with sumptuous seafood on offer in stunning places to eat, luxurious spas and, of course, a bit of retail therapy with a wide selection of shops up and down the coast.

Check out some of the exciting things to do on the Yorkshire Coast and start planning your trip today.

Experiences

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From well known high street brands to independent shops we have the experience you are looking for.

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The North Yorkshire Coast – 9 perfect seaside places to visit

The North Yorkshire Coast is a famous stretch of coast along the east coast of England. The North York Moors National Park runs 26 miles up the fabulous Yorkshire coastline and it includes historic Yorkshire villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay, Runswick Bay, the city of York and Staithes. The Yorkshire Coastline makes for the perfect holiday or vacation when visiting England or if you are looking for the perfect staycation.

Encompassing some beautiful coastal towns in Yorkshire the North Yorkshire Coast also includes sweeping valleys, rugged coastlines, the Cleveland Way, superb beaches the North York Moors and of course the Yorkshire Dales.

The North Yorkshire Coast and the Cleveland heritage coast have something to offer all tastes; whether you want peace and solitude, fabulous market towns and foodie destinations walk along the miles of golden sandy beaches, have invigorating adventures or merely the chance to relax and explore the many charming Yorkshire Coast Towns.

The Yorkshire Coast includes some amazing towns and cities along the way from Scarborough to the famous Whitby where it is said Bram Stoker was inspired to write Dracula.

The Yorkshire coast is home to three of thirty-two nationally designated Heritage Coasts in England and Wales. The Heritage Coasts are so designated for their exceptional scenic quality.

The Heritage Coasts are designated by  Natural England  to protect the coastline, its environment and its heritage. Part of the designation is the provision of a coastal footpath along the length of the Heritage Coast. The northernmost Heritage Coast has a footpath alongside its entire length.

One of my favourite ways to travel Yorkshire is to take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway it doesn’t run along the coast but it is a fabulous way to see some incredible landscapes and smaller Yorkshire villages and beauty spots.

• Yorkshire beaches map

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The North Bay

Scarborough castle.

• Anne Bronte's Grave

Saltburn Cliff Tramway

Whitby abbey, runswick bay, boggle hole, the old coastguard station.

• Robin Hood's Bay Museum

Bridlington Harbour and Old Town

Bridlington surfing, bridlington seafood, bempton cliffs, the bayle gate & church of st. mary, bridlington spa, captain cook & staithes heritage centre.

• Yorkshire's Dinosaur Coast

Flamborough Head

Flamborough head lighthouses, the chalk tower, best yorkshire seaside towns, scarborough.

The stories have it that Scarborough was founded around 966Ad by a Viking raider. There is sadly no architectural evidence to support this. In the 4th century, there was a Roman signal station on the headland and there are lots of archaeological finds that indicate there were stone age and bronze age settlements.  Scarborough is one of the largest and most popular cities for a beach holiday on the Yorkshire Coast.

Scarborough is the largest resort on the Yorkshire coast and it sits on a high rocky point that faces east into the North Sea. On top of the point are the ruins of Scarborough Castle and the point divides the seafront into its two bays.

South Bay in Scarborough was the original settlement of the area and today forms the old town. This is the main tourist area with lovely beaches tons of penny arcades and children’s amusement.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to have a meal of some great fish and chips and lots to entertain families. Unlike Blackpool, the promenade has undergone major improvements and is very pedestrian-friendly.

North Bay is a more peaceful area of Scarborough. This is where you will find   Peasholm Park  which strangely enough is a Japanese theme park. The park includes a boating lake and putting green a fabulous bandstand where open-air concerts take place and beautiful gardens and trails to walk.

Scarborough Castle is a major tourist attraction under the care of English Heritage on this section of the Yorkshire Coast. The remains consist of a late twelfth-century castle with thirteenth and fourteenth-century modifications. Also visible are the foundations of a Roman watchtower.

The cost to visit the castle is £6.90. There is a little coffee shop on the grounds and there are panels that guide you through the history of the site.

There is no parking on-site, but there is a Park and Ride or the pay-and-display Marine Drive car park. Parking is only available for disabled visitors, which must be pre-booked. 

Anne Bronte’s Grave

While you are up at the castle take a moment to visit Anne Bronte’s gravesite and the beautiful little St. Mary’s church with an amazing view of the harbour area and Yorkshire Coast.

Anne Bronte died in Scarborough on 28th May 1849 aged 29 yrs. She is buried in St Mary’s Church graveyard in Scarborough. Anne loved Scarborough and used it as a setting for her novels – Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, she often remarked that she wanted to open a school in Scarborough.

Another traditional favourite, Filey is an ideal place to unwind and have some seaside fun. With five miles of unspoilt sandy beach, it is a family-friendly destination and doesn’t get too crowded, even in the height of summer. Slightly off the beaten track, it is a lovely spot for a great day out at the coast without the volume of tourists who visit the main resorts.

A fishing village turned tourist resort, Filey is sitting on a cinematic five-mile sandy bay which is framed by the headlands of Flamborough Head and Filey Brigg. There is an old-fashioned promenade and some lovely beach chalets that can be rented by the day. There are also pony rides and a cafe/restaurant on the beach.

For the kids look for Cobble Landing where the fishing boats are towed onto the beach with a tractor. There are also great rock pools at Filey Brigg for those budding oceanologists. At the edge of the beach, you will spot The Crescent a gorgeous row of Victorian townhouses with formal gardens out front.

Saltburn by the Sea

Saltburn is a seaside resort north of Whitby back in its Victorian heyday and was once an important Victorian bathing resort. The old Pier used to be 1500 feet in length but is now about half that is the pier; once 1,500ft in length, but following many years of neglect and a few disasters, the pier stands at less than half this length. This was the first iron pier built on the North East Coast and it is the most northerly surviving pier on British soil.

Standing on the pier facing land you can’t miss Saltburn’s cliff tramway and it is England’s oldest water-balanced funicular. This was constructed to provide an easy route up and down the 120ft cliff for the delicate Victorian ladies allowing them to be carried gently down the cliff to their bathing machines.

Other Victorian highlights include the formal Italian Gardens which are served by a miniature railway. One of the highlights of a visit to Saltburn is the Saltburn Food Festival held during the summer months. It features over 100 stalls from independent food producers. There are shows and demonstrations and it is a perfect place to graze the food samples.

Saltburn is home to one of the best surf spots along this stretch of the North Sea coast. Facing directly north it picks up more swell than neighbouring spots and is a high spot for surfing tourism.

Home to the famous haunted Whitby Abbey , Whitby itself is a seaside town well-loved by locals and visitors alike.

Home to the earliest English poet Cædmon  learned to compose after a dream he had. Caedmon was a zealous monk and over time became a great inspirational Christian poet. 

Whitby became a settlement in 665 when the Christian king of Northumbria, Oswy founded the abbey under the abbess Hilda. The name Whitby comes from the Old Norse which means “white settlement”. Whitby was a key port and centre for the whaling industry and from this grew a great shipbuilding centre.

Due to the areas, great mining Whitby also became renowned for the manufacture of Whitby Jet which was used by Queen Victoria as mourning jewellery.  The black mineral jet was found in the cliffs and on the moors and has been used since the Bronze Age to make beads. It was mined by the Romans and in Victorian times it was brought into the town to be made into decorative items.

The monastery was destroyed between 867 and 870 in a series of raids by Vikings from Denmark under their leaders  Ingwar  and  Ubba . You may recall from the HBO series Vikings one known as Ube which could have been the Ubba that destroyed the monastery.

Whitby Abbey haunted Bram Stoker and it became the inspiration for his legendary Dracula book. There are 199 steps down to Whitby itself from the Abbey and you can either take the steps or drive up to the Abbey. This is the famous Abbey of course founded by St. Hilda. The Abbey contains 2000 years’ worth of history and is a fascinating, haunted place.

Whitby Abbey has been a king’s burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, and the home of saints.

There is a visitors centre at Whitby Abbey and a small cafe where you can have a grand cup of tea after the winds of the place howl through you.

This pretty fishing village enjoys excellent views of Whitby Abbey, and a fine stretch of beach divided by a stream running into the sea. It is popular with families, surfers and fossil hunters! The village offers award-winning restaurants, cafes, two pubs plus a well-stocked village shop.

Just a few miles north of Whitby, Runswick Bay was once a fishing village and boasts a beautiful and sheltered sandy beach. Voted Beach of the year in 2020 it is a very popular village for beach holidays.

The original fishing village was almost destroyed by a landslide in 1682. Luckily there were no fatalities as the villagers were alerted by two funeral attendees. The village was then rebuilt slightly further to the south.

It is a very pretty spot with scenic paths heading both North and South on the  Cleveland Way , including spectacular views over Kettleness. It’s a popular destination with families, as children can enjoy rock pooling, building sandcastles, coastal walks and fossil hunting. Don’t forget your bucket and spade!

Robin Hood’s Bay 

Robin Hood’s Bay is what you picture when you think of British seaside villages. There’s a lovely beach where you can play in rock pools, dig for crabs and have a great ice cream while wandering the village.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a walk down the hill from the top. Parking is in several lots as cars are not allowed in the village. It’s a great walk down but a bit of a hike up. There is a wide range of pubs, restaurants and cafes to grab a cup of tea and a great crab salad sandwich.

Found along the ‘Cleveland Way’, which was a notorious smugglers’ haunt. Boggle Hole is a unique curved-out hallow that has been worn away by the sea and its name has derived from boggle – or goblin – which legend says are to haunt the slopes of the cave.

Sitting on the edge of the sea in Robin Hood’s Bay is this National Trust-owned property, The Old Coastguard Station. Here, you will find a collection of models and colourful displays, allowing you to learn about life by the sea including wildlife and geology.

At the station, you can discover more about the North Yorkshire Coast so special, from its distinctive geology and the impact of the elements on local wildlife and the secret history of smuggling.

Visitors can have fun making waves, generating wind power and finding out more about the natural processes happening every day at Robin Hood’s Bay. Come face to face with fascinating creatures in a rockpool tank, spot shore crabs, hermit crabs, blennies, winkles, sea anemones and prawns – all discovered in the rock pools just outside the centre.

Robin Hood’s Bay Museum

Whilst visiting Robin Hood’s Bay be sure to spend a moment within this museum, boasting a collection of artefacts and displays of local interest. This free-of-charge attraction includes information on the local shipwrecks and rescues, as well as charming photographs of the Bay.

Lots of places to stay with BnB’s aplenty in the old fishing village. The streets and walkways are narrow and twisty with lots of cobblestones and there is much history here. You can take a Ghost Walk through the village, visit the Old Coastguard station or simply relax on the beach.

The National Trust’s visitor centre displays exhibits of shipping, local history and of the smuggling trade that was a highlight of Robin Hood’s heydays.

Phantom Thread is a film with Daniel Day-Lewis (his final one) that was filmed at the Robin Hood’s Bay hotel at the top of the Village.

 Dracula by Bram Stoker has several scenes set in Robin Hood’s Bay. Abraham visited the area recreating the steep steps and the sightings of the red eyes, the ship that ran aground with the immense dog.

Bridlington

Glorious clean beaches, history galore, sporting fun, independent shops, great entertainment and amazing nature, in Bridlington there is something for everyone, whatever the weather.

Bridlington’s  pre-roman harbour  and characterful Old Town are must-sees for any history buff, being home to the beautiful Augustinian Priory,  Bayle Museum  and  Harbour Heritage Museum .

It also turns out that it was in Bridlington that surfing was first introduced to Britain . In the 1800s Hawaiian royalty was visiting the UK and they took a trip to the beaches of Bridlington where they pulled out their surfboard and enjoyed the waves of the chilly North Sea. A letter was found in Hawaii from the young Prince and his brother who were both studying in England at the time.

The prince wrote that he and his brother Prince David Kahalepouli Kawananakoa Piikoi were allowed by their tutor, believed to be John Wrightson, to have a holiday in Bridlington as a reward for good work in their studies in schools and colleges around Britain – they’d been in England furthering their education for almost a year.

For nature lovers, going on a seashore safari, a boat trip around the bay or bird watching at  Bempton Cliffs  are all experiences not to be missed.

The Church of St Mary was built on the site of an Augustinian Priory. The Church was once a fortified building and the Bayle Gate which is nearby is the only thing that remains of that fortification.

  Bridlington Spa  was originally opened in 1896 and quickly became a leading resort for the Victorians in England. It was in its heyday Bridlington was a leading entertainment resort. It continued to be an entertainment venue but was getting more and more rundown until the early 2000s when money was finally found to refurbish the place. It is now a beautiful venue for live music, entertainment and corporate workshops.

These days Bridlington has unfortunately been voted a less attractive place to visit than Blackpool which I simply don’t agree with.

Yes, parts of Bridlington were tacky and old-fashioned but it had a beautiful beach like Blackpool and the seafood available was simply to die for. It was nowhere near as bad as Blackpool.

Staithes is a gorgeous fishing village with a pretty harbour when the tide is in. It is a great place for fossil hunters as well. Located 10 miles from Whitby, Staithes was once one of the busiest fishing ports on the North East Coast. It was also the home of Captain James Cook .

The Staithes Group is an English painting group that made the village their home in the late 19th century. There were 30 artists in the group and with a nod to them, Staithes hosts an Arts Festival in the autumn.

One of the places to visit in Staithes is  Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre . This is a recreation of the shop where Cook worked and includes over 200 of his books, letters, medals and more.

Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast

Staithes sit on what is known as the ‘Dinosaur Coast’, making it a favourite with fossil hunters, palaeontologists and dinosaur fans. You can explore on your own or take an organized tour .

Staithes is a lovely place for a visit Anna has written a lovely article called The Sleepy Coastal Village of Staithes. Take a moment and enjoy this little idyllic village she writes about.

There is much more to see on the Yorkshire Coast and the area holds many great hikes and walks from the Yorkshire Downs. Two of these world-renowned places are The Cleveland Way and Flamborough Head.

The Cleveland Way

The Cleveland Way is a 109-mile walk from Helmsley to Filey. With views of dramatic rugged coastlines to fishing villages like Staithes, this hiking route is pretty spectacular.

Starting from Helmsley the route could take around 9 days to walk the full horseshoe trail. Places to see along the way include Helmsley Castle , Rievaulx Abbey , Mount Grace Priory, Gisborough Priory, Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle to name just a few special sites.

Flamborough

The name Flamborough is believed to come from a word meaning “the place of the flame”. Other sources claim that it derives from “Flaneberg”, possibly from the Saxon “Flaen” meaning a dart, which the shape of the headland resembles.

Flamborough Head is a series of chalk cliffs standing over 400 feet high. The cliffs are home to one of the largest sites of nesting sea birds in England, a rare colony of gannets lives and nests here. The clifftop walk is a bird spotter’s paradise, and visitors to the headland include oystercatchers, gulls, eider ducks, and cormorants.  

As well as its distinctive white cliffs, there are coves, sea caves and stacks along the coastline.

There are two lighthouses at Flamborough Head. The old one is set a short distance back from the sea which seems a lot safer to me given the cliff erosion. The new one is built on the edge of the cliff itself.

The chalk tower is the only surviving light tower in England. It is believed to date from the 17th century and a brushwood fire would have been burnt on the top to light the way. No one knows however if this lighthouse was ever lit. The structure has several windows and a fireplace so it may have been lived in at some time.  

The North Yorkshire Coast is a picturesque destination that boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in England. From the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to the charming seaside towns and historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, this region has it all. So why not plan your next trip to North Yorkshire Coast and discover its many wonders for yourself? With so much to see and do, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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9 best places to visit on the yorkshire coast.

Up in the northeast of England, the county of Yorkshire is a gem – pure and simple!

Hugely diverse, it’s the famous Yorkshire Dales National Park that normally draws the crowds, but having spent quite a bit of time up there (I was a student in the main Yorkshire city of Leeds and have visited several times in my subsequent blogger capacity too!), I’m happy to say there’s even more to Yorkshire than this.

Yes it isn’t a well-known fact, but Yorkshire also has some amazing coastline!

Backed in part by the wonderful North York Moors National Park, with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and some epic walking possibilities, the Yorkshire coast really has a lot to offer, and if you’re up this way, you definitely shouldn’t miss it!

So here’s my list of the best 9 spots to check out there…

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#1 Flamborough

Flamborough in the south of Yorkshire is a quiet little town that has an amazing headland on its doorstep.

With a glorious lighthouse and epic coastal views, combined with some top clifftop walks (including a handy loop that starts and ends in Flamborough town and takes in North Landing and the coast all the way down to Danes Dyke) there’s lot to explore here.

Sandy beaches dot this coastal loop walk, but the jewel in the Flamborough crown is really the birdlife.

With tons of dramatic limestone cliffs, Flamborough Head is home to one of the most important bird colonies in Europe.

In the summer months, the cliffs here are packed with tens of thousands of breeding auks, gannets and gulls and my all-time favourite birds, puffins!

Yes, these cold-sea, coloured beak beauties can easily be spotted in Flamborough, even without binoculars, and I’m so delighted I saw them when I was here too.

Showing how diverse the Yorkshire coast is, the second entry on this list is something totally different from Flamborough – it’s the historic city of Whitby.

Made famous by the impressive Abbey, which sits at the top of the town, this atmospheric set of now ruins is meant to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and, as such, the town has become a mecca for goths.

Although it’s a climb of 199 steps up to get here, it’s well worth it for the views of both the harbour and the sea and, if you’re a member of English Heritage (or happy to buy a ticket), you can then get into the ruins and enjoy them too.

Otherwise, back down in the cobbled streets of Whitby, it’s all about enjoying a drink, perusing the cute shops, munching down a local ice cream and generally soaking up the vibe in this very unique spot.

A lovely seaside town just above Flamborough, the beachy spot of Filey is a key place to head for on the Yorkshire Coast if you want to feel the sand between your toes and a bucket and spade between your fingers.

Savour a salty fish and chips as you take in the historic promenade of this former fishing village, as well as its beautiful Edwardian architecture and 5 mile sandy bay.

#4 Staithes

Ok, so I’ll let you in on a little secret here – Staithes is actually my favourite spot on this list of the best places on the Yorkshire Coast because it’s like something from another world!

Honestly, when I first stepped out of the car here and began wandering down the tiny, steep, cobbled streets to the sea, I literally felt like I’d just entered a historical TV drama.

The ambience of this isolated fishing town – often and wild and windswept – feels both eerie and beautiful at the same time.

And in the sun, as it was when I visited, it’s even more stunning.

I was here for hours snapping photos (which is pretty amazing because  the town is only about 3 streets big!), but this perfectly formed little village, which sits nestled amongst the cliffs with the moors all round it, is just too picturesque not to!

Once home to Captain Cook – so his legend swirls around the town – this once-thriving port is now a sleepy backwater, but somehow, it’s all the more charming for it.

Climb up to the cliffs on the otherside for the best and most dramatic aerial shots of the place and its stunning natural surrounds.

And from one coastal enclave to another, the bustling port city of Hull probably couldn’t be more different to Staithes!

Located on the south part of the Yorkshire coast, Hull was the British City of Culture in 2017 and, as such received some much-needed regeneration during this time.

Things are looking up for Hull and top of the list of reasons to head there now is the world-class aquarium, The Deep .

The Seven Seas Fish Trail also adds to the list of attractions that explore this city’s important fishing heritage

#6 Runswick Bay

But now we come back to the beaches, and it’s harder to get better along the Yorkshire Coast than the marvel that is Runswick Bay.

A huge stretch of sandy shoreline, complete with some lovely safe swimming, there’s also rock pooling, fossil hunting and coastal walks all on offer here.

The Times newspaper recently named Runswick Bay one of the top 50 beaches in Britain and there’s no denying it’s a family favourite round here!

I arrived at Runswick Bay having hiked from Staithes and can highly recommend this long, but worthwhile clifftop trail.

#7 Robin Hood Bay

And sticking with the bay theme, the other side of Whitby i.e. southwards, the lovely Robin Hood Bay is another top spot around here.

A picturesque old fishing village nestled at the edge of the North York Moors National Park, this dog-friendly and sandy bay is another great spot for families.

The town backs right onto the bay too and provides a lovely heritage dimension with its twisting cobbled streets that invite tales of smugglers and hidden treasures!

#8 Saltburn-by-the Sea

Next up we move right up to the north of Yorkshire Coast, almost to Middlesbrough, as it’s time to really venture off the beaten track and head to the coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Full of Victorian charm, including its beautiful heritage pier (which is the last remaining one in Yorkshire FYI), you can really dig into the kitsch charm here with archaic cliff lifts.

Otherwise, move to modern times and enjoy a spot of surfing while you’re up here… just maybe bring a wetsuit!

#9 Scarborough

And last but not least, it’s probably the most famous spot on the Yorkshire coast, yes at position number 9, it’s the original seaside classic of Scarborough.

I first visited here in 1997 while I was a fresh-faced undergraduate at the National Student Drama Festival, but since then have returned to take in Scarborough with its 2, (yes that’s 2) beaches, its massive open-air theatre, the Cleveland Way walking trail (which boasts over 100 miles of footpaths in beautiful landscape) and it’s oh so iconic bingo hall!

I mean come on, what’s not to love?!

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Yorkshire Coast Travel Tips

When to Visit?

There’s no question in my mind, the best time to visit the Yorkshire coast is during the summer season, when the UK’s good weather allows you to get the nicest experience from your time there, especially if you want to enjoy some hiking and perhaps even, dare I say it, dip in the water!

The only problem with the summer and the weekend is that this is when the coast is at its busiest, so do be warned.

If you have the option to visit some of the beaches on a weekday, or outside of school holidays, then I’d advise this, as parking and finding a patch of sand will be a lot easier at these times!

How to Get There and Around?

Driving to the Yorkshire Coast from across the UK is easy and straightforward with lots of good connections.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the UK, Discover Cars offer some very competitive rates.

Otherwise, if you’d prefer to use public transport, it’s possible, but things do get a bit trickier – mostly due to the lack of train stations in the region!

From London you can get to Scarborough in around 3 hours by train and you can access Whitby from either Leeds, Manchester, York or Newcastle using the rail network too.

From any of these places, you can then usually hire a car, grab a taxi, or perhaps catch a bus to where you need to get to.

As always, I use Trainline to book my UK coach and rail travel as they compare a huge range of transport options, as well as use split-fare features, to get you the best deal on tickets.

Their handy app also allows you to track your journey, as well as save all your tickets in one handy place – winning!

Alternatively, if you’d rather take a tour and not have to arrange or worry about anything, this day trip from York to Whitby and the North York Moors comes highly recommended.

Where to Stay on the Yorkshire Coast?

Whitby and Scarborough all have a heap of accommodation options.

The Mooredge B&B in Whitby and Mansion House in Scarborough both get great reviews.

However, Staithes or Saltburn would be my pick when it comes to a quiet and quaint place to base yourself.

Check out The Endeavour in Staithes or the Brockley Hall in Saltburn for my top recommendations.

How Long to Visit the Yorkshire Coast For?

The answer to this question is really up to you!

If you’re staying or based somewhere like Leeds or York, then you can easily day trip to many of the locations on this list.

Otherwise, if you can manage a weekend, then you’ll certainly be able to tick a good few of these top places to visit off your list.

Yorkshire Coast Packing Essentials

And now here’s my list of the top 5 packing essentials you shouldn’t head to the beautiful coastline of Yorkshire without…

#1 A Good Camera – No doubt you’re going to be snapping like crazy in this gorgeous region and need to ensure you have a good camera to do the place justice.

I love my Sony A6000 and GoPro , which are both light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes – No point coming this far and not being able to enjoy a walk along the clifftops of the Yorkshire coast.

Get prepared therefore and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes – these cross trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket – Whatever the time of year, you have to remember this is England after all, a country in which the heavens can open at any point!

Don’t get caught out and ensure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you.

This North Face one is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack – I never go on any UK day trip without a sturdy backpack to ensure I’ve got everything I need and that the weight is equally distributed across my back and shoulders.

This is especially true when I’m heading to the beach and this super featherweight Kompressor from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant – ideal for those sea salty days.

#5 Portable Charger – And finally, I would never head off anywhere without my trusty Anker Portable Charger , which keeps my phone and camera batteries full all day, every day!

This means no matter how many top things I’m enjoying along the Yorkshire coast, I can take all the snaps and use all the maps I need!

Of course, it goes without saying you should bring your swimwear, beach towel and sunglasses too!

Where to Visit After the Yorkshire Coast?

If you’re still keen for more northern splendour after the Yorkshire coast (and, quite frankly, why wouldn’t you be?!), then you have some more great options on the doorstep.

First up, you may want to stick in the county and explore the Yorkshire Dales – the delightful village of Malham , with its great walks and country charm is a top choice.

Otherwise, if it’s city life you’re after, then Leeds is a buzzing Yorkshire spot you can’t miss.

Or, to the north, there’s the city of Newcastle and the Northumberland National Park or, in the other direction, the city of Liverpool and the world-famous Lake District are just begging to be explored.

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So there you have it, my list of the top 9 places to visit on the Yorkshire coast.

Which is your favourite and which are you heading to next?

Tell me all in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Visit the North York Moors

Purple moors and rolling hills.

The North York Moors and further south the lovely Yorkshire Wolds are the scenic background to the coastline with heather moors, rolling hills, picturesque country towns and historic houses. The North York Moors National Park offers great scenic variety - open moorland and secluded dales extending to the rugged coast. Explore the Park by foot, bicycle, park bus, or restored railway.

A National Park for 50 years, a sense of space and solitude marks the North York Moors. Ridge upon ridge of purple heather moorland extends into the distance. The deep secret valleys which cut the plateau come almost as a surprise and the warmth of their red-roofed villages contrasts with the upland solitude. In spring, valleys such as Farndale come alive with daffodils.

Travel 18 miles through the North York Moors on the steam railway from Grosmont to Pickering, with a station at Goathland, the famous Aidensfield of the Heartbeat TV series and now a Harry Potter film location. More modern are the listening posts at Fylingdales Moor, replacing the famous 'golf balls' of Cold War fame.

There are over 2,300km of paths and tracks on the North York Moors making it a walker's and cyclist's paradise. There are short strolls and half day walks and the superb Cleveland Way National Trail which can be explored in circular sections. Wildlife enthusiasts can hear the call of upland birds in the moorland peace. Whatever the season the Moors are a place to get away from it all and experience its spectacular countryside.

Exploring is assisted by the Moorsbus, a National Park organised service which travels to all corners of the Park.

Visit the honey-coloured villages of the Moors, and perhaps have a meal at one of the traditional country pubs. Or for more wooded country visit Dalby Forest, west of Scarborough, and walk forest trails through beautiful woodland.

Within the North York Moors National Park are the high cliffs and rocky shores of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast with fishing villages, sandy beaches, and a coastline rich in natural flora and fauna. See the Visit Yorkshire Coast guide for more information.

At the south of the Park are Helmsley in its attractive setting and Pickering with its ancient castle keep.

Nearby the traditional country towns of Hambledon and Ryedale bustle with local life. They include Thirsk in "Herriot Country", Northallerton in its broad green vale and Malton, the gateway to Ryedale.

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North York Moors

Why we love the north york moors.

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises. It is home to England’s largest heather moorland, a rare landscape that blooms purple in summer and is criss-crossed with hiking and cycling routes, while the coast is famous for its wide sandy beaches, quaint harbour villages and thrilling surf breaks.

The national park sits to the north of York, and is easily accessible from the city on day trips. But you won’t want to scrimp on time, because there’s so much to do: go whale-watching from Staithes, join a stargazing festival, kayak the River Esk, explore the haunting abbeys of Rievaulx and Whitby – and much more.

From countryside to coast, here’s how to squeeze maximum adventure into your North York Moors holiday.

VisitBritain/Acrojou

Follow in smugglers’ footsteps

The pretty fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay wasn’t always so picture-perfect. In the 18th century, its cobbled streets were a secret smuggling hotspot – though today they’re full of quirky boutiques, artists’ workshops and pubs. It’s a joy to linger in, as is the festival-loving, gallery-filled village of Staithes.

VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Hollywood calling

From breathtaking coastlines to wild moorlands, quaint fishing villages and a historic steam railway – it’s no surprise that North York Moors is popular filming location for the big and small screen. Whether it’s “Harry Potter”, “Indiana Jones” or “Bridgerton”, set off on a cinematic adventure across the North York Moors .

VisitBritain

Whitby Harbour, England

Coastal road trip

With everything you could want from a holiday including great sandy beaches, old fishing villages and an abundance of nature, head off on a North York Moor coastal adventure . Starting in Hull, explore Scarborough, Saltburn, Whitby and more.

North Yorkshire, Nordengland

Inland road tripping

From Newscastle to Helmsley, a road trip tour of the North York Moors ticks all the boxes. With hiking routes, history and nature in abundance, throw in the great food and cosy accommodation and you’ve got an epic trip on your hands.

Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire, England

Hike, bike and enjoy sustainably

With wild heathlands and hills to explore, the North York Moors is one of Britain’s oldest National Parks. Thanks to its status as a protected area we can continue to enjoy it, responsibly. Want to explore the beauty of nature? Here’s how to experience the North York Moors sustainably . 

Walk on the wild side

Put a spring in your step! When you go hiking in North York Moors National Park , you’ll experience it in glorious detail: the swooping song of a curlew bird, the fresh scent of woodland, the spritz of the sea on a cold winter’s day. There are trails for every ability, including wheelchair-accessible options.

Whitby, England

Fill your trip with festivals

To immerse yourself in local food and culture, look to the region’s vibrant festivals . From the fancy-dress parties of Whitby Steampunk Weekend (July) and WalkFest’s sociable hikes (May), to stargazing at the Dark Skies Fringe Festival (February), there’s always a new event on the horizon.

Welcome to Yorkshire

Escape on two wheels

Which trail to take? From flat forest paths to leg-pumping coastal tracks , the Moor to Sea Cycle Network offers 150 miles (240km) of cycling thrills – ideal for day trips or a week-long challenge. Or, head into those heather-topped hills on the 171-mile (276km) North York Moors Cycleway.

VisitBritain/Ceri Oakes

Sandsend Beach, Whitby, England

Get out on the water

The coastline is catnip for surfers, who come to ride Sandsend’s breaks and swells – along with sailors, windsurfers and paddleboarders, too. Rent a board or boat from a watersports centre, or try kayaking and fishing on the River Esk. Yachties will love Whitby’s three-day Regatta (August).

Charlotte Graham

Whitby Abbey, England

See a different side of Whitby

Feeling brave? Join a ghost tour in the graveyard of Whitby Abbey , the looming ruin that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Or for a hands-on history lesson, visit the Endeavour Experience, a full-size replica of Captain Cook’s ship; the famous explorer lived in Whitby during the 18th century.

Things to do in North York Moors

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

The looming ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic novel Dracula – and they’re just as atmospheric today.

VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

From golden sands to blustery clifftops and tales of smugglers and sailors, the North York Moors coastline is a joy to explore.

North York Moors Coast, England

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Rievaulx Abbey

Standing tall in a picturesque valley, the ruins of this ancient Cistercian monastery will take your breath away.

Dracula Experience

This spine-tingling tour brings Dracula’s chilling backstory to life, featuring special effects, animations and actors.

Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Yorkshire, Nordengland

Castle Howard

Head into history is this northern castle for hidden treasures and regal life.

castle_howard

Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

Don’t just admire the wild peaks of North York Moors National Park – climb them!

VisitBritain/Scott Salt

Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

Don your heavy eyeliner and black leather for Whitby’s hedonistic celebration of all-things gothic.

Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

Learn how to light a fire, build a weather-proof den, and find food in the forest.

North York Moors, England

Staithes Gallery

Explore the rich and varied collection of paintings and photography of the surrounding area.

VisitBritain/Katya Jackson

Whitby Goth Weekend

Every April and October, the seaside town of Whitby transforms into an incredible gothic gathering.

Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

With moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

Polly A Baldwin

Dalby Forest

Hike, cycle and run through this 8,500-acre woodland, in the North York Moors National Park.

Staithes Beach

As if the quaint fishing village of Staithes wasn’t charming enough, it also features a harbourside beach.

VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Staithes, England

Saltburn Farmers’ Market

For 15 years, this community market has hosted some of the best-loved local food and drink producers.

Valley View Restaurant – The Mallyan Spout Hotel

Stand-out dishes include Whitby crab, Yorkshire duck breast, and local cheese with chutney and crackers.

North Yorks

Go Ape Dalby Forest

Unleash your inner adventurer on forest segway tracks, high ropes courses and multiple zip lines.

Joe Cornish Gallery

Discover the work of award-winning landscape photographer Joe Cornish, as well as other local talents.

Joe Cornish Galleries

Ryedale Folk Museum

Discover over 40,000 historical objects, and discover buildings that date back hundreds of years.

Olivia Brabbs

North York Moors Chamber Music Festival

Every summer, this two-week classical festival brings top-quality performers to the North York Moors.

Matthew Johnson

Malton Food Lovers Festival

As well as over 100 stalls and vendors, look out for cooking demos, celebrity chefs and tasting sessions.

Richard Ponter

Helmsley Walled Garden

A sublime setting for walks and photography – plus look out for art trails and craft-themed events.

Colin Dilcock

Ryedale Folk Museum’s art gallery and shop

Looking for souvenirs? Take your pick from locally-focused art, small-batch gins and seasonal chutneys.

Ryedale Folk Museum Art Gallery

Adventure Route, Route YC

A 250 mile (415 km) adventure cycling loop, exploring the Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors National Park.

Route YC Adventure Route

Yorkshire, England

Featured things to do

Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, Northern England

New year, new hobby? Sharpen your photography skills on an expert-led tour, snapping forests full of bluebells, newborn lambs in the fields, and Rievaulx Abbey’s spectacular daffodils.

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Heavenly heather

The wild heather blossoms in abundance this season, painting the moors pinky-purple in the summer sun. Its sweet scent fills the air, making this a sublime time for hiking and cycling.

Follow that fin! From August to November, the coast is busy with minke, humpback, sei and fin whales – plus dolphins and porpoises too. Join a cruise from Staithes or Whitby.

VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Festive magic

Decked with glittering trees and sparkling lights, Castle Howard transforms into a winter wonderland – while Whitby has festive markets and fireworks at its annual Christmas Festival.

Places to stay in North York Moors

Glamping gems.

For a wild night, check out the national park’s quirky glamping sites – where you can bed down in safari tents, luxury yurts, woodland pods and more.

Boutique B&Bs

A great B&B offers stylish bedrooms and fantastic breakfasts, with a truly local welcome. Don’t forget to ask your hosts for their nearby travel tips.

Holiday rentals

From huge country houses with hot tubs and games rooms, to romantic seaside cottages made for two – what’s your self-catering holiday style?

Explore nearby

Small and mighty – York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch.

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Getting to North York Moors

If you’re arriving by rail, the stations at York, Leeds and Middlesbrough are the national park’s closest major hubs, and trains from London King’s Cross to York take around two hours. Manchester Airport is a two-hour drive from Helmsley, while the journey from Leeds Airport is one hour – putting the North York Moors within easy reach of destinations all over the world.

Getting around

You don’t need a car to get around: public transport options are plentiful, and the Esk Valley Railway runs right through the national park between Middlesbrough and Whitby, and links up with great walks, attractions and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Meanwhile, the likes of Moorsbus and Moors Explorer operate buses throughout summer and peak weekends.

By steam train

With its puffing steam trains and beautiful countryside views, the 24-mile (38km) North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a charming way to travel through the national park.

Putting extra power in your pedalling, an e-bike takes the strain out of cycling – so you can travel further, for longer. Most hire companies deliver bikes to local hotels.

Voted one of Britain’s most spectacular bus routes, the 840 Coastliner runs from Leeds to Whitby – and is just one of the many bus services that run all over the region.

Want to know more?

For outdoor adventures, expert travel tips and all the best places to stay, check out the national park’s official website.

The North Yorkshire coast

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The North Yorkshire coast is the southernmost stretch of a cliff-edged shore that stretches almost unbroken to the Scottish border. Scarborough is the biggest resort, with a full set of attractions and a terrific beach. Cute Robin Hood’s Bay is the most popular of the coastal villages, with fishing and smuggling traditions, while bluff Staithes – a fishing harbour on the far edge of North Yorkshire – has yet to tip over into a full-blown tourist trap. Whitby , between the two, is the best stopover, with its fine sands, good facilities, abbey ruins, Georgian buildings and maritime heritage – more than any other local place Whitby celebrates Captain Cook as one of its own. Two of the best sections of the Cleveland Way start from Whitby: southeast to Robin Hood’s Bay (six miles) and northwest to Staithes (eleven miles), both along thrilling high-cliff paths.

Robin Hood’s Bay

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Bram Stoker and Dracula

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Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

The most heavily visited spot on this stretch of coast, ROBIN HOOD’S BAY is made up of gorgeous narrow streets and pink-tiled cottages toppling down the cliff-edge site, evoking the romance of a time when this was both a hard-bitten fishing community and smugglers’ den par excellence. From the upper village, lined with Victorian villas, now mostly B&Bs, it’s a very steep walk down the hill to the harbour. The Old Coastguard Station has been turned into a visitor centre with displays relating to the area’s geology and sealife. When the tide is out, the massive rock beds below are exposed, split by a geological fault line and studded with fossil remains. There’s an easy circular walk (2.5 miles) to Boggle Hole and its youth hostel, a mile south, returning inland via the path along the old Scarborough–Whitby railway line.

The oldest resort in the country, SCARBOROUGH first attracted early seventeenth-century visitors to its newly discovered mineral springs. To the Victorians it was “the Queen of the Watering Places”, but Scarborough saw its biggest transformation after World War II, when it became a holiday haven for workers from the industrial heartlands. All the traditional ingredients of a beach resort are still here in force, from superb, clean sands and kitsch amusement arcades to the more refined pleasures of its tight-knit old-town streets and a genteel round of quiet parks and gardens. In addition to the sights detailed here, make sure to drop into the Church of St Mary (1180), below the castle on Castle Road, whose graveyard contains the tomb of Anne Brontë, who died here in 1849.

If there’s one essential stop on the North Yorkshire coast it’s WHITBY , with its historical associations, atmospheric ruins, fishing harbour, lively music scene and intrinsic charm. The seventh-century cliff-top abbey here made Whitby one of the key foundations of the early Christian period, and a centre of great learning. Below, on the harbour banks of the River Esk, for a thousand years the local herring boats landed their catch until the great whaling boom of the eighteenth century transformed the fortunes of the town. Melville’s Moby Dick makes much of Whitby whalers such as William Scoresby, and James Cook took his first seafaring steps from the town in 1746, on his way to becoming a national hero. All four of Captain Cook’s ships of discovery – the Endeavour , Resolution , Adventure and Discovery – were built in this town.

Walking around Whitby is one of its great pleasures. Divided by the River Esk, the town splits into two halves joined by a swing bridge: the cobbled old town to the east, and the newer (mostly eighteenth- and nineteenth-century) town across the bridge, generally known as West Cliff . Church Street is the old town’s main thoroughfare, barely changed in aspect since the eighteenth century, though now lined with tearooms and gift shops. Parallel Sandgate has more of the same, the two streets meeting at the small marketplace where souvenirs and trinkets are sold, and which hosts a farmer’s market every Thursday.

The story of Dracula is well known, but it’s the exact attention to the geographical detail of Whitby – little changed since Bram Stoker first wrote the words – which has proved a huge attraction to visitors. Using first-hand observation of a town he knew well – he stayed at a house on the West Cliff, now marked by a plaque – Stoker built a story which mixed real locations, legend and historical fact: the grounding of Count Dracula’s ship on Tate Hill Sands was based on an actual event reported in the local papers.

It’s hardly surprising that the town has cashed in on its Dracula Trail . The various sites – Tate Hill Sands, the abbey, church and steps, the graveyard, Stoker’s house – can all be visited, while down on the harbourside the Dracula Experience attempts to pull in punters to its rather lame horror-show antics. Keen interest has also been sparked amongst the Goth fraternity, who now come to town en masse a couple of times a year (in late spring and around Halloween) for a vampire’s ball, concerts and readings.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in North Yorkshire (England)

15 Best Places to Visit in North Yorkshire (England)

As England’s largest county, North Yorkshire has a dizzying array of towns and natural environments, from barely-charted cave systems to sweeping sandy beaches, and from stately spa towns to remote upland hamlets.

To say there’s something for everyone in North Yorkshire doesn’t begin to sum it up.

Still, anybody coming to this neck of the woods should be directed to York, which is ancient and beautiful, as well as the Victorian resorts on the coast like Scarborough and Saltburn, which possess a dignity and elegance you don’t often see in English coastal towns.

For nature there are two massive national parks, while history abounds in the shape of haunting abbeys, heritage steam railways and Norman castles.

Lets explore the best places to visit in North Yorkshire :

When it comes to heritage, historical appeal and plain good looks, York is practically unmatched in England.

The city can be traced back to the 1st century, and during medieval times was England’s second city after London.

York was held in such high esteem by the Georgians it was safeguarded from the chimneystacks of the Industrial Revolution.

And so you’re left with an unspoiled warren of cobblestone streets, corbelled timber houses and 18th-century flat-fronted townhouses.

York Minster is one of Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedrals and an enduring masterwork of medieval art.

When the railways arrived in York the city became an integral transport hub between London and Edinburgh, and you can dip into this history at the peerless National Railway Museum.

Penned to the coast by the North York Moors, Whitby is a town around a former whaling harbour lodged in the River Esk estuary.

The older east bank of the river is all fishing cottages, cobblestone lanes and maritime inns, with a listed building every few steps.

Looking down on that east bank are the spectral ruins of Whitby Abbey, claimed to have inspired Bram Stoker to make the town his point of arrival for Dracula.

The town has cinematic beaches, historic churches, loads of fragments of its old whaling industry and a museum for Captain James Cook, the first western explorer to reach Australia, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands.

This attraction is in the former home of the Walker Brothers, ship-owners who employed Cook while he was in Whitby.

3. Scarborough

Packed onto rocky limestone terrain, Scarborough could well be the cream of England’s seaside resorts and has been attracting tourists since the 1500s.

It was the Victorians who made an industry of tourism in Scarborough, engineering promenades between the North and South Bay and atop the South Cliff.

The Regency and Victorian architecture in these areas of the old spa resort is appropriately rich.

On the seafront next to the fine sandy beach are English seaside essentials like fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, stands selling cockles and winkles, and the marvellous 19th-century spa complex, now a regal entertainment venue.

4. Harrogate

In the middle of rural North Yorkshire, Harrogate’s 88 springs became all the rage in the 17th century, and an exclusive spa town was soon born.

Harrogate has lost none of that historic lustre, and is replete with dignified Georgian houses, hotels and old pump rooms on cobblestone lanes and grand avenues.

Now the name is a synonym for luxury, as illustrated by Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms, possibly the finest place for afternoon tea in England and frequented by the Queen when she’s in town.

England’s third-smallest city is also the oldest in the country, having been founded more than 1,350 years ago.

There are sights in Ripon that will leave you speechless.

And this certainly applies to the Studley Royal Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This 18th century country garden in the romantic style was designed to complement the atmospheric ruins of Fountains Abbey, which was built in the 12th century and then abandoned in the 1500s.

Ripon Cathedral is the other indispensable attraction, designed mostly in the early English gothic style.

Look out for the 35 “misericords” , carvings on the underside of the choir seats, commissioned in the early-1490s.

6. Yorkshire Dales

Taking up massive swathes of the northwestern side of the county, the Yorkshire Dales are hills and river valleys on a limestone bed.

This geology grants the park majestic cave systems that, like Goyden, Stump Cross, Ingleborough and White Scar, are open as show caves for tours.

Many others are the preserve of experienced cavers and potholers, and if this interests you there are lots of guides waiting to take you on subterranean adventures.

For everyone else the Dales mean hikes in one of the most secluded areas in England where your friends and loved ones, and herds of Swaledale sheep, may be your only company.

7. North York Moors

Those who crave the outdoors are spoiled in North Yorkshire, as the county also has the North York Moors National Park.

This is 1,430 square kilometres of heather moorland and forest to the east of the county, continuing right to the North Sea coast where it yields to cliffs and magical sandy beaches.

The uplands, with hills rising above 400 metres is dramatic heather moor, while this falls away to deep dales with seams of ancient woodland.

There are more mature trees on the North York Moors than any other place in Northern England.

Only a few thousand people live on the North York Moors, so settlements are limited to hamlets and villages with pubs that will be a welcome sight for hungry or weary walkers and cyclists.

No settlement in the Yorkshire Dales are blessed with as much limestone formations as the village of Malham.

On treks around Malham you’ll reach a host of minor natural wonders in a matter of minutes.

Most photographed is Malham Cove, a sheer wall, 80 metres high and shaped by an ice age river.

Climbers love to scale the cliffs, while cave divers explore the maze-like cave system and the base, which is at least 1.6 kilometres long.

There’s an awe-inspiring raving at Gordale Scar, painted by Turner and eulogised by the poet William Wordsworth.

Then there’s Malham Tarn, England’s highest lake and a National Trust site for its unusual alkaline waters and biology.

9. Helmsley

This market town straddles the boundary of the North York Moors National Park and is the trailhead for the long-distance Cleveland Way, which curls through the park and along the coast down to Filey more than 110 metres away.

If there’s one monument you must see in Helmsley it’s the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

The ruins are managed by English Heritage and are some of the most complete of any abandoned abbey in the country.

This was once one of England’s wealthiest Cistercian monasteries until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 1500s.

There’s much more to the town than this though, as Helmsley features a castle brewery a centre for birds of prey and an exquisite walled garden from 1759.

10. Knaresborough

People travel  a long way to Knaresborough just for the sight of the town teetering on the steep gorge on the east bank of the River Nidd.

And what sets the view off is the lovely Knaresborough Viaduct crossing through the gorge carrying trains into the town.

Knaresborough’s sharp gradient only makes it prettier, as you clamber up the cobblestone streets and staircases that rise from the riverside.

On the west bank is a spring with such high mineral content that objects left hanging here take on a stony appearance after a few years.

This is also Mother Shipton’s cave, where the notorious 15th-century prognosticator was supposedly born.

11. Grassington

In the Yorkshire Dales the smart market town of Grassington has a village-like feel and is one of the best places to stay if you’re thinking of a hiking holiday in the park.

There’ a park authority information centre to clue you in everything you can track down in the wilderness close by, and a cute little folk museum depicting traditional costume and trades.

The picturesque village of Linton close by has the Linton Falls, a man-made weir with a high volume of water crashing on the rocks below.

These waters were channelled to power old textile mills, and a hydroelectric plant here that had been defunct since the 40s was restored in 2012 and now produces power for the village a century after it was installed.

12. Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Up to the mid-1800s there wasn’t much in Saltburn bar an inn  and a few cottages.

That was until the railways arrived, and with them the Pease Family of industrialists from Darlington.

The story goes that Henry Pease, a Quaker, had a heavenly vision of a city here resembling Jerusalem in 1858 and ventured to bring it to life.

Notice the “Jewel Streets” , a series of parallel roads with sea views, named after precious stones (Amber, Pearl, Diamond) and claimed to be inspired by that original vision.

The resort had a whole load of innovations, like the water-powered “Cliff-Lift” funicular, which still rattles from the pier to the cliff-top.

The Zetland Hotel, now apartments,  was remarkable for being one of the first hotels with its own private train platform.

Like many places towards the North of England Hawes has an Old Norse name, which means “mountain pass”. This comes from the Buttertubs Pass, an upland road that now links Hawes with the villages of Muker and Thwaite to the north.

And as for the name “Buttertubs”, these are the 20-metre limestone potholes on the way, where market traders would store their butter on hot days.

Hawes market has been trading since the early-1300s and got its official charter in 1699. Now it takes place on Tuesdays, and the must-buy is Wensleydale cheese, which is produced in Hawes at the Wensleydale Creamery.

Inquisitive cheese-lovers can stop by to see how George Orwell’s second-favourite cheese is made, and try it for themselves afterwards.

14. Pickering

On the southern verge of the North York Moors, Pickering is the town that many travellers choose as their accommodation for their excursions into the park.

It’s a given that the moors are a big draw in Pickering, but there’s also a weekend’s worth of interesting things to see in and near the town.

Take St Peter and St Paul’s Church, which has a captivating set of frescos on the walls of the nave, with images like St George slaying the dragon, painted around 1450. Also here are the spectacular ruins of Pickering Castle, with a 13th-century ruin with a chapel and much of the outer walls and towers remaining.

Finally, the Beck Isle Museum is a celebrations of all things Victorian, and recreates life in a Market Town in the 1800s.

15. Robin Hood’s Bay

The achingly pretty Robin Hood’s Bay is a seafront village with cliffs, beaches and a little nest of alleys and lanes to explore.

You’re also on Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast, where it’s not too difficult to find fossils in the local shale rock, and dinosaur footprints have even been identified.

The village rests in a gap in the cliffs and has no more than a few streets of red brick fishing cottages.

The beach is below, and at low-tide seems to never end.

You can step inside the old Coastguard Station, which is a National Trust property commanding wonderful coastal views, or walk to the Georgian St Stephen’s Church in Fylingdales, which has a 200-year-old Georgian interior that has hardly been touched.

15 Best Places to Visit in North Yorkshire (England):

• Scarborough
• Yorkshire Dales
• North York Moors
• Knaresborough
• Grassington
• Saltburn-by-the-Sea
• Robin Hood's Bay

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Immerse yourself in the North Yorkshire Coast

Hugging the coast from Staithes in the north to Flamborough Head in the south, the North Yorkshire coastline is one of the longest and most varied in the country. Its seas are stashed with seafood and it offers a delight for those that love the outdoors, making it the perfect winter escape.

Enjoy the great outdoors or a relaxing retreat

This coast brims with charming resorts, not least Scarborough , Filey and Whitby , each one tells a different story with a special reason to visit.  

Everyone should visit the Victorian resort of Scarborough, it is, after all, the original and quintessential seaside resort! Explore its castle ruins or shop boutiques and independent shops in Bar Street and Huntriss Row or the wonderful indoor Market Hall and Vaults to browse local artisan businesses. Or perhaps relax and unwind in The Wellness Spa at Alpamare or practice Yoga on the beach. 

The Peasholm Park Naval Warfare - Battle of Peasholm returns this year 23 June to 3rd September and is a must see Scarborough event. War breaks out on the lake in the middle of the park when the 20-foot replica boats recreate some serious tensions during the Peasholm Park Naval Battle. The “Battle of Peasholm” lasts for 30 minutes and is produced three times per week.   

Just north, towered over by its Gothic Abbey , Whitby’s history oozes from every stone. Delve into the town’s Gothic culture through its quirky cobbled streets, shops and Abbey ruins.  The town’s also famed for iconic British explorer Captain Cook, head to the immersive Memorial Museum and spot his monument on the West Cliff, nearby the impressive replica of a whale jawbone is transformed into an archway.  

Whitby’s Fish ‘n’ Ships Festival is simply unmissable, returning on the 20-21 May 2023. Expect live cookery demos all weekend in the seafood kitchen on Dock End and Endeavour Wharf showcasing local and celeb chefs conjuring up magical seafood dishes.  

Aside from feasts from the sea, there’ll be plenty of entertainment in the form of sea shanties, sea balladeers, live music and much more! 

Need to relax with a little down-time? Look no further than elegant Filey, with its glorious stretch of award-winning sandy beach. Check into a cosy B&B or chic seafront hotel - this is the place to switch off and unwind. For fabulous Fish and Chips visit Inghams Fish Restaurant.  

Explore artisan Yorkshire food and drink producers

With local craft breweries and distilleries on tap and the stunning Cleveland Way to ramble , this coast is filled with immersive experiences .   

To discover more of this coastline’s charms, visit some of the region’s local artisan food producers. There are plenty of opportunities to splurge on dressed crab and lobster or for a simple pleasure, drink in the sea-views with over 20 options of the crispiest fish and chips at the end of the pier. 

If you’re interested in craft beers or spirits, make a trip to the Whitby Brewery , Whitby Gin Distillery or Yorkshire’s first ever single malt whisky distillery, the Spirit of Yorkshire in Hunmanby.  

From farm shops to food markets, local cheeses, cured meats, artisan bread and real ales, all are readily available with fresh, local produce featured on many pub and restaurant menus. 

Thrill-seekers have the choice of surfing, sailing, climbing, horse-riding or trekking, check out the options here. The Dark Skies Festival is another must-see that gives you the chance to experience clear starry skies and explore our universe in one of the UK’s only Dark Skies Reserves happening between 10-26 February then also returning later in the year. 

However, walkers are in for a treat, the Cleveland Way is simply breath-taking with jaw-dropping views at every step. Plan a full-on hike or just spend a couple of hours strolling the cliffs with a pit stop in one of many cosy pubs. For a forest experience Dalby the Great Yorkshire Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for a variety of ages and abilities.  

If you’re mapping the Coast Path, book an overnight at any one of the pretty coastal villages, including Ravenscar , Staithes , Runswick Bay or Sandsend .  Once the haunt of smugglers, these peaceful villages are ideal for reverting to a time when life was less stressful and more relaxed. 

For entertainment seekers, the North Yorkshire Cost is the perfect choice!

Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre is Europe's largest, this iconic venue was re-opened in grand style back in the summer of 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen.  Playing host to some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Elton John, Britany Spears, Kylie, Lionel Richie and many more.  

In 2023 you can see Sting, Pulp, N-Dubz or Rag’n’Bone Man amongst many other household names. 

For musicals and live shows, the Scarborough Spa and Whitby Pavilion offer a wide variety of performances. In the line-up for 2023 shows include The Magic of Motown, Comedy a plenty and family entertainment.   

Scarborough is home to acclaimed playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn. For a unique theatre experience, head to  the Stephen Joesph Theatre, which boasts a welcome for all across its offer of performances, comedies and films. 

Eat Me is a real foodie local gem is now resident at the theatre and offers an eclectic mix of British & Asian food, perfect for a pre-show meal. 

For more inspiration please visit discoveryorkshirecoast.com

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Things To Do In North Yorkshire & The North Yorkshire Coast, Attractions & Places To Visit

Things to do in North Yorkshire, from admiring the incredible Whitby Abbey to peaceful horse riding at Robin Hood’s Bay. Here is our ultimate guide of things to do, attractions and places to visit in North Yorkshire and along the North Yorkshire Coast.

Yorkshire is the largest of England’s historical counties although now divided administratively into three. Its coastline stretches from the River Tees in the North to the Humber in the South, a distance of around 65 miles if you follow the Ordnance Survey high tide line. It divides fairly neatly into different sections and each has attractions that make a visit extremely worthwhile.

We are so lucky in the UK to have some stunning coastline, and no more so than the wild coastline of North Yorkshire . There are over 50 miles of coast dotted with quaint seaside towns, pretty fishing villages, and dramatic clifftop headlands, there is something to offer everyone in this area. In this article, we take a look at some of our favourite things to do in North Yorkshire and along the North Yorkshire Coast.

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" get the best from your stay in whitby." - everything you need to know about whitby into a free mini-guide, 1. visit whitby abbey.

Ah, Whitby! Sitting high above the town of Whitby stands the ruin of Whitby Abbey. Whitby Abbey was a former monastery dating back to the year 657 when the first building was founded on this site. The ruins we see today are that of a 13th century Benedictine Abbey. Located on East Cliff, the ruins have incredible views across the town of Whitby and the surrounding coastline. You can make your way up to the Abbey from the town by climbing up the 199 steps, located on Church Lane. The site also features a visitor centre which is managed by English Heritage, containing items from Whitby Abbey’s history as well as interactive learning elements. There is also an audio tour available that you can listen to while exploring the ancient ruins.

Find more information here.

2. Visit Whitby for Goth Weekend

The gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey became the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel. The gothic influence is still maintained in the town to this day, with Whitby renowned as the ‘Goth Capital of the UK’ and holding the yearly Whitby Goth Weekend , where thousands of goths from around the world visit the town for a festival of music, shows, and quirky costumes. This is a wonderful time to visit Whitby!

3. Take a ride on Saltburn Cliff Tramway 

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a very popular destination with tourists. It has a large expanse of beach and pretty headland views. The town centre sits at the clifftop, with a steep bank leading down to the promenade and pier. Rather than walk down you can take a ride on the oldest water-balanced funicular cliff lift still in operation. Opened in 1884 the lift still carries passengers 120 feet down to the pier below. The two cars carry 10-12 passengers each and feature beautiful stained glass windows, which add to its Victorian charm.

Once you make it to the beach why not take a stroll along the town’s Victorian Pier which has been restored to its former glory, and is now Grade II listed. From the end of the pier, the views out across the coast and back towards the town are spectacular. The pier is also a popular fishing spot and features an amusement arcade. Perfect for a day trip! 

4. Walk the clifftop pathways of the Cleveland Way

The Cleveland Way is maintained by National Trails. It is a 109-mile trail that begins in Helmsley on the North York Moors and also takes in the dramatic coastline from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey. This section takes the path along some of the highest cliffs in the country, as well as dropping down into hidden coves, beautiful fishing villages, and through some of the larger towns along the coast such as Whitby and Scarborough . Whether you want to take in a small section of the trail, or plan to walk the whole coastline, which is just over 50 miles, the choice is yours!

5. Explore the alleyways of Robin Hood’s Bay and it’s Museum

6. Visit the James Cook Schoolroom Museum 

James Cook Schoolroom Museum recreates the 18th Century for visitors interested in this legendary explorer. It is located in Great Ayton where Teesside meets the North York Moors. They follow Cook’s early life on the farm, to his important voyages and untimely death. It’s a great place to visit for all of the family and admission is free.

7. Go horse riding on the beach

Whether you’ve tried horse riding previously or not. Horses cantering through the sand, open space, and the fresh sea air is truly a magical experience. The North Yorkshire Coast has several beaches which are horse-friendly. The long flat expanse of beaches spanning Redcar, Marske, and Saltburn provide perfect horse riding conditions, whereas in Robin Hood’s Bay local riding companies offer beach horse riding for more experienced riders with access through the narrow streets of the town.

8. Check out Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum in Skinningrove near Saltburn is on the site of the first ironstone mine in the area. You can learn about how ironstone was first discovered in the Cleveland Region and much more. Explore the villages that grew around the mines and steel plants, many being ‘model villages’ built by the mines owners to house the growing number of miners and steelworkers. See how life has changed over the last 100 years with their fascinating time sliders and visit some of the existing mines remains with 3D models of the sites. Examine their ever-growing collection of objects, books and maps with new items added every week, including a weekly mystery object.

9. Eat fish and chips with harbour views

You can’t really visit North Yorkshire without trying fish and chips! It’s customary to have fish and chips at least once. The towns and villages along the coast have a wide variety of fish and chip restaurants, and one of the most popular of these in North Yorkshire is The Magpie Cafe in Whitby . Famed for having the best fish and chips in the area, visitors will queue out onto the street to taste the delicious offerings from the cafe. If you can’t get a table inside, then you could do a lot worse than having a takeaway with views of the beautiful harbour.

10. Try rock pooling

Once the tide goes out at many of the fishing villages, the beaches are left with an array of rock pools brimming with life to explore. Grab a net from one of the local gift shops and head onto the beach to see what marine life you can find that has been left behind by the turning tides. There is a high chance that you will find some crabs, starfish, and sea anemones if you search hard enough. Runswick Bay and Robin Hood’s Bay are perfect locations for rock-pooling, but make sure you check the tide times as it’s easy to get caught out.

The North Yorkshire coastline is one of the best locations in the UK for surfing. Saltburn is now a very popular destination for surfers, with the local geology providing excellent waves and surfing conditions. There are plenty of surf schools in the area where beginners can hire equipment and get out on the water to test out their surfing and paddleboarding skills. Wet suits provided will keep you warm in the chillier months of the year. Saltburn Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire so you can take to the waves and try a spot of surfing in the North Sea.

Whitby Surf School is the ideal place to learn to surf along the North Yorkshire Coast. Whether your first time surfing at Whitby or looking for some extra tuition before you take to heading out on your own, they have fully qualified instructors who are passionate about making the session as fun and exciting as it can be.

12. Visit the lighthouses of Flamborough Head

At the southern end of the North Yorkshire coastline, Flamborough Head is a popular destination for hikers and birdwatchers alike. The headland features two lighthouses. The Old Flamborough Lighthouse was built in 1674, whereas the New Flamborough Lighthouse, which still operates today, was built in 1806. The lighthouse and visitor centre are open seasonally for tours for an admission fee. There are cliff-top trails around the headland, with steps down to the beach to explore the cove. Further north along the headland, the RSPB Bempton Cliffs nature reserve is home to dramatic cliffs where a large number of sea birds gather in the spring. It is a wonderful sight!

13. Visit the Gallery then catch the golden hour at Staithes

Staithes Gallery is housed in an elegant Georgian building on Staithes High Street. The village of Staithes on the North Yorkshire coast has always been and still is a magnet for art and artists . Their aim at Staithes Gallery is to provide a showcase right in the heart of the old village for the very best contemporary artwork inspired by Staithes and the surrounding area. Their exhibitions reflect the quality and variety of art stimulated by this most inspirational of villages.

One of the prettiest villages in the area is Staithes, a small port and fishing village just north of Whitby. As with many of the villages in this area, Staithes is centred around a small sheltered cove with winding cobbled streets and quaint cottages, leading up a steep hill to the headland. With ghost walks, lovely art galleries, and great restaurants offering the best local seafood, it’s a joy to visit. As the sun gets low in the sky and starts to cast its shadows across the village, the cliffs and rooftops glow red while the sky out onto the horizon turns pastel shades of blue and pink. It’s quite a spectacular scene. There’s a great vantage point high up in the town where you can capture the scene in its full glory.

14. Learn to cook at the Arches Cookery School

The Arches Cookery School in Crinkle Bank Farm Loftus takes place in a 200-year old barn conversion. Set in the North York Moors National Park and based close to Whitby, surrounded by a wonderful rural landscape full of ancient woodland and heather moorland. Sarah Muir has been cooking for rock royalty for over twenty years. As a classically trained cook, she has worked in every corner of the world creating and serving food that meets the most demanding and exacting of standards. They have a large range of courses, no matter how experienced you are in the kitchen. Take a browse through their latest courses below.

15. Explore Guisborough forest and walkway

The forest trails to High Cliff Nab above Guisborough, returning through Hutton Village are great family fun you learn more from the Forest and Walkway Visitors’ Centre in Pinchinthorpe. Onsite facilities include two play areas, a trim trail to challenge you, a sculpture trail, circular waymarked walks and bike trails, and a permanent orienteering course. A dipping platform provides access into the wetland area and there’s a regular events programme. This is a perfect day out for all the family.

16. Explore a nature reserve

Elerburn Bank Nature Reserve in Dalby Forest near Pickering is filled with butterflies and moths in season and the colour of wildflowers. The Forest itself is a great place for family picnics, walking biking and orienteering. Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve close to Whitby is another delightful natural area with a good variety of trees and plants as well as small mammals and birds.

17. Take a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway has created a reputation far beyond the borders of Yorkshire and receives a host of visitors annually. Travel across the North York Moors National Park on steam or vintage diesel train and visit some charming station stops along the way, including the famous Goathland this was the original Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as well as Aidensfield in the 90s drama Heartbeat. Goathland has become an increasingly popular tourist destination over the years, a remote village with attracts hoards of visitors each year who are eager to recapture some of the historic scenes from Heartbeat. Goathland Train Station is a must-visit!

18. Explore The Moors National Park Centre

The Moors National Park Centre is a historic visitor centre, set in an idyllic spot on the banks of the River Esk, near Danby. From the doorstep, you can see pretty much everything that makes the North York Moors National Park so special: moorland, woodland, farmland, miles of hedges and drystone walls, historic buildings all basking in glorious peace and quiet. Enjoy a big breath of fresh air and soak up the sweeping views. It’s an official Dark Sky Discovery Site too, one of three in the North York Moors. It’s also home to their beautiful art gallery. Entry to the Centre is free.

19. Explore Rievaulx Abbey

Escape to this tranquil valley of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries. Their visitor experience shines a light on Rievaulx Abbey’s fascinating past and the lives of the monks who called Rievaulx Abbey their home. Explore the elegant museum displaying previously unseen artefacts which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England. Wander the extensive ruins of the abbey to discover more about the building and how it looked at various stages of its development. Pick up an audio tour to learn more

20. Wander around Helmsley Castle

Unlock 900 years of life at Helmsley Castle, a must-see for any visitor to the picturesque market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. Discover how the castle evolved over the centuries, from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin.

21. Climb the 199 Steps

The 199 steps , known as the Church Stairs, lead from the Old Town up to St. Mary’s Churchyard . 1340 is the first known record of the 199 steps, however, it is believed the steps were actually made a long time before this. Some historians believe that St Hilda would use the steps as a test to confirm the faith of her followers. This was a test of Christian faith to those who wished to worship in St Mary’s Church.

22. Pick up or just admire some Whitby Jet

At the foot of Whitby’s 199 Steps to the Abbey, W. Hamond Jewellers are the oldest manufacturers and sellers of Whitby Jet Jewellery and ornaments. Established in 1860, W Hamond Jewellers has been welcoming visitors from around the world for over 150 years, showcasing beautiful collections of handcrafted Whitby Jet Jewellery. Their skilled craftsmen select the finest quality Whitby Jet , gathered from the local shores, before being expertly cut, precision set and polished to perfection, transformed into elegant jewellery designs. We also recommend a visit to Albert’s Eatery & Museum of Whitby Jet , which is located on Church Street, just a short walk from W. Hamond’s Whitby Jet shop.

23. Get out on the water with Bay Watersports

Bay Watersports offer plenty of water sports on the Yorkshire Coast. Come and share the amazing Yorkshire Coastline with them and enjoy some of the adrenaline-fuelled watersports activities they have to offer including, Coasteering, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Dinghy Sailing, Raft Building and Team Events.

24. Try a beer at Whitby Brewery

We love a cold beer after a long walk! Whitby Brewery has been producing delightfully delicious Yorkshire ales since 2013. The brewery itself was built by hand by local Whitby craftsmen and has proven to be perfect for brewing cracking Yorkshire ales. They only use only the finest floor-malted barley and whole hops to make some of the best beers about. Stop here and try a beer we promise you will thank us for the idea!

25. Hold your nerve at Flamingo Land 

The Flamingo Land Resort is a fantastic place to visit. If you have kids with you and you want to keep them happy for a few hours (and tire them out!). You can take the kids to have a look at all the different animals, on the rides and then stay for some food as well. Flamingo Land is located around 40 minutes outside of Whitby. There are plenty of rides and themed days throughout the year and the park now offers accommodation if you wish to stay overnight. The zoo at Flamingo Land is packed with a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. A perfect place for a day out.

26. Get out on a boat trip with Yorkshire Coast Boat Trips

Travel in comfort and style between the beautiful seaside towns of Whitby and Scarborough and experience the North Yorkshire coast from a unique perspective with Yorkshire Coast Boat Trips . A one-way journey takes over 1 hour. Why not use Yorkshire Coast Boat Trips to travel between Yorkshire’s historic ports? If you’re staying in Whitby, why not travel to Scarborough in style and enjoy a day out further down the coast. Option of a return via boat on the first trip out later in the day. The boat carries up to twelve passengers in a fully enclosed and heated cabin. Comfortable seats make for a relaxed ride, and large windows make it easier to spot wildlife. If you’re lucky you might spot the odd seal or even a dolphin!

Find our extensive list of boat trips here.

27. Hunt for Jet or Fossils

Children and adults alike are able to go hunting for fossils on the dinosaur coast! This is a great pass time and if you’re lucky, you may uncover some hidden gems.

Find our fossil hunting guide here.

28. Enjoy the Magical Falling Foss Tea Garden

The Falling Foss Tea Garden is the ideal place to relax after an adventure and enjoy a cup of tea and a delicious cake or homemade soup. You will have a wonderful view of a waterfall as you sit outside and enjoy the sound of the flowing water. Children can explore the forest and let their imaginations run wild as they explore the outdoors. Falling Foss Tea Rooms are open seasonally from April until September.

Of course…we can’t mention everything! This is a selection of our favourite things to do in North Yorkshire. We hope this helps you and gives you a few ideas for your next trip. Let us know your favourite things to do in North Yorkshire and along the North Yorkshire Coast in the comments , we’d love to hear from you. 

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Places to visit in North Yorkshire

When you visit North Yorkshire, you’ll soon embrace the great outdoors. Bring your walking shoes for uphill climbs across Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to castles and abbey ruins that frame the landscape, and afterwards, recharge in regal spa town tearooms and market town pubs over jugs of locally brewed Ruby Ale. One of the best things to do in North Yorkshire of all is amble round historic York, with its gothic York Minster cathedral decked out in stained glass. Get lost in cobbled snickelway passages, or take in ancient forts and bridges on a River Ouse cruise.

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24 hours in Whitby

Scratch the surface of the Gothic, historic and dramatic seaside town of Whitby, perched on the Yorkshire Coast.

8 places to switch off in North Yorkshire

Feast your eyes on dramatic coastal scenery, historic abbeys, and hidden villages on your next short break to the Yorkshire coast.

Take afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Experience vintage English hospitality and choose from hundreds of delicious treats and tea varieties in this iconic Art Deco café.

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window at the Minster

According to legend, all loved up couples that kiss under the 'Heart of Yorkshire' window, will stay together forever.

Location: York, North Yorkshire

Go shopping medieval-style along The Shambles

Travel back in time along one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, with cheerful cafés and quirky shops in timber-framed buildings.

March along England's longest medieval city walls

Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and stroll along its 13th century defensive walls, passing historic landmarks, gatehouses and gardens.

Get on board at the National Railway Museum

The world's largest railway museum is home to a staggering collection of restored locomotives, including the fastest steam engine of all time.

Rainy Day Activities: Step back in time at York Castle Museum

Travel back in time on a rainy day at this trend-setting museum, which transports visitors back through 300 years of history.

Go ghost hunting in ‘Europe's most haunted city’

York claims to be the world’s first city to run ghost walks – you’ll soon see why, with tales of murder, mayhem and gore at every corner.

Take a cruise along the River Ouse

The city of York owes its existence to the rivers. Escape the city rush and admire the scenery from the comfort of a City Cruises boat.

Explore the city of York by bike

York is voted as one of the most bike-friendly cities in England with a wide range of cycle routes through the city and beyond.

See England's finest view from Sutton Bank

Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Find out if he was right…

Location: Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire

Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard

The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.

Celebrate Ryedale's heritage at the Folk Museum

Discover this hidden gem deep in the North York Moors National Park and uncover English antiques and curiosities.

Location: Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire

Take on adventures aplenty in Dalby Forest

See some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside from a mountain bike, Segway, tree-top trail and by night, at one of the UK’s premier activity centres.

Location: Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Scarborough

Discover a magical underwater world at one of North Yorkshire's best family attractions.

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Get your jazz hands out for the Scarborough Jazz Festival

Each September, the annual Scarborough Jazz Festival on Yorkshire’s north coast provides the ideal tonic for music lovers to wash away those summer blues.

Enjoy a magical ride across the English countryside

With your day ticket in hand, hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and discover some of the best villages in UK between Pickering and Whitby.

Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire

Savour family fun in sandy Scarborough

If you’re looking for good old-fashioned fun that's easy on the wallet, you might want to consider Scarborough beach, also known as the “St Tropez of the North”.

Be royalty for a day at Scarborough Castle

Take an audio tour around the Castle, enjoy breathtaking views from the headland of the North Yorkshire Coast and have tea in a historic building.

Explore historic Whitby Abbey

Discover how over 2,000 years of history made Whitby Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.

Create your own work of art in a quaint artist’s bolthole

Get the creative juices following and spend the weekend discovering inspiring landscapes just waiting to be captured.

Location: Staithes, North Yorkshire

Delve into the story of Dracula

Probe into the dramatic history of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the very place where the stories of the bloodthirsty vampire were born.

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With its patchwork green valleys, craggy cliff faces and farmland laced with limestone walls, it’s little wonder that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a film star in its own right.

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Rights-of-way footpaths cut across heather coated heathland, ridges and North Sea cliff edges in the North York Moors. Follow dinosaur footprints to the Jurassic bays of the Heritage Coast.

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Visit North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and the most rural with spectacular landscapes from dales to coast. Rich in history, discover independent retailers in bustling market towns and sleepy villages, a thriving events and festival scene, and a huge range of attractions and days out.

Find out more and start planning your next visit to North Yorkshire , whether you are visiting for a day, a weekend or staying longer.

There are several Tourist Information Centres in North Yorkshire, that can help you make your visit even more enjoyable.

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A to z of council services.

Explore the places that make

North yorkshire.

Scarborough

Northallerton

Knaresborough

Nestled in the picturesque valley of Swaledale, Richmond is one of the most attractive towns in the UK thanks to its Georgian architecture. The town features a charming cobbled marketplace, which is surrounded by elegant 18th-century streets and buildings with a beautiful Gothic medieval church at its heart.

Learn more about Richmond

An iconic boutique Spa town in the heart of Yorkshire, with thriving streets packed with an eclectic mix of boutique shopping and green spaces.

Learn more about Harrogate

Full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases, perched on dramatic cliffs with famous views across the River Nidd.

Learn more about Knaresborough

A cathedral City rich in deep tradition and magnificent history with fascinating stories to tell of its character and people.

Learn more about Ripon

The home of Wensleydale cheese, a town filled with independent shops surrounded by dramatic landscape, great walking and beautiful waterfalls.

Learn more about Hawes

A traditional Yorkshire market town surrounded by a dramatic limestone landscape filled with waterfalls, caves and hills just waiting to be explored.

Learn more about Settle

A Busy market town with a beautifully broad high street, thriving canal basin and one of Britain’s best preserved castles.

Learn more about Skipton

Learn more about Leyburn

Learn more about Bedale

The birthplace of the James Herriot stories in a thriving market town just a short distance from Sutton Bank and finest view in England.

Learn more about Thirsk

Your gateway to the North York Moors National Park where a walled garden, castle and birds of prey centre surround this busy market town.

Learn more about Helmsley

Your base for exploring Yorkshire’s largest forest, the North York Moors National Park and a famous steam railway, the perfect place for adventures and activities.

Learn more about Pickering

Learn more about Malton

Head for the bright lights of Scarborough for a classic seaside break packed with ice cream, fish and chips, and plenty of family attractions.

Learn more about Scarborough

Uncover coastal charm with a gothic twist in Whitby’s cobbled streets, and delve into dramatic history at the world-famous Abbey.

Learn more about Whitby

This former fishing village offers a peaceful break with an impressive five mile beach, beautiful Edwardian architecture and an historic promenade.

Learn more about Filey

Learn more about Tadcaster

Having spent centuries on the front line of History Selby has a Norman-era Abbey at its heart, and a thriving market town community full of tradition.

Learn more about Selby

North Yorkshire’s county town and historical centre, Northallerton is the perfect place to explore independent shops along its beautifully broad high street, lined with Georgian architecture.

Learn more about Northallerton

Come and Visit

North yorkshire.

England’s largest county is a rich mixture of rolling hills and dales, dramatic moorland and spectacular coastline.  Interspersed among the peaks and valleys, the breathtaking landscapes and open waterways of are distinctive destinations and market towns, each with individual personality and charm.

North Yorkshire’s character can be explored through its amazing food and drink, the rich artistic culture and the echoes of our history that stand proud over the landscape.

However long you choose to visit North Yorkshire for, you will be spoiled for great ideas to fill a weekend, a week or longer exploring this special part of the country.

Family Days Out

Food and Drink

Dog Friendly

History and Heritage

North Yorkshire’s Unique Heritage

The County is rich with stories; from Harrogate’s Victorian spas, to coastal fishing villages and Captain Cook’s legacy, Selby’s industrial and shipping heritage and waterways, Skipton’s canals to Tadcaster’s breweries. Discover the History of North Yorkshire.

Explore North Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Coast

The Yorkshire Dales National Park

The North York Moors National Park

Nidderdale National Landscape

The Howardian Hill National Landscape

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Get away to North Yorkshire this Spring

Discover the Taste of North Yorkshire

Have a Cracking Easter in North Yorkshire

Festivals you won’t want to miss in 2024

February Half Term in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Ideas for 2024

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The best places to visit on the Yorkshire coast

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The Yorkshire coast, with its abundant beaches and charming towns, has been attracting holidaymakers for hundreds of years. Here are the best places to visit, whatever your seaside wish list.

Britain’s largest county boasts 45 miles (72km) of diverse coastline, yet all too often Yorkshire’s visitors default to Whitby for a seaside break. While the atmospheric Gothic town is a minibreak must, don’t overlook its North Sea neighbours and their varied delights. Whether you crave award-winning sands, windswept hikes, historic jewels or attractions aplenty, there’s a place to suit you on the ‘Dinosaur Coast’.

1. For family fun: Scarborough

Britain’s original seaside resort – made famous for its spa waters in the 17th century – is buckets (and spades) of fun. The South Bay specialises in the bustle of traditional arcades and shops, cockles and ice cream, beach huts and boat trips, while North Bay is the place for wide open sands and surf.

Kids will love the seal hospital at  Sealife Scarborough , riding dragon pedalos in oriental-themed Peasholm Park, spying fossils at  The Rotunda Museum and exploring the history-steeped walls of Scarborough Castle.

You can also catch big name music acts at  Scarborough Open Air Theatre and ride vintage carousels at  The Scarborough Fair Collection.

Funky Bike & Boot hotel near South Beach offers a cinema room and free cake, dog grooming and wetsuit-washing facilities, plus bike and surfboard storage. For a quirkier stay,  The Windmill has self-catered apartments within its 18th-century, Grade-II-listed tower.

READ MORE: Check out our full guide to the North York Moors

2. For arty inspiration: Staithes

Nestled between two cliffs, this characterful village captured hearts when it appeared on the Christmas special of BBC’s Whitehouse & Mortimer: Gone Fishing .

Ships still sail out of the harbour to catch cod and crab, but Staithes also has a famed artistic community who’ve been drawn to the winding streets since Victorian times.

You can learn more at Staithes Gallery , which also runs an art school, while the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre tells the story of the 18th-century explorer, whose maritime adventures were inspired by his time living here.

The Cod & Lobster has been serving ale and seafood since Cook’s times, a miracle given large chunks of the seafront pub have been ravaged by storms.

There are stylish local cottages for hire including the modern Harbour Cottage , quirky and charming Victoria Cottage and Harbourside , with views directly over the bay.

3. For quaint charm: Filey

Butlins made Filey’s fortune, but today the town offers a more sedate seaside experience.

Its five-mile sandy bay has geologically important Filey Brigg to the north (pictured), where you might spot seals or shipwrecks, while the promenade houses mini golf and a coastal-themed sculpture trail by artist Russ Coleman. Both Cleveland Way and Yorkshire Wolds national trails start and end in Filey too.

Volunteer-run  Filey Museum is diminutive but award-winning, eschewing multimedia screens for hands-on exhibits detailing local history. Head to nautical-themed Lighthouse Tearoom for indulgent afternoon tea or  The Boat Shed for cocktails and pizza. If you have space, pick up handmade treats from  Sterchi’s Chocolatiers , a town institution since 1919.

Yorkshire Coastal Cottages has a selection of self-catering boltholes where you can collapse later.

4. For a laid-back vibe: Sandsend

Just a stone’s throw from Whitby, this village grew thanks to the 19th-century alum industry and it enjoys striking views of the abbey without the crowds.

When the tide is out, you can stroll right along Sandsend Beach to Whitby Sands, or otherwise hike to the town via the Cleveland Way National Trail.

Families will enjoy paddling in the beck which runs out to sea, before a pint and a seafood lunch at traditional boozer  The Hart Inn .

For dinner, reserve a table at  Estbeck House Hotel , a 2 AA Rosette restaurant with rooms. Each of the five bedrooms in this Grade-II Georgian building is furnished with locally made quilts and artwork.

READ MORE: The UK's most beautiful beaches photographed from the skies

5. For natural wonders: Flamborough

There’s a rugged beauty to Flamborough, perched atop a striking chalk peninsula teeming with birdlife and beaches. Nature lovers flock here to see guillemots and puffins – best spied at nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs (pictured).

Flamborough is filled with history too: it was settled by Vikings between the 8th and 10th centuries, and it’s home to the ancient Danes Dyke and two charming lighthouses dating from 1669 and 1806.

Enjoy the scenery to full effect at Wold Farm Campsite , which has traditional pitches, wooden pods and bell tents accompanied by panoramic views and its own private path to puffin-viewing areas. After a windswept hike, enjoy a chippy tea from High Street Fisheries or dine at Seabirds Inn , a top spot for Yorkshire steaks and seafood plates.

6. For retro delights: Bridlington

Home to Art Deco concert hall  Bridlington Spa – which has hosted everyone from The Rolling Stones to Jessie J – this East Yorkshire town oozes entertainment. Away from the curtain calls, there are two sandy beaches, separated by a harbour and the largest lobster port in Europe – also the boarding point for seabird-spotting cruises.

Tearooms, antique shops and pubs populate the winding streets of the  Old Town , backdrop for the 2016 Dad’s Army film and home to an annual Dickensian Festival. Don’t miss sundaes and shakes at kitsch Tophams Parlour , serving ice creams since 1947, while  Lamp Restaurant offers cosy fine dining under an original Victorian street light.

Furnished with V&A treasures,  Sewerby Hall and Gardens sits in parkland on the cliff tops and has a zoo, pitch and putt, an adventure playground and three cottages for hire.

7. For peace and quiet: Runswick Bay

This whitewashed village clinging to the cliffs has one road, some 90 cottages and terrible phone reception – perfect for anyone craving peace. You can still see traditional fishing cobles in the sandy cove, as well as beachgoers enjoying rock pooling, fossil hunting, paddle boarding and kayaking.  Barefoot Kayak offers lessons and equipment hire.

Runswick Bay Cottages has immaculate self-catering accommodation, but if you don’t fancy cooking,  The Royal Hotel serves up hearty meals beside a roaring fire. Be sure to pre-order sourdough loaves and sweet treats for your visit from traditional bakery  Beech Grove .

READ MORE: Check out our full guide to the Yorkshire Dales

8. For surf and thrills: Saltburn-by-Sea

Victorian holidaymakers got their thrills at Saltburn – proud home of Yorkshire’s only remaining pier and a Blue Flag status beach – and the town retains an innocent charm. Every generation will enjoy the vintage, water-balanced cliff lifts, Saltburn Valley Gardens with its woodland centre and miniature railway, and  Saltburn MiniGolf on the promenade.

The bay is a surfing hot spot too, with  Saltburn Surf School offering lessons and equipment hire. Refuel with cod and chips from Cat Nab Fish Bar or the catch of the day at appropriately named  Seaview Restaurant . Further panoramic views are available at  The Spa Hotel , a comfortable family-run hotel in the former Assembly Rooms.

Main image: Helen Hotson/Shutterstock

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