Yorkshire is a large county, and the east has many beautiful coastal resorts, including England’s first holiday resort of Scarborough. There are of many coastal villages, but let’s take a look at some of Yorkshire’s main seaside resorts.
Always check for seasonal dog restrictions Read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Scarborough: England’s First Seaside Resort
Scarborough holds a proud spot in English history as the country’s original seaside resort. This Yorkshire coastal town changed how people thought about holidays and medicine, and even helped shape today’s seaside escapes.
Scarborough’s story as a seaside resort stretches back to the 17th century. Its blend of natural beauty, curious visitors, and canny business minds turned a quiet village into the must-visit destination for everyone from local families to London’s elite.
In 1626, local resident Elizabeth Farrow stumbled upon a stream running from the cliffs. The water tasted bitter due to its high mineral content. Locals soon believed it had healing powers for stomach ailments and other complaints.
Word spread quickly, and people travelled to Scarborough to drink and bathe in the medicinal waters. This discovery sparked the rise of the health tourism industry and set Scarborough on the road to fame.
By the 18th century, people from across the country flocked there to enjoy the beach, breathe the sea air, and visit the spa. Scarborough’s beaches, promenades, and holiday houses set the standard for every other resort that followed.
Grand hotels like The Grand Hotel (opened in 1867) became landmarks, offering comfort and luxury to wealthy holidaymakers. Rows of guest houses and B&Bs followed, welcoming families and singles alike.
In 1845, the railway reached Scarborough, making the town much more accessible, especially from York and Leeds. Cheap and fast train travel opened the doors for thousands more visitors from all backgrounds, not just the wealthy.
The Ancient Coastal Resort of Whitby
Whitby sits on the North Yorkshire coast, and is one of England’s most popular northern holiday destinations. With a sad history of whaling and links to Dracula, today it’s known for its sandy beaches on the Jurassic coast, and the 199 steps that lead up to St Mary’s Church and the abbey.
Perched on the East Cliff, the ruins of Whitby Abbey give unbeatable views over the town and coastline. Cross the swing bridge to the Old Town. Here, narrow cobbled lanes hide quirky shops, cosy pubs, antique sellers, and old bookshops.
Robin Hood’s Bay (end of Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk)
Tucked between Whitby and Scarborough on Yorkshire’s wild coast, Robin Hood’s Bay is a place that stays with you. Cobbled streets tumble down to a windswept harbour, old cottages jostle for space, and the scent of sea air mixes with the tang of salt from rockpools.
This is a village steeped in tales of smugglers and fossils, offering beauty at every twist and turn. Walkers will also know it as the place where you paddle your toes, to mark the end of Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk (which begins in the village of St Bees, Cumbria).
The coastline bursts with colour in spring and summer, with wildflowers dotting the cliffs. At low tide, the sprawling beach reveals rock pools, seaweed, and dramatic views out to the North Sea.
The village is a maze of narrow lanes lined with stone cottages, some over 300 years old. Red pantile roofs, hidden alleyways, and quirky names like “Sunny Place” and “Dog Hill” give the bay its character.
This village built its legend on more than fishing. In the 18th century, Robin Hood’s Bay was a centre for smugglers running brandy and tea! Locals say hidden passageways link houses to the beach, once used to dodge customs men.
Robin Hood’s Bay sits on the Cleveland Way, a coastal path stretching from Helmsley to Filey. The route from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay is among the most scenic in England, with cliff-top views and bursts of wildflowers.
For a shorter stroll, explore the beach at low tide or follow the old railway line for views over the valley and sea.
