Yorkshire is a very large county, mostly home to inland areas. But it also has a long coastline (paddling your feet in the tiny village of Robin Hood’s Bay is where you finish Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk, which begins in the Cumbrian seaside village of St Bees). Here are some of the main holiday resorts to explore on the Yorkshire coast. If walking pooches, read how to keep dogs safe by the sea.
Whitby: A Haven for History and Nature
Whitby has a sad history (it used to be a whaling port) and even inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But today it’s a pretty harbour where boats bob on the water. The town faces East Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast (Saint Hilda of Whitby was the first abbess of the local monastery- born into royalty, she refused to marry a monarch and went off age 33 to Northumbria, to become a nun).
If you’re feeling energetic, you could climb the 199 historic steps to the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, to enjoy panoramic views of the town. Or if that’s too much effort, simply rest on the sandy shore at Whitby Beach.
Scarborough: Historic Seaside Town
Scarborough was England’s first seaside resort, and even today combines the charm of history with the buzz of a lively seaside reort. It has two pristine beaches (South Bay and the quieter North Bay). Inland the castle has views to take your breath away.
Flamborough Head: Spectacular Cliffs and Wildlife
Flamborough Head offers dramatic chalk cliffs that stand proudly above the crashing waves, and are home to a wide variety of seabirds, so bring your binoculars. This unique geology of caves and stacks have been formed over millions of years, and you can view all species of feathered friends – from gannets to puffins.
Bridlington: Family-Friendly Beaches
Bridlington is the ideal bucket-and-space family holiday resort, with clean seas and sandy beaches. Grandparents can wander off to spot birds and wildlife near Bempton Cliffs, or simply join in the fun, on local fairground rides.
