The Best Beaches In Yorkshire UK

The smell of that sea air, the serene sound of the ocean, ice creams on the beach – yes, there is nothing quite like a day out at the seaside. With tons to see and do, from rock pools to restaurants and promenades to pedalos, we’ll take you through some of the best beaches that Yorkshire has to offer.

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Scarborough Bay

Comprising the North and South Bay, Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular in Yorkshire. As well as an expansive sandy beach that is frequently sun-soaked, the more developed South Bay features plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants to make the most of. For a more historical visit, the beach also features an authentic 19th-century promenade overlooked by the ruins of Scarborough Castle.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Although the cove has little to do with the famed bandit, Robin Hood’s Bay is a delightful beach on the English coastline. The beach itself is probably not best served for those seeking to lay in the sun, but with rock pools and craggy outcrops perfect for exploring, there is still plenty to see and do. The village in which the beach is found is filled with old fishing cottages and has a famous pub, which is well worth a visit.

Runswick Bay

One of the loveliest beaches on this list, Runswick Bay has everything you’re looking for on a trip to the sea. Dotted with cottages along its five-mile-long (8km) sandy beach, Runswick Bay is perfect for a family day out, as the pristine beach is perfect for sandcastles and sunbathing. If you are feeling adventurous, the beach is also a great spot for surfing provided you can brave the cold water!

Saltburn

A surfer’s dream along the northern coast, Saltburn is one of the best surfing beaches in the north of the country. Hosting an annual surfing competition, shielded from headwinds and with consistent swells, the beach is perfect for riding the waves. The former Victorian resort also has a touch of history for visitors, with both the 600-foot pier and the Saltburn tramway, the oldest funicular in the UK, still open to the public.

Filey Beach

For a quieter option, Filey offers the quintessential seaside day out. With a less developed seafront and a long sandy beach, Filey has a gentler atmosphere than some of the more built-up resorts nearby. There is a strong maritime culture to the village, with fishermen still launching from the beach in the morning. Be sure to check out the promenade, which showcases artwork created by local artists and celebrating the area’s heritage.

Whitby

A charming fishing town, Whitby is a well-known destination along the Yorkshire coast. The beach itself is filled with traditional seaside activities, including donkey rides, rock-pool fishing and kite-flying. For those wanting to spend the whole day, the shore is lined with colourful beach huts available to hire and a plethora of cafés and restaurants just inside the town, great for grabbing a bite to eat.