Best Beaches in North Yorkshire

The North Yorkshire coastline is an amazing place for a holiday by the sea. Glorious stretches of sandy golden shores, picturesque little fishing villages, and dramatic, rugged cliffs make it a captivating place to stay. Spanning nearly 100 miles, from Redcar to Spurn Point, this gorgeous coast has everything from beautiful beaches to fossil-rich shores to historic piers in charming seaside towns, along with opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Whether you want to learn about the area’s rich history, spend some time in nature, or just enjoy a day by the sea, there is something to delight you in North Yorkshire. Here, we offer a guide to beaches in North Yorkshire, detailing some of the very best. 

Best Beaches in Yorkshire

There are so many beautiful beaches from which to choose, and of course which one is best is subjective. Do you want a beach where you can bring your children and play all day, or do you want to do some serious surfing? Are you looking for a bustling boardwalk and plenty of amenities, or do you want a solitary stretch of sand where you can commune with nature? No matter what kind of beach you seek, you will find it in Yorkshire.

• Scarborough Beach is one of North Yorkshire’s most popular seaside destinations. It has two main beaches, North Bay and South Bay, with very different personalities. North Bay is quiet, with scenic rock formations, while South Bay is a bustling beach with a promenade and fairground, and plenty of amusements for children. While South Bay is perfect for families with little ones, North Bay is a hot spot for water sports enthusiasts. Both beaches have expansive sandy beaches and lovely views of Scarborough Castle, atop the rocky promontory that divides the two beaches. Both are accessible by foot, have nearby parking, and facilities that include toilets, changing rooms, cafes, and beachside shops. When you are ready for some time off of the beach, Scarborough Castle, Peasholm Park, and Sea Life Sanctuary are a short distance away.

• Whitby Beach is a picturesque beach with views of Whitby Abbey. Whether you are a history buff or just want to take the family to the beach, this is a beautiful place to be. This vast sandy expanse with Whitby Abbey serving as a stunning backdrop has long been favoured by locals and tourists alike. The River Esk divides this beach into Tate Hill and West Cliff, with West Cliff being the main beach, nice and sandy, with plenty of activities and amenities to recommend it. Tate Hill is a small, sheltered, sandy beach where dogs are allowed year round. At Whitby Beach you will find opportunities for beachcombing, swimming, and fossil hunting, and walking along the pier offers breathtaking views. If you are ready to take a break from sand and surf, you can visit Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or head up the 199 steps into town, to visit the quaint shops and dine on delicious fresh seafood.

• Filey Beach features a tranquil, five mile sandy beach, framed by gentle cliffs and grassy dunes. At one end is the rocky peninsula of Filey Brigg; at the other, Bempton, home to an RSPB preserve. As you might imagine, it is a wonderful place for seabird sightings, as well as spotting seals. It is a peaceful place, perfect for family picnics, beach walks, kite flying, and paddling in the shallow waters. Dog friendly and easily accessible, it also features facilities that include toilets and beachfront cafes.

• Robin Hood’s Bay has a rich and interesting history. It is on the Dinosaur Coast, and has fossils dating from Cretaceous and Jurassic Periods, making it very popular with geology enthusiasts and fossil hunters. More recently, it is known to have been used by smugglers, and there are rumoured to be smuggler’s passages leading down to the beach from underneath some of the old houses in the village. A sand and rock beach, with rock pools as well as plentiful fossils, it is also dog-friendly. In addition to a quaint village to explore, complete with a Smuggler’s Museum, there are scenic coastal walks to enjoy. Note: the tide comes in surprisingly quickly, so this is not the best beach for young children.

• Saltburn Beach has long been known as the surfing capital of North Yorkshire. It is a lively seaside resort dating back to Victorian days, and has the only remaining Victorian pier in Yorkshire. The beach is sand and shingle, and there is a historic cliff tramway that provides an easy route up and down from the cliff to the beach. The reason it is so good for surfing is that it faces directly north, gets more swell than nearby beaches, and is sheltered by the headland at Huntcliff. Because surfing is such a major attraction, there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops nearby. There is also paddleboarding and pier fishing to enjoy, and ample facilities. In designated areas, dogs are allowed on the beach, and the charming town of Saltburn-by the Sea is a mix of heritage and natural beauty, fun to explore.

• Sandsend Beach is perfect if you are looking for a scenic beach for quiet reflection and seaside ambles. With beautiful views, rocky cliffs, and golden sands, it is ideal for those visiting the sea to find tranquillity. It is a lovely spot for walking, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting, and a great place to take stunning photos of its striking cliffside views. A large area of the beach is available at low tide, and in the summer, there is a section of the beach zoned off for swimming. There are plenty of amenities and facilities, and nearby Mulgrave Woods offers scenic walks through woodland trails.

Family Friendly Beaches in Yorkshire

It would be surprising if we did not begin this list with Whitby Beach. After all, West Cliff is large enough for ball games and kite flying, the beach is pretty, with bright beach huts, there is an outdoor paddling pool and skateboard area, and even donkey rides for children. As if that was not enough, children can also enjoy crazy golf, pitch and putt, trampolines, and bumper boats. There are also events throughout the year, including the Whitby Regatta and Goth conventions. South Bay at Scarborough Beach is also popular with families, featuring cafes, ice cream parlours, shops, theatres, donkey rides on the beach, and more. Another family friendly beach is Filey Beach, which is less commercial but perfect for playing in the sand and sea, building sandcastles, and exploring rockpools. 

Surfing Beaches in Yorkshire

People flock to Cornwall for surfing, but the North Yorkshire coast boasts some excellent surfing of its own! Hands down, Saltburn is the best surfing beach in Yorkshire, perfect for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. However, it is not the only game in town! Scarborough’s North Bay has some of the most reliable surf on the Yorkshire coast, and Whitby and Sandsend can also be great for surfing. 

Practical Tips for Visiting the North Yorkshire Coast

• Plan Ahead: North Yorkshire’s beaches can become popular during the peak season, so consider visiting early in the day to secure parking and a good spot.
• Pack Accordingly: Given the changeable coastal weather, bring layers and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.
• Check Tide Times: Tides can greatly affect the beach experience, especially at locations like Filey Brigg and Robin Hood’s Bay. Be sure to check tide schedules to make the most of your visit and stay safe.
• Be careful not to walk, sunbathe, or rest at the base of cliffs. Cliffs can sometimes be unstable and rocks can fall, causing injury to those to close to the cliff base.
• Use caution when diving into the sea. The depth of the water can change, and objects are sometimes hidden underwater.

Stay on the North Yorkshire Coast with Together Travel

If you are travelling to the Yorkshire Coast, there is no more charming accommodation than Together Travel’s quaint old fisherman cottage in the centre of Whitby. From this perfect location, you will be able to enjoy everything this picture-perfect coastal town has to offer, including fine seafood, beautiful architecture, and rich history. Do not miss a visit to the famous Whitby Abbey, as you enjoy your stay in one of the best seaside towns in the UK, set against a breathtaking backdrop of sandy beaches, picturesque cottages, and a lively harbour. Our Abion Cottage is perfectly situated in the heart of all Whitby has to offer, five minutes from Whitby Train Station and within walking distance of Whitby Museum, Whitby Beach, Pannett Park, and Whitby Abbey. In this pet-friendly, self-catering cottage, you will enjoy a well-equipped kitchen, charming and comfortable furnishings, flat-screen televisions, and two comfortable bedrooms, perfect for a family of four. No matter where you are travelling in the UK, Together Travel is here to bring your holiday dreams to life, just around the corner from home. All across the UK, we have luxurious, comfortable, unique properties located wherever you want to be, spending your holidays connecting, relaxing, and enjoying all these vacation spots have to offer. Find out how we can make your trip amazing by contacting our expert concierge team by emailing us for more information.