Discover 8 Of The Best Beaches In Yorkshire To Visit This Year

The Yorkshire coast is home to a treasure trove of stunning and diverse beaches, making it one of the UK’s top seaside destinations. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly day filled with candy floss and classic amusements (get those coins ready for the 2p machines!), an adventurous fossil hunting expedition along the rugged shoreline, or thrilling surf at picturesque coastal bays, Yorkshire’s beaches offer something for everyone. 

From the charming fishing village of Staithes to the enchanting Robin Hood’s Bay, each location boasts its own unique character and breathtaking scenery. Join us as we explore the best beaches in Yorkshire, including Runswick Bay, Whitby, Cayton Bay and more, all perfect for a day out at the beach this year.

Read More: 16 Of The Best Day Trips From Leeds

The Best Beaches Along The Yorkshire Coast

Runswick Bay: A Big Sweeping Part Of The Yorkshire Coast

If you’re looking for a gorgeous clean beach with plenty of sand to stretch out on, Runswick Bay is a great bet for a day on the Yorkshire Coast. Go surfing if the waves are pumping, enjoy the rock pools when the tide is out, or simply enjoy the long curved bay with sand perfect for building sandcastles. Topped by stacks of stone cottages and houses on one end and wild cliffs on the other, Runswick Bay is a favourite beach for those in the know. With many heading to Whitby and nearby Staithes, Runswick Bay is easy to overlook but it’s well worth a day trip in its own right – especially when the sun is shining down on the Yorkshire Coast.

The Best Things To Do In Runswick Bay

• Enjoy some watersports. Go surfing or hire out a kayak and head out on the water to see Runswick Bay from a completely different perspective.
• Walk the Cleveland Way. Whether you take a 5 mile stroll along the tops to Staithes, or head south to Whitby, Runswick Bay is a great spot on the Cleveland Way if you fancy stretching your legs rather than lounging on the beach.
• Go rockpooling. Bring your nets, buckets and waterproof shoes to enjoy some rock pooling at low tide! 

Things To Know About Runswick Bay

Are dogs allowed? Yes however they must be kept on a lead. There are dog-friendly areas where they can play off the lead.

Are there lifeguards? Yes from 12th July to 7th September 2025 from 10am to 6pm. No flags equals no lifeguards.

What’s the beach at Runswick Bay like? Sandy

Is there parking at Runswick Bay? Yes, there are two carparks which are both pay and display – Bank Bottom (TS13 5HT) and Bank Top (TS13 5JF). 

What’s the water quality like at Runswick Bay? Water quality has been rated good at Runswick Bay for 2024.

What postcode should I use for Runswick Bay? TS13 5HT takes you to Bank Bottom car park.

Are there public toilets in Runswick Bay? Yes, they’re just behind Sandside Cafe and they’re free to use.

Is there a train station at Runswick Bay? No.

Where To Stay In Runswick Bay

• From hotels to cute lodges, there are many places to stay in Runswick Bay.
• If you’re visiting Runswick Bay as a couple or family, try out Normanby Cottage, 28 The Pines, or Puffin Lodge. 
• If you’re happy to stay a little further out and would like to enjoy a hotel, try Ellerby Country Inn.

Staithes: The Perfect Day Trip

Staithes is such a quaint coastal fishing village and often regarded as one of the prettiest on the Yorkshire Coast. Its picturesque harbour has the best views from the cliffs looking down on to the village – although please be careful if you’re walking the paths on the top. Staithes is best experienced in the village.Wandering the steep streets and cobbles down to the harbour you’ll see independent shops in tiny doorways and artists making the most of the light and coastal colours. Take a seat at Cod and Lobster on the waterfront – the mussels and sticky toffee pudding are both particularly delicious – before strolling along the harbour wall to get a new view of Staithes.

The Best Things To Do In Staithes

• Enjoy lunch or dinner at Cod & Lobster. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. When the sun is shining, grab a table outside by the water – you’ll want to stay all day.
• Get an ice cream from Cobbles where flavours include Cinder Toffee, Black Cherry and Clotted Cream!
• Walk up Church street to see artists recreating Staithes on canvas.
• Take a stroll on the Cleveland Way (continue from Church Street) towards Port Mulgrave for great views of Staithes from above. It’s a 40 minute walk each way but the views along the coast are beautiful.
• Cross Staithes Beck to walk past the RNLI Station and onto Staithes Harbour wall.

Things To Know About Staithes

Are dogs allowed? Yes

Are there lifeguards? No

What’s the beach at Staithes like? Sandy

Is there parking at Staithes? Yes, a five minute walk from the beach at the top of Staithes Village. Be prepared for a steep walk down.

What’s the water quality like at Staithes? It’s not the best. Although it’s fine for a paddle, Staithes Beach could potentially be removed from the UK’s official list of bathing beaches.

What postcode should I use for Staithes? TS13 5AD. This takes you to the car park at the top of Staithes.

Are there public toilets in Staithes? Yes, at the main public car park.

Is there a train station at Staithes? No.

Where To Stay In Staithes

• For the perfect harbourside location and big groups, try out Harbourside
• For a modern cottage stay and groups, Toffee Crackle is ideal.
• For small families or a couple, try out Dotty’s Coastal Retreat or Old Joiners Shop.

Read More: The Best Weekend Breaks In The UK

Whitby: For History and Beach Lovers

One of Yorkshire’s most iconic beaches and coastal destinations is Whitby. Thanks to the gothic Whitby Abbey, Whitby is easily recognisable and has been attracting visitors for many years thanks to its big sandy beach and association with Dracula.

There are two beaches in Whitby, one either side of the River Esk which flows through the middle of this coastal town. Tate Hill is a sheltered beach on the east side of the harbour. West Cliff Bay is your typical bucket and spade beach with gorgeous soft sand and colourful beach huts which can be hired out for the day. West Cliff Bay is also where you can get a surfing lesson if you’re feeling adventurous! You’ll see classes taking on the waves regularly in the spring and summer months. Why not give it a go?

The Best Things To Do In Whitby

• Eat fish and chips by the Whitby Bandstand. The most famous fish and chip shop in Whitby is The Magpie but there are several places along Pier Road to get a box of fish and chips! Just watch out for the seagulls!
• Climb the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey. They’re a challenge but one that’s worth doing for the views over the terracotta rooftops of Whitby. Count them as you go up too – or when you come down. Some say that there’s not actually 199 steps after all…
• Visit Whitby Abbey, an English Heritage site that towers over Whitby. You can pay to go in the grounds and hear tales of its history and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or admire it from the perimeter. While you’re here, take a walk through the graveyard of St Mary’s Church too.
• Enjoy a drink at Whitby Brewery, a bar on a mission to bring local craft brewing back to Whitby.
• Take a photo of the Whalebone Arch. Although it’s a replica of the original that was erected in 1853, it serves to show the fishing and whaling history of Whitby.
• Treat yourself to some Whitby Jet, a semi precious organic gemstone that washes up on the beaches of Whitby. The Genuine Whitby Jet Shop can be found on Church Street although there are many shops in Whitby selling jewellery with Whitby Jet.
• Go on a ghost tour to discover the spooky past of this Yorkshire coastal town.
• Get some smoked fish from Fortune’s Smokehouse and Shop on Henrietta Street. This place literally has the royal stamp of approval, providing smoked fish to the Royal Family and is Whitby’s oldest and original smokehouse.
• Visit during one of Whitby’s Goth Weekends for a unique musical experience. Held twice yearly, many people dress up to celebrate Whitby’s gothic subculture and enjoy alternative trade stalls in Whitby!
• Go surfing with Whitby Surf School!
• Walk along Whitby Pier to East Pier Lighthouse.

Things To Know About Whitby

Are dogs allowed? At Tate Hill, yes. On West Cliff, no.

Are there lifeguards? At West Cliff, yes.

What’s the beach at Whitby like? Sandy

Is there parking at Whitby? Yes, a five minute walk from the beach at the top of Staithes Village. Be prepared for a steep walk down.

What’s the water quality like at Whitby? West Cliff Beach has blue flag status and a 5-star water quality rating meaning it’s clean and safe to swim and bathe in.

What postcode should I use for Whitby? YO21 3EN. This will take you to Whitby Pavillion, near North Terrace Car Park. For West Cliff Car Park use YO21 3EG. For the Marina Back Car Park use YO22 4EW.

Are there public toilets in Whitby? Yes, near Marina Back Car Park, on North Terrace next to the outdoor swimming pool, and on Pier Road near Whitby Bandstand.

Is there a train station at Whitby? Yes

Where To Stay In Whitby

• For a small group or family try out The Gatehouse or Number 3 Sandside.
• For budget travellers try out YHA Whitby
• For a luxury couple’s weekend try out Saltmoore, 
• For groups try out The Coastal Townhouse, 2 The Mount, or Soda Cottage.

Robin Hood’s Bay: The Picturesque Coastal Spot

Known to the local’s as “Bay Town”, Robin Hood’s Bay is famed as being the start or end point as the Coast to Coast journey seasoned walkers and cyclists have been doing for years. Park at the top of Robin Hood’s Bay and make your way down the steep cobbled street – grab an ice cream from the shop at the top of the hill for your stroll – towards the harbour. 

On your way down to the waterfront there are plenty of brilliant distractions in the form of cute shops and cafes. But the bottom of the hill is the star of the show here. If the tide is in, the water will be lapping against the jetty into the sea. If not, make your way on to the beach and try some rockpooling. There is plenty here to discover so make sure to bring your aqua shoes!

The Best Things To Do In Robin Hood’s Bay

• Explore the independent shops including The Higgledy Pig and Robin Hood’s Bay Bookshop.
• Discover the smuggling past of Robin Hood’s Bay. Smugglers in the 16th century used local houses and pubs to hide their contraband with Robin Hood’s Bay providing the perfect haven, thanks to its hidden position in the cliffs, to remain undetected!
• Wander the narrow streets of Robin Hood’s Bay. You might get lost but that’s all part of the charm and you never know what cute seaside scene or cottage you might come across. Just remember to take your camera as this place is unbelievably photogenic!
• Go rockpooling! I’ve already mentioned this but bring your aqua shoes, a little net, and a sense of adventure to go rockpooling in Robin Hood’s Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for limpets and crabs!
• Visit the Old Coastguard Station. This place is right on the harbour so you don’t have to travel far to visit. It was taken over by the National Trust in the 1990s and today serves as an interactive exhibition where you can see a replica of an old smuggler’s house.
• Fancy a spooky time? Why not go on a ghost walk? Robin Hood’s Bay is full of history and is said to be one of the spookiest villages in the UK!

Things To Know About Robin Hood’s Bay

Are dogs allowed? Yes and there are no seasonal restrictions so dogs are welcome all year round.

Are there lifeguards? No, there are no lifeguards at Robin Hood’s Bay.

What’s the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay like? Sand and rock.

Is there parking at Robin Hood’s Bay? There are 2 car parks in Robin Hood’s Bay. One is Station Car Park and the other is Bank Top Car Park.

What’s the water quality like at Robin Hood’s Bay? The water at Robin Hood’s Bay has a 3 star rating but has recently been known as being classed as unsafe to swim. Check the current status before you take a dip!

What postcode should I use for Robin Hood’s Bay? YO22 4QN will take you to Bank Top Car Park.

Are there public toilets in Robin Hood’s Bay? Public toilets are located at Station Road Car Park, Bank Top and at the Old Boathouse. Toilets at Station Road Car Park are free but there is a 40p charge for those at Bank Top and the Old Boathouse.

Is there a train station at Robin Hood’s Bay? No

Where To Stay In Robin Hood’s Bay

• For a group of adults or a big family getaway try out Fenay Cottage, The Coastguard’s Cottage or Raven House.
• If you like a hot tub stay at The Georgian Gem of Robin Hood’s Bay

Cayton Bay: The Surfer’s Paradise

Located south of Scarborough and north of Filey, Cayton Bay is a surfer’s paradise. If you want to learn how to ride the waves, you can do that here with Scarborough Surf School. Maybe you’re a seasoned surfer? Well, Cayton Bay’s waves are a great place to practice your skills. If you’re not a surfer though, Cayton Bay is still a great place to enjoy Yorkshire’s coast. Probably one of the more wild beaches along the UK’s eastern shore, sweeping sands are backed by cliffs making it extremely picturesque. It also tends to be one of the quieter beaches – perfect on a warm summer’s day where other popular beaches might be jam packed with visitors.

Fossil hunters also love this spot so keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might find here!

Best Things To Do In Cayton Bay

• Catch some waves! Scarborough Surf School is open all year round, 7 days a week. Take some lessons if you’re a beginner on the waves but the school caters to all experiences if you’re looking to learn some new skills! If you don’t fancy surfing, Scarborough Surf School offers experiences in Coasteering and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding too if you still want to enjoy the water!
• Go fossil hunting. At low tide, rocky areas of the coast are exposed and the cliffs around Cayton Bay were formed around 150 million years ago so there’s plenty of chance to discover dinosaur relics. Just be careful around the edge of the cliffs as they are prone to erosion.
• Rockpooling. Like many other places on the east coast, you can enjoy rockpooling at low tide. Bring your aqua shoes and a bucket and see what you can find!
• Enjoy some refreshments from the Salty Dog Kiosk which serves up freshly ground coffee and locally baked snacks!

Things To Know About Cayton Bay

Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach all year round with no restrictions. The Salty Dog Beach Kiosk even sells dog friendly ice creams!

Are there lifeguards? Yes. For 2025, lifeguards are on duty weekends and bank holidays between 3rd May and 18th May. 24th May to 1st June throughout half term, weekends only between 7th June and 6th July and then daily between 12th July and 7th September. Hours are 10am to 6pm.

What’s the beach at Cayton Bay like? A 1km stretch of sandy beach.

Is there parking at Cayton Bay? Parking is available at the top of Cayton Bay Cliffs.

What’s the water quality like at Robin Hood’s Bay? The water at Cayton Bay has been awarded 5 stars, great quality if you want to have a dip in the sea or enjoy a surf!

What postcode should I use for Cayton Bay? YO11 3NP

Are there public toilets in Cayton Bay? Toilets are located near the Salty Dog Beach Kiosk.

Is there a train station at Cayton Bay? No

Where To Stay In Cayton Bay

• For a cute cabin getaway, try out this cabin with a hot tub – perfect for couples.
• For groups looking for a luxury getaway, try out this house by the sea.

Other Beaches On The Yorkshire Coast That Are Worth A Visit This Year

North Landing 

This sand and pebble beach is a perfect pit stop if you’re doing a walk around Flamborough! Located in a natural cove bookended by chalk cliffs, North Landing is a great place to search through rock pools or do some birdwatching! 

Saltburn

An old Victorian retreat, Saltburn is great for those looking for a day out at the beach with a bit of history. Take a stroll along the sand, admire the picturesque pier or take a ride on the funicular – the UK’s oldest water balanced lift.

Filey Beach

Filey Beach is a stretch of sand 5 miles long so even on the hottest of days there’s plenty of room to spread out. Visitors interested in watersports can go windsurfing, sailing or surfing but if you’re more into relaxation, pick your spot on the sand and enjoy a day by the sea.

So, where will you be heading to on the Yorkshire Coast this year? With lots of variety, you could easily spend a long weekend hopping along the different beaches this region has to offer!