Beaches

The Yorkshire coast is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the North of England and it’s easy to see why. Resorts like Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington with their clean golden sandy beaches, rock shops and ice cream parlours make for the perfect self catering holiday

Scarborough is blessed with two beaches. The South bay Beach is where all the action is. Treat the children to a donkey ride or visit one of the many amusements that aline the shoreline.  Cafes, fish and chip shops, arcades and theatres all feature along the promenade so you will never have to move far from the golden sandy beach for refreshments or activities for the children.

If you prefer a quieter pace of life then the North Bay will suit. There aren’t as many amusements or shops backing the bay so you can enjoy a quiet stroll along the shoreline taking in the beautiful views without being disturbed. Scarborough Castle over looks both bays and is well worth a visit.

Whitby has a blue flag beach which is dominated by the cliff-top ruins of Whitby Abbey.  With a lifeguard present in the summer months and donkey rides in high season it is the perfect place to enjoy a UK summer break. 

Nearby beaches include Runswick Bay, Kettleness, Sandsend Beach and Upgang Beach which all offer different views of the coastline and boast quieter areas where you can enjoy sunbathing or walks with the family.

Filey is a traditional seaside resort which is especially great for dog lovers. The beach is extremely dog friendly and the steep cliffs and tall sea walls offer the chance for dogs to run for hours without the danger of getting lost! The beach is also great for water sports enthusiast with windsurfing and surfing facilities in the area. 

The Yorkshire coast also provides an excellent selection of coastal cliff walks with stunning views. Make sure you visit Bempton Chalk Cliffs which at over 650 feet high are the highest in Britain. It is THE place to go for wildlife enthusiasts with world famous seabird colonies including puffins, gannets and guillemots.

There are also many ‘mini’ resorts like Hornsea, Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes and Withernsea which are quaint traditional places perfect for a self catering cottage holiday and within easy driving distance of the larger seaside resorts.

Wherever you decide to stay on the Yorkshire Coast you will never be far from golden beaches, giant rugged cliffs, seaside activities and impressive views.

Bridlington North Beach

Bridlington is a superb family holiday base packed full of attractions and fun seaside activities for children.

• Read more about Bridlington North Beach

Filey

Filey has been a seaside resort since Edwardian times and a fishing village for much longer. The beach is lined with a historical promenade from where the beauty of the dramatic Filey Brigg can be seen.

• Read more about Filey

Scarborough South Bay

There are two beaches within walking distance of Scarborough.

• Read more about Scarborough South Bay

Whitby Beach

Whitby beach is a sandy and rocky beach backed up by the cliffs that dominate the area.

• Read more about Whitby Beach

Staithes Beach

The sheltered harbour at staithes has a small beach and lots of rock pools to explore when the tide goes out.

• Read more about Staithes Beach

Hornsea South Beach

Hornsea has an incredibly long seafront with a smart promenade all the way along the sea front.

• Read more about Hornsea South Beach

Saltburn beach

A sand and shingle beach backed by a promenade and with a pier. This is a popular beach for surfing.

• Read more about Saltburn beach

Cayton Bay

Backed by cliffs, this is a quiet beach much favoured by surfers and windsurfers, with WWII fortifications adding historical interest.

Sandsend

A small picturesque beach situated on Yorkshire's heritage coastline. It is a popular haunt with fossil collectors and fishing enthusiasts.

Runswick Bay

Runswick shelters at the northern end of a beautiful sandy bay. Narrow paths wind between the attractive cottages and houses with their small colourful gardens.

Skipsea

Skipsea beach is backed by clay cliffs and is made up of sand and pebbles stretching along the coast for two kilometres.

Barmston

This sandy beach, stretching along a straight part of the coast for two kilometers long and is backed by low clay cliffs.

Fraisthorpe

Fraisthorpe is a sandy beach backed by low clay cliffs, and forms a part of the miles of sweeping sands of Bridlington Bay.

Flamborough North West

This beach is 3/4 mile in length, backed by cliffs, and located in a bay. It is made up of sand and pebbles with some rock pools, and looks across Bridlington Bay.

Skinningrove

Cattersty Sands form a long beach with rocks at either end and a long pier in the middle. Part of a beautiful stretch of the Cleveland way.

Beach at Saltburn by the Sea

With its long pier and eight miles of golden sands, rock pools and huge cliff Saltburn By the Sea is the perfect destination for a day out at the beach. The promenade has surf hire, coffee shops and a lift up the steep cliff side to the towns its self.