Yorkshire Beaches
Tuesday 6th April, 2021 by Host & Stay
Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s most stunning and diverse beaches. Whether you’re seeking dramatic cliffs, golden sands, family-friendly spots, or quiet coves, Yorkshire beaches offer something for every type of visitor. From lively seaside towns to dog-friendly stretches of coastline, there’s no better place for a memorable day by the sea. Here’s our guide to exploring the very best Yorkshire beaches.
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Staithes
For a tranquil and picturesque experience, Staithes offers one of the most charming beach settings in Yorkshire. Nestled between towering cliffs, this small beach is located in a traditional fishing village, known for its cobbled streets and colourful cottages. While the beach itself is small, its peaceful atmosphere and surrounding beauty make it perfect for a quiet retreat. Staithes is also famous for fossil hunting, and at low tide, it’s a great spot to search for prehistoric finds.
For art lovers, Staithes has long been a favourite of painters and photographers, and there are plenty of galleries and workshops in the village to explore.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Located on the northern edge of the Yorkshire coast, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is known for its long sandy beach and thriving surf culture. The charming Victorian pier, the last remaining one on the Yorkshire coast, and the cliff tramway (the oldest working funicular in the UK!) add to Saltburn’s nostalgic feel. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Saltburn beach is one of the best spots in Yorkshire for surfing! If you are a beginner – don’t worry – there are surf schools offering lessons!
The town centre offers a wonderful celebration of independent businesses. From shops to bakeries, restaurants to bars, you’ll have plenty to enjoy here. We love the thriving food scene in Saltburn! From Thai to Italian, steakhouses to fish restaurants, there is somewhere to suit every taste. Head to our Saltburn by the Sea Restaurants blog post to find out our favourite spots for eating and drinking!
Redcar
Famous for its fish and chips and vertical pier, Redcar has an enormous, 8-mile beach stretching from South Gare to Saltburn. Featured in the blockbuster film, Atonement, Redcar is a wide stretching, sandy beach. You can even partake in some water sports such as surfing and windsurfing or simply take in the fantastic views of the North Sea. Ideal for families and little ones, there is mini golf and park at the Majuba end of the beach plus arcades and ice-cream shops lining the promenade.
Whitby
Whitby is one of the most iconic destinations on the Yorkshire coast, combining a rich maritime history with a wide, sandy beach that’s perfect for a family day out. The beach is ideal for traditional seaside activities like paddling, building sandcastles, and beach games. When the tide goes out, you can explore the many rock pools.
Overlooking the town is the dramatic Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Climbing the famous 199 steps to the abbey offers fantastic views of the coastline. Whitby is also renowned for its fish and chips, so a beach day isn’t complete without sampling some!
It’s the perfect getaway for a short or long stay and is the ideal way of soaking up the British seaside in a unique way. Whether it’s a walk along the numerous beaches that occupy the seafront, from Whitby Beach to Saltwick Bay, or even a stroll to check out the cliffs, there’s something for the entire family to do at one of the best beach towns in Yorkshire.
Scarborough
As one of the most famous and popular Yorkshire beaches, Scarborough offers a classic British seaside experience. The town has two beaches – South Bay and North Bay – both offering something for everyone. South Bay is the livelier of the two, with amusements, cafés, and the Scarborough Spa. It’s the ideal spot for families, with donkey rides and plenty of space for beach games. North Bay, on the other hand, is quieter and more laid-back, perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore.
Scarborough is also home to Scarborough Castle, which sits atop the cliffs between the two bays, offering breathtaking views. Whether you’re exploring the beaches or taking in the town’s history, Scarborough is a fantastic all-rounder for beach-goers.
Filey
Filey Beach is known for its long, sweeping sands that stretch for over five miles, offering plenty of space for visitors to enjoy. This peaceful beach is perfect for walking, rock-pooling, and birdwatching, with the nearby Filey Brigg providing a scenic backdrop for nature enthusiasts. Families love Filey for its safe, shallow waters, which are ideal for paddling and swimming.
Unlike some of the busier Yorkshire beaches, Filey has a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. Take a stroll along the promenade, visit the traditional beachfront cafés, or explore the rock pools at low tide.
Hornsea
For those looking to explore the East Riding coast, Hornsea Beach is a great option. With its wide, sandy shores and a peaceful promenade, Hornsea offers a quieter alternative to some of Yorkshire’s larger seaside towns. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle, and is perfect for long walks, particularly as it stretches for miles towards Bridlington.
Hornsea is also known for its freshwater lake, Hornsea Mere, which is the largest natural lake in Yorkshire. After a day at the beach, visitors can enjoy boating or birdwatching around the mere, adding to the variety of outdoor activities available.
Dog Friendly Yorkshire Beaches
When it comes to Yorkshire dog-friendly beaches, there are a lot to choose from! All of the Yorkshire beaches mentioned above welcome dogs, either year-round or with seasonal restrictions.
- Saltburn-by-the-Sea allows dogs on certain parts of the beach all year. You’re welcome to walk your pups from the beach area to the left of the pier up to the access point at Hazelgrove. You’re also welcome to walk your dogs on their lead along the promenade.
- Staithes beach welcomes dogs all year-round! It may be small, but it’s a quieter spot for you and your pup to enjoy.
- Redcar has a seasonal restriction from May to October with dog exclusions zones on the beach covering the area between The Regent cinema and where the Esplanade meets Graffenberg Street. You’re welcome to walk your dog in other areas of the beach such as near Majuba car park.
- Whitby offers designated dog-friendly areas and has some seasonal restrictions. Whitby West Cliff beach (also known as Whitby Sands Beach) doesn’t permit dogs during the summer months between May and October, but if you’re staying in Whitby then, don’t worry as there are other beaches that do! Dogs are welcomed all year round at Tate Hill Beach, Saltwick Bay Beach, Sandsend Ness, and Upgang Whitby Beach.
- Scarborough beaches do have restrictions in place, but Scarborough North Bay has a sizeable section that is open to dogs during the summer months all-year round.
- Filey Beach doesn’t permit dogs between May and September from the Royal Parade to the The Promenade. But you are more than welcome to walk your pups left and right of the sea wall, but they must be kept on a lead between 8am and 6 pm. Outside of the summer months, dogs are fine to roam as they please across the whole beach.
- Dogs are allowed on the southern part of Hornsea beach all year-round! However, they’re are not permitted between the concrete ramp at Headland View and the steps south of Sands Lane between May and October.
For those holidaying with four-legged friends, make sure to check local signage for any restrictions before heading to the beach.
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Yorkshire is one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the UK. It’s got it all – from rolling landscapes of farmers’ fields and moors, to bustling market towns with vibrant eateries and cultures. Whether you’re planning an action-packed getaway or a relaxing retreat, you’ll have a wonderful stay in Yorkshire. If you’re planning a stay in North Yorkshire, visit our Things to do in North Yorkshire blog post to find out all the fun places to visit and attractions to enjoy!
Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, families, and groups of friends, we have homes in Yorkshire to suit every type of stay. From stylish apartments to cosy coastal cottages, explore our collection of holiday lets today to find the right place for you.
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