Why there is so much to discover in the coastal towns of Yorkshire, as Holly Phillips writes
Yorkshire is home to miles of candid countryside and is best-known for its Dales, Moors and Peaks. But the UK’s largest county also possesses a vibrant collection of coastal towns. Whitby, Scarborough and Filey are among many of the charming seaside towns that can be found in Yorkshire.
WHITBY
Whitby is one of Yorkshire’s most renowned seaside towns. Its cobbled streets and historical ruins means this atmospheric coastal town never loses its charm. One of Whitby’s gems is the ancient Whitby Abbey, which harbours literary connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula with the Abbey providing inspiration for the eerie scenes of the novel. You can even bring the story to life and climb the 199 steps mentioned in the story, which leads to an amazing view of Whitby Harbour, overlooking the North Sea. Adding to the gothic personality of the area, the town hosts a Goth Weekend twice a year, which happens to be one of Whitby’s leading attractions.
Whitby caters to all, offering two choices of beaches. One is Tate beach, which is a sheltered sandy beach, as well as a dog-friendly environment, and the other beach is your typical deckchair and sandcastle-building beach on the West Cliff of Whitby. Here is where you will see kites flying, colourful beach huts and lots of room for activities such as crazy golf, skateboarding and swimming. Both beaches are easily accessible via train or car with two large pay and display car parks nearby.
After escaping to sea on a boat trip, or fossil hunting on the beach, you can browse in Whitby’s array of independent shops. Additionally, the town has a variety of restaurants which offer local delicacies. The Magpie Cafe, in particular, is one to not miss. Known as one of the finest fish restaurants in the area, your visit to Whitby wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the esteemed eatery.
SCARBOROUGH
Scarborough is quintessential Yorkshire. The classic seaside town has captivating golden beaches, an animated pier and many independent shops. Its liveliness and top attractions makes it a perfect location for a family holiday. Favoured attractions are the Alpamare Water Park and the Scarborough Spa Express, which offers a scenic tour in traditional steam train carriages around Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. Some of these carriages even featured in the Harry Potter series. Scarborough Open Air Theatre also attracts people from all over the country as it hosts a multitude of incredible music events throughout the year, with features from the likes of Blondie, Olly Murs and Tom Grennan.
The popular coastal town has been attracting tourists since the Victorian times and it only seems to grow more popular. Being a great mix of old and new, it also offers a touch of English heritage to discover upon a visit. It happens to be Britain’s first seaside resort. According to Visit Scarborough, the town was founded by a Viking raider and the Scarborough Castle was subsequently built by Henry II. If you wish to find out more about Scarborough, you can listen to the ‘Visit Scarborough’ podcast, hosted by Breakfast Show presenter, Paddy Billington.
FILEY
Filey is located in the East Riding of Yorkshire and is a delightful coastal town on the quieter scale, meaning it is the perfect place to unwind and relax. It is one of Yorkshire’s best places to enjoy the luxuries of the coast, while avoiding the usual crowds and busyness of seaside towns. Despite its peaceful nature, it still has a lot to offer, from a range of exquisite restaurants, to unique attractions like the Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park. Filey is also home to the Filey Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve, which proves to be a popular destination for birdwatchers and animal lovers.
As well as its animal-lover reputation, the town seems to have an artistic flair. It has several art galleries to browse, one of which being the Richard Burton Art Gallery. Additionally, Filey is filled with Edwardian buildings and beautiful architecture, making it a captivating location to have a wander. With the impressive five-mile sandy bay, it administers a harmonious atmosphere and is a quaint place to enjoy luscious fish and chips. This elegant town, with its fresh sea air and slower pace of life, is a traditional favourite in Yorkshire.
BRIDLINGTON
Bridlington is a refreshing and entertaining town. Alongside its two beaches is where you will find colourful arcades, ice cream parlours and funfairs. Its busy harbour and array of activities provides this seaside town with plenty of character. Well-known for its love of music, Bridlington hosts several music events throughout the year, one of which being the Bridlington Gospel Music Convention which takes place every June. As well as its thriving music scene, the town hosts many art exhibitions throughout the year. One of its most popular is the Bridlington Art Society Summer Exhibition, which showcases the work of local talent. The town also has an Arts Festival, taking place every September, offering workshops and performances.
Bridlington Old Town is the hidden gem of the coastal area. With its historical landmarks and fascinating architecture, it provides a peaceful escape from typical seaside life. In the Old Town is where you can find The Bayle Museum, St Mary’s Church and the filming location for hit television show, Dad’s Army. The Globe Inn is the go-to historical pub in the Old Town, serving customers for over 200 years. It is a great place to top off your authentic experience.
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY
The perfect destination for a weekend break. Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque fishing village filled with character.Similarly to Filey, marine and wildlife is beloved in Robin Hood’s Bay. The natural beauty and scenery of this seaside town is breathtaking and never disappoints.
Located in the North York Moors National Park, it is historically notorious for being a hub for smugglers back in the 18th century. Its isolated cobbled streets and narrow walkways provided smugglers with the perfect hideaways. Later, in the 19th century, it became a popular fishing destination, and has been ever since. As well as its embedded culture, Robin Hood’s Bay also hosts a Folk Weekend and Beer Festival annually, both great ways to spend your time in this unique coastal town.
STAITHES
Staithes is the place that lives up to your expectations of the seaside locations that appear on postcards. With the traditional wooden boats and the picturesque harbour, this coastal village has plenty of personality. As well as being home to one of the largest fishing ports in the UK, it proves to be a great location for fossil hunters and geologists. The village also may be popular for young children as it is the location of the CBBC television series, Old Jack’s Boat. Whilst wandering around the area, you might come across Dog Loup, which is thought to be the narrowest street in Britain, being just 18 inches wide. Staithes also has many walking routes to follow. One that is great for usual walkers is Cleveland Way, which provides a long horseshoe shape walk. To top off your visit, pop into the Cob and Lobster, an unmissable cafe when visiting the stunning seaside town.
