Take a drop of sunshine, a sprinkling of golden sands and a generous helping of lapping waves and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable day at the Yorkshire seaside.
God’s Own County is blessed with more than its fair share of stunning coastline. So, whether you’re looking for a fabulous family day out filled with sandcastles and ice creams, or just seeking a slice of haven to soak up the sunshine, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here’s our round-up of the best beaches in Yorkshire.
Whitby
The tranquil Whitby beach is the ideal setting for whiling away a summer’s day. A Blue Flag Award winning beach, it’s wonderfully clean and high quality, with crisp gentle waters and golden sands. It’s a great option for anyone looking to take a dip, especially as the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season. Elsewhere, rock pools invite you to explore when the tide is out, or you can just laze back and enjoy the surrounding views of the dramatic cliffs and Whitby Abbey.
Whitby Beach, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3EN.
Filey
This spacious five-mile stretch of sand serves up a quintessential seaside experience. Splash out and get swimming, with an RNLI lifeguard service on the beach in summer and a seafront paddling pool offering a refreshing alternative for little paddlers through May to September. A feast for the senses, Filey is also where you’ll find one of the best Yorkshire beaches for art lovers, thanks to the Sculpture Trail. It’s a selection of artworks along the historical promenade inspired by the town’s natural heritage.
Filey Beach, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9JQ.
Scarborough
Think of beaches in Yorkshire and there’s a good chance that Scarborough is the first picture that comes to mind. The seaside town is blessed with not one but two beaches, South and North Bay. South Bay is a bright and bustling scene, with that classic summer holiday feel courtesy of a backdrop of arcades, fish and chip shops, and ice cream parlours. If you prefer a quieter scene, make your way to North Bay, where you’ll find the iconic rainbow-coloured chalets lining the promenade and views of Scarborough Castle above the cliffs.
North Bay Beach, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 7TN & South Bay Beach, West Pier, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1PD.
Fraisthorpe
Dreaming of balmy and brilliant family days out? Fraisthorpe beach has you covered. This is a fantastic stretch of coast that forms part of the Bridlington Bay. It’s a hot spot for a number of fun activities, with the flat landscape and shallow waters here making it great for swimming, strolling and kite-surfing – or just packing a picnic and taking it easy. You can even bring your four-legged friend, as dogs are permitted on the beach all year round.
Fraisthorpe Beach, Fraisthorpe, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 3QU.
Sandsend
Sandsend is a natural, golden playground for all ages. Set along Yorkshire’s heritage coastline, small rivers cut through the sands and run into the ocean, with a beck that’s ideal for safer paddling and a zoned off area for swimming in the summer. With a low tide across much of the beach, it’s also a wonderful choice for those wanting to explore rockpools. Alternatively, you can take in the glorious Yorkshire scenery and views of Whitby Abbey, as you embark on the hour-and-a-half amble over to Whitby sands.
Sandsend Beach, Sandsend, North Yorkshire, YO21 3SU.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Rich in history and with picture-perfect good looks, Robin Hood’s Bay is a real favourite when it comes to beaches in Yorkshire. During high tide, it’s mainly submerged but when the tide recedes, you’re treated to an exquisite little slice of Yorkshire splendour. Being on the Dinosaur Coast means there’s plenty of opportunities for seeking out rock pools and fossils, while the village’s many eateries, pubs and shops make for a great day out. Do be aware, due to the chilly waters and rocky shore, this isn’t the best beach for swimming.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, YO22 4SJ.
Cayton Beach
You can leave the passport at home – one trip to Cayton Beach and you’ll be soaking up the holiday vibes. This scenic, sweeping bay sits amongst unspoiled beauty in the area between Filey and Scarborough. It boasts all the wonders of the Yorkshire Coast, with clean waters, fab facilities and a quieter atmosphere that offers ideal conditions for walking, surfing and bird watching. It’s particularly beautiful in warmer weather, but no matter what the time of year, you won’t regret a visit to Cayton Beach.
Cayton Bay Beach, Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire, YO11 3NP.
Staithes
Looking as though it was plucked straight from a postcard, the small but perfectly formed Staithes beach is a real feast for the eyes. It’s backed by the seafront of the quaint fishing village and enveloped by dramatic cliffs, creating a secluded spot that takes the crown as one of the prettiest along the East Coast. It comes highly recommended for those wanting to indulge in some fossil hunting, thanks to its location on the Dinosaur Coast, but it doesn’t offer the best water quality, so it’s best to avoid swimming here.
Staithes Beach, Staithes, North Yorkshire, TS13 5DH.
