There’s something timeless about the Yorkshire coast. Rugged cliffs tower above sweeping bays. Fishing villages cling to steep hillsides, and salty sea air carries the scent of fish & chips drifting along the promenade. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly sands, dramatic coastal walks, surfing waves, or hidden coves rich with fossils and history, Yorkshire’s beaches deliver some of the most memorable seaside experiences in the UK. And what's more, the best of the bunch are all just a short distance from Ladycross.
From the gothic charm of Whitby to the peaceful beauty of Runswick Bay and the surf culture of Saltburn, here’s our guide to Yorkshire’s best beaches.
Whitby Beach
Whitby Beach is one of Yorkshire’s most iconic stretches of coastline, combining classic seaside fun with dramatic scenery and centuries of maritime history. Stretching west from the harbour beneath the ruins of Whitby Abbey, the beach offers wide golden sands at low tide. There's plenty of space for families to spread out, enjoying games, picnics and beach fun.
One of the highlights of Whitby Beach is the row of colourful beach huts available for hire during the warmer months. These huts are perfect for storing beach gear, sheltering from coastal breezes, and enjoying a traditional British seaside day without lugging everything across the sand. They're available to hire by the day or the week from the Beach Management Centre down on the Prom.
Whitby is also famous for fossil hunting. The coastline here forms part of the Jurassic heritage of the Yorkshire coast. After storms or low tides visitors often discover ammonites, belemnites, and ancient marine fossils scattered along the shore. It’s a dream destination for curious children and amateur palaeontologists alike.
Another unique treasure connected to Whitby is Whitby Jet. Jet is a rare black gemstone formed from fossilised wood. Whitby Jet became especially fashionable during the Victorian era and is still crafted into jewellery sold throughout the town today.
For those wanting adventure on the water, Whitby Beach is ideal for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and body boarding when conditions are right. The waves are generally manageable for beginners, although stronger currents can develop during rough weather, so checking tide conditions is important. Whitby Surf School operates throughout the summer season. They provide equipment hire and surf lessons too.
After a day on the beach, Whitby’s famous fish & chips are practically mandatory. Sitting on the harbour wall with a tray of freshly cooked fish, thick-cut chips, and seagulls circling overhead is a quintessential Yorkshire coastal experience. Add an ice cream while strolling along the pier and you have the perfect seaside evening.
Sandsend Beach
Just a mile or two north of Whitby lies Sandsend, a quieter alternative that feels wonderfully unspoiled. Backed by cliffs and rolling countryside, Sandsend combines broad sandy stretches with rock pools and scenic coastal views.
At low tide, the beach seems to go on forever, making it perfect for long walks, sandcastle building, and paddling. Families love the calmer atmosphere here.
Sandsend is particularly popular for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. But as always, watch out for currents and don't get cut off by the tide! Early mornings can be especially magical, with glassy seas reflecting the cliffs and sunrise colours over the North Sea. Summer evenings end with beautiful sunsets over the cliff, as the sky flames red.
The beach also attracts surfers and body boarders when larger swells roll in. While not as well-known as Saltburn for surfing, Sandsend can offer excellent conditions for those looking for less crowded waves.
Food is another major reason people return to Sandsend. Beachside cafés serve locally caught seafood, fresh coffee, homemade cakes, and generous scoops of Yorkshire ice cream. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting outside with fish & chips while watching the tide slowly roll across the sand. Mary's Sandwich Shop is a must visit, as is Fish Cottage.
Robin Hood’s Bay Beach
Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the most atmospheric places on the Yorkshire coast. The steep, winding streets of the old fishing village tumble dramatically toward the sea. The village feels almost untouched by time.
The beach itself is famous for rock pools, fossils, and coastal exploration. At low tide, vast expanses of exposed rock reveal fossils embedded within the cliffs rocky scars which stretch out into the water. Fossil hunters regularly uncover ammonites and other prehistoric remains, making it one of the most fascinating beaches in Yorkshire for geology lovers.
Walking south along the coast from Robin Hood’s Bay leads to the wonderfully named Boggle Hole. Boggle Hole is a secluded cove surrounded by towering cliffs and fascinating rock formations. According to local folklore, “boggles” were mischievous hobgoblin-like creatures said to inhabit caves along the coastline. Today, Boggle Hole is peaceful rather than spooky, offering rock pooling, wildlife spotting, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Continue further along the clifftops and you’ll reach Ravenscar, home to one of the most famous seal colonies on the Yorkshire coast. Grey seals can often be spotted basking on rocks below the cliffs or swimming offshore. During pupping season, the colony becomes especially active, offering fantastic wildlife watching opportunities.
Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is less suited to traditional swimming because of the rocky terrain and changing tides. However, it’s excellent for adventurous coastal walks and paddle boarding in calm conditions. Visitors love exploring hidden corners of the shoreline, but be careful near the foot of the cliffs.
The village itself is packed with cosy pubs, tiny independent shops, and cafés serving everything from crab sandwiches to ice creams. After climbing back up the famously steep hill from the beach, few things taste better than hot fish & chips eaten with sea views.
Robin Hood's Bay is just a 20 minute drive from Ladycross. There's a large pay and display car park at the top of the village.
Runswick Bay Beach
Runswick Bay feels like one of Yorkshire’s hidden gems. The picturesque red-roofed cottages clinging to the hillside create one of the prettiest coastal scenes anywhere in England.
The beach is a broad arc of sand backed by cliffs and grassy hills, offering a peaceful atmosphere that’s ideal for families and couples seeking a quieter escape. Despite its beauty, Runswick Bay often feels less crowded than nearby hot-spots.
Swimming is popular here during summer thanks to relatively sheltered conditions. Paddle boarders enjoy exploring the calm bay and nearby rocky outcrops. The gently shelving beach also makes it suitable for children wanting to paddle safely near the shore.
Fossil hunting is another major attraction. Like much of the Yorkshire coast, Runswick Bay contains Jurassic-era geology, and visitors frequently discover fossils along the shoreline after rough seas.
Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for seabirds and occasional seals bobbing just offshore. The surrounding cliffs and coastal paths provide stunning views across the bay, particularly at sunset when the sea glows gold beneath the cliffs.
A visit to Runswick Bay wouldn’t be complete without stopping for an ice cream or coffee at one of the village cafés or a drink at the pub. The relaxed pace here encourages visitors to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and simply enjoy the scenery.
Runswick Bay is just 15 minutes from Ladycross. There's a new pay and display car park in the top village, operated by Mulgrave Estate.
Scarborough North Bay and South Bay
Scarborough offers two completely different beach experiences within the same town. Scarborough's beaches are about an hour from Ladycross.
South Bay is the classic traditional seaside resort beach. Bustling, lively, and packed with attractions, it features golden sands lined with amusement arcades, donkey rides, cafés, ice cream stands, and fish & chip shops. Families flock here during summer to build sandcastles, paddle in the shallows, and soak up the lively holiday atmosphere.
The calm waters of South Bay are generally better for swimming and paddle boarding, particularly during warm weather. The promenade buzzes with activity, while the harbour area offers boat trips and traditional seaside entertainment.
North Bay, by contrast, has a more rugged and relaxed feel. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and overlooked by Scarborough Castle, this side of town is known for stronger waves and watersports.
Surfing and body boarding are especially popular at North Bay, where consistent swells attract beginners and experienced surfers alike. Surf schools operate throughout the season, making it a great place to try riding waves for the first time.
North Bay is also excellent for long coastal walks, with scenic routes stretching toward Scalby Mills and beyond. Rock pooling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are all popular here when conditions allow.
Scarborough excels when it comes to seaside food. Whether you’re craving freshly battered fish & chips, warm doughnuts, or giant cones of soft-serve ice cream, you’ll find no shortage of tempting options along both bays.
Saltburn Beach
Saltburn Beach has developed a reputation as one of the best surfing destinations in northern England. The long sandy beach and reliable waves attract surfers year-round, creating a laid-back surf culture that gives Saltburn a distinctly different feel from many traditional seaside towns.
The Victorian pier stretching into the North Sea provides a striking backdrop. The dramatic cliffs and wide-open sands create an unforgettable coastal setting.
Surfing is undoubtedly the star attraction here, but Saltburn is also excellent for body boarding, paddle boarding, and sea swimming. Surf schools and equipment hire shops make it easy for beginners to get started.
At low tide, the expansive sands are ideal for beach games, dog walking, and long strolls beneath the cliffs. The beach’s wide-open character gives it a sense of freedom and space that visitors quickly fall in love with.
Saltburn’s thriving independent food scene adds even more appeal. Cosy cafés, seafood restaurants, and beachside coffee spots line the town above the shore. Fish & chips remain a staple, of course, but artisan bakeries and ice cream parlours also draw plenty of visitors.
Watching surfers carve through evening waves while enjoying an ice cream on the promenade is one of the simple pleasures that makes Saltburn so memorable.
Saltburn is around a 25 minute drive from Ladycross.
Discover Yorkshire’s Coast
Yorkshire’s coastline offers far more than just traditional bucket-and-spade holidays. Here, you can hunt for fossils beneath towering cliffs, spot seals basking near Ravenscar, surf rolling North Sea waves, or simply relax with your favourite seaside snack.
Each beach has its own personality:
- Whitby blends history and seaside charm.
- Sandsend offers peaceful beauty.
- Robin Hood’s Bay invites exploration.
- Runswick Bay provides tranquillity.
- Scarborough balances classic resort fun with adventure sports.
- Saltburn delivers one of Britain’s best surf scenes.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a coastal walking weekend, or a watersports adventure filled with swimming, surfing, SUP, and body boarding, Yorkshire’s beaches provide unforgettable experiences in every season.
All you really need is a towel, a healthy appetite for ice cream and fish & chips, and enough time to explore this spectacular stretch of coastline.
