Barmston Beach in the morning, East Riding of Yorkshire

Discover the Yorkshire Coast: Top Seaside Towns to Visit

17 November 2025

The Yorkshire Coast is one of the UK’s most enchanting seaside regions – a place where dramatic cliffs meet sweeping sandy beaches, fishing villages cling to rugged coves, and Victorian promenades overlook the sparkling North Sea.

Whether you’re dreaming of a nostalgic family holiday, a romantic escape by the sea, or a refreshing break in the great outdoors with your dog, Yorkshire’s shoreline offers an irresistible mix of landscapes, history, and coastal charm.

In this guide, we explore five of the most iconic seaside towns on the Yorkshire Coast: Filey, Robin Hood’s Bay, Scarborough, Whitby, and Bridlington. Each one offers something unique, from tranquil beaches to Gothic abbey views and family-friendly attractions. Discover a range of Yorkshire coastal cottages to rent for your next seaside adventure.

A wide, sweeping view of Filey Beach in North Yorkshire with golden sand.
A wide, sweeping view of Filey Beach in North Yorkshire with golden sand.

Filey: Peaceful Beach & Timeless Seaside Charm

If you’re longing for a classic, uncluttered beach holiday, Filey is your slice of Yorkshire paradise. Compared to its larger neighbours, Filey offers a calmer, slower pace – ideal for families, walkers, or anyone seeking a relaxing break by the sea.

Filey’s five-mile stretch of golden sand is one of the finest in the UK. At low tide, the beach opens into a vast playground of shimmering pools and soft sands perfect for sandcastle building, paddling, or simply wandering beside the waves. Its gentle slope makes it safe for children, and the town’s Victorian promenade adds nostalgic charm with plenty of Filey sea view cottages for hire.

Nature lovers will adore Filey Brigg, the long natural peninsula jutting into the North Sea. With dramatic rock formations and abundant wildlife, it’s a magnet for photographers and birdwatchers. Filey also sits on the Cleveland Way, offering wonderful coastal walks with sweeping sea views.

Robin Hoods Bay on the north east coast of Yorkshire

Robin Hood’s Bay: Steep Streets, Sea Views & Smugglers’ Tales

Few coastal villages in England are as atmospheric as Robin Hood’s Bay. With its steep, cobbled streets winding between centuries-old cottages, this village feels like stepping into a storybook. Once a hotbed of smuggling, the town still carries whispers of hidden tunnels and secret history.

Sitting dramatically between towering cliffs, Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the most photographed places on the Yorkshire Coast. The beach here is rugged and rich with rock pools – a paradise for explorers. At low tide, families spread out across the shore, searching for fossils, shells, and tiny marine creatures.

The village itself is small, quirky, and packed with character. Independent cafés, craft shops, cosy pubs, and sea-view eateries line the winding lanes. Many of the Robin Hood’s Bay holiday cottages are perched on the cliffside, offering unforgettable views of the shoreline.

Aerial view of Scarborough South Bay with beach, promenade, and calm seas.
Aerial view of Scarborough South Bay with beach, promenade, and calm seas.

Scarborough: Classic Seaside Fun Meets Modern Coastal Adventures

Scarborough is the Yorkshire Coast’s best-known resort – and for good reason. With two sweeping bays, a dramatic clifftop castle, a bustling seafront, and countless family attractions, it appeals to all ages and travel styles.

South Bay is the lively heart of the town, with amusement arcades, fish-and-chip shops, donkey rides, and the traditional charm of a classic English seaside holiday. North Bay, by contrast, feels calmer and more scenic – home to colourful beach huts, Peasholm Park, the Sea Life Centre, and some of the best views of Scarborough Castle.

The town’s clifftop walks are spectacular, offering vistas over the two bays, while Scarborough Spa and the Open Air Theatre provide culture and live entertainment with a coastal backdrop. There is a good stock of Scarborough cottages by the sea to choose from, many that enjoy sea views and pets welcome.

Remains of groynes on the beach at Sandsend, Whitby

Whitby: Gothic Beauty, Fishing Heritage & Coastal Wonder

Whitby is one of the UK’s most captivating seaside destinations – a town where history, culture, and breathtaking scenery blend seamlessly. Famous for Whitby Abbey, Captain Cook, fish and chips, and its quirky literary links to Dracula, this town is bursting with personality.

The harbour is picture-perfect, with fishing boats, cobbled streets, and waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood. Local shops line the old town streets, offering everything from jet jewellery to artisan crafts.

Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey for one of the most iconic views on the Yorkshire Coast. The ruins sit dramatically above the sea, offering panoramic views of the red-roofed town below. Find a large selection of Whitby sea view cottages listed on Beach Stays, many with pets welcome.

A view of the cliffs and Bridlington Bay

Bridlington: Family-Friendly Fun on Yorkshire’s Shores

Bridlington is bright, cheerful, and very family-friendly – a seaside town known for its clean sandy beaches, colourful promenades, and bustling harbour.

The South Beach is long and wide, great for paddling, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. The North Beach offers more dramatic scenery, backed by cliffs and coastal paths with spectacular views. A land train connects the beaches, making it easy to explore.

Nearby attractions like Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs – home to thousands of nesting seabirds – add wild beauty and nature experiences just minutes away. Bridlington offers everything you need for a fun, traditional seaside escape. Browse the Bridlington cottages by the sea listed with us, some that enjoy direct beach access.