Our Yorkshire Holiday Cottages by the Sea
Yorkshire has some of the largest seaside towns on the north-east coast, but you do not have to travel far to find a very different setting. Scarborough and Bridlington have promenades, attractions and large sandy beaches, while villages such as Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay have narrow streets leading down to small harbours and beaches.
The coastline also has a strong connection with the North York Moors. Cliffs, farmland and moorland meet the sea along much of the coast north of Scarborough, with the Cleveland Way following the clifftops between coastal villages and headlands. This gives walkers plenty of opportunities to cover a short section of the route without committing to a full day’s walk.
There is history along the coast too. Whitby Abbey stands above the town on the East Cliff, Scarborough Castle occupies a headland between the town’s two main bays, and Flamborough Head has chalk cliffs, sea caves and two historic lighthouse towers.
Whitby, Scarborough and Yorkshire’s Fishing Villages
Whitby combines a working harbour with one of the most recognisable historic centres on the Yorkshire coast. The 199 steps climb from the old town towards St Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey, while the harbour divides the town between its east and west sides. Boat trips operate from the harbour, and the town is also known for its connections with Captain Cook and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Robin Hood’s Bay is around six miles south of Whitby. The old village is built on a steep slope above the beach, with narrow lanes and former fishermen’s cottages around the lower part of the village. At low tide, the rocky shore is popular for rock pooling and fossil hunting.
North of Whitby, Staithes has another small harbour surrounded by cottages and steep cliffs. Runswick Bay is nearby and has a much larger sandy beach. To the south, Scarborough offers two main beaches, a castle, harbour and traditional seaside attractions, while Filey provides a smaller resort with a long promenade and extensive beach.
Further down the coast, Flamborough Head is worth visiting for its chalk cliffs and coastal walks. Bridlington is a few miles farther south, with beaches on both sides of its harbour and easy access to the seabird colonies at Bempton Cliffs.
Where to Stay for Your Yorkshire Coastal Holiday
Where you stay can make a noticeable difference to the type of holiday you have. A seafront apartment in Scarborough or Bridlington puts restaurants, shops and beach facilities close by, while a cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay or Staithes places you among the older streets of a former fishing village.
Whitby has one of the widest selections, including apartments overlooking the harbour, period town houses and cottages around the surrounding villages. Filey is particularly well suited to families wanting a large sandy beach nearby, while places such as Runswick Bay appeal to visitors who would rather stay outside the larger resorts.
Sea view cottages are available in several parts of the Yorkshire coast, including properties overlooking harbours, bays and the open sea. Some larger houses provide several bedrooms and bathrooms for extended families or groups of friends, and selected properties include hot tubs, enclosed gardens or private outside space.
Dog-friendly cottages are another popular choice. Several beaches have areas where dogs can be walked throughout the year, although seasonal restrictions apply to sections of the main resort beaches. If the beach will be used every day, it is worth checking the rules for the nearest stretch of sand before choosing your accommodation.
Older coastal villages also come with a few practical considerations. Parking can be limited or located away from the property, and steep streets are common in places such as Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes. If easy access and parking outside the accommodation are important, checking these details before booking can narrow down the most suitable properties.
Beaches, Cliffs and Bays Along the Yorkshire Coast
Yorkshire’s beaches vary considerably over a relatively short distance. Whitby has a long sandy beach west of the harbour, continuing towards Sandsend. Runswick Bay has a broad sweep of sand backed by cliffs, while Robin Hood’s Bay has a mixture of sand and rock that becomes much more extensive as the tide goes out.
Scarborough’s South Bay is closest to the harbour, amusement arcades and many of the town’s traditional attractions. North Bay is separated from it by the castle headland and has a more open beachfront. Filey Bay stretches for several miles and is backed by a promenade at the northern end, with Filey Brigg extending into the sea beyond it.
The landscape changes again around Flamborough, where chalk cliffs replace the darker cliffs found farther north. Small coves such as North Landing sit between the headlands, while nearby Bempton Cliffs is one of Britain’s major seabird breeding sites. Bridlington’s North and South beaches provide long stretches of sand with the facilities of the town close by.
If you want to compare more of the coastline before deciding where to visit, our guide to the best beaches in Yorkshire covers beaches for walking, sea views and days out in more detail.
Facilities differ considerably between these locations. The main beaches at Whitby, Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington have toilets, places to eat and other amenities nearby, while smaller bays may have much less available. Seasonal dog restrictions also apply on designated sections of several resort beaches, so check the current local rules when planning a visit with a dog.
