The coastline ranges from the golden splendour of some of Britain's finest beaches to the rugged rocks and coves of the East Coast's towering cliffs. Bustling resorts with non stop family entertainment to tiny fishing ports or windswept, wave swept solitude, is the splendour and choice on the Yorkshire Coast.
The North York Moors and the rolling Yorkshire Wolds are the backdrop for the coastline, with picturesque country towns, historic houses, and superb landscapes within easy touring distance of the coast. Sport and the seaside go together and sailing, golf, bowls and angling are just some of the Yorkshire choices. The Cleveland Way National Trail offers spectacular walks along the cliff tops.
Saltburn in the north is a traditional Victorian seaside resort perched on the cliff tops with spectacular views complete with cliff top lift and pier jutting out into the sea. To the south of Saltburn lie the picturesque coastal villages of Staithes, and Sandsend. Runswick Bay in particular is a must for any visitor with a beautiful curved sandy...
beach and the village itself a collection of white painted fishermen’s cottages with cobbled streets perched precariously on the shoreline.
North of Staithes the cliff at Boulby Head offers spectacular views and is the perfect stop-off point for a picnic. The Cleveland Way footpath runs adjacent to the wall of cliffs, above rocky coves and fishing villages, connecting the National Trust's coastal properties. Whitby lies just along the North Yorkshire Coast, famous for its Abbey, Jet, Dracula and Ghost Walks, and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. The eerie drama of cliff top Whitby Abbey inspired the writing of "Dracula". Captain Cook, England's greatest navigator, learned his trade in Whitby and a fascinating heritage trail traces his life.
Robin Hoods Bay just a mile down the coastline from Whitby is the picture perfect village with its little red roofed houses sitting on top, seemingly defying gravity as they cling to the cliffs, a steep road leads down to the sandy bay. There are several small pubs in Robin Hoods Bay and being more tranquil than Whitby it has a more relaxed atmosphere. An enjoyable way to get to Robin Hoods Bay is via a cliff top walk from Whitby, however it is a substantial walk but a great way to appreciate the true beauty of the East Coast. If you prefer peace and quiet then Robin Hoods bay is the place for you, still close enough to Whitby if you seek more of the hustle and bustle of a busy harbour.
South of Robin Hoods Bay lies the ‘jewel in the crown’ which is Scarborough. A traditional seaside town complete with bustling and buzzing atmosphere and family entertainment. This major resort packed with action has everything you'd expect from a traditional seaside resort, with two striking Victorian style bays (North Bay and South Bay) overlooked by majestic Victorian Hotels, a beautiful esplanade, a Sea Life centre, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, clubs, amusements, and plenty of pubs and restaurants. On the headland lies the imposing Scarborough Castle which is situated on the site of an ancient Iron Age Fort.
Filey is a gorgeous little fishing town with 5 miles of beautiful sandy beaches which attract many swimmers, surfers and beach goers. There is also a golf course, a small theatre and Filey Museum which is home to the complete history of Filey. Filey is a great destination for bird lovers too, with its nearby nature reserve. Filey was also a Victorian seaside destination and fishing port, but has retained much more of its original charms.
Flamborough Head lies just south of Filey and consists of a rocky chalk headland which offers fantastic views, great picture opportunities and numerous sea caves to explore. Beyond Flamborough at 650ft (200 metres) high the coastline is also home to eastern England’s highest cliff at Bempton, home to a famous seabird colony.
Bridlington lies just south of Flamborough Head and is a bustling fishing port and seaside town complete with holiday accommodation, shops and entertainment a plenty. Bridlington is a lively place and as with any typically British seaside town has its own array of fish and chip shops, amusements, pubs, rides and rock! The pubs and restaurants are a great place to eat fish freshly landed at the towns busy harbour. Enjoy a stroll down the sea front promenade noted for its Edwardian architecture and bracing fresh air. To find out more about the history of Bridlington stop by the museum packed with information and photographs of Bridlington’s rich fishing community.
Up-to-the-minute attractions on the Heritage Coast include Scarborough's Sealife Centre and Bridlington's Leisure World plus all the traditional amusements and attractions. See Shire Horses and farming history at the Staintondale Shire Horse Farm off the Scarborough to Whitby road.
There are numerous fairs and festivals in the towns along the east coast throughout the year, some of which include Whitby Folk Festival, Scarborough Fair and Filey Edwardian Festival. Sporting events include Scarborough Cricket Festival and Filey Fishing Festival.
The diverse habitats along the East Coast range from woodland, farmland and cliffs to make perfect homes for various flora and fauna species. Kittiwakes and cormorants nest in precarious positions on the cliff faces, Roe deer prefer to meander through the woodland cover. Whilst winkles, crabs, adders, anemones, primroses and orchids are just some of the other unusual species to be found at edge of the coast.
There are many interesting industrial and archaeological sites along the East Coast, the renowned Peak Alum Works at Ravenscar is just one of them, where vast quantities of shale was removed from the cliffs in order to extract alum, which is an imperative chemical in the dyeing and tanning industries.
