Golden sand perfect for children to play on, traditional fishing harbours filled with colourful boats, and rockpools galore. These 10 beaches in Yorkshire are a must-visit!
You might be wondering where to start if you're looking for a dog-friendly beach or one with the best family facilities. We've compiled a list of the best Yorkshire beaches to help you find the perfect stretch of sand to suit your needs. These 10 beaches in Yorkshire are a must-visit!
1. Whitby West Cliff Beach, Whitby Sands Beach
Sandy beach | Dog-friendly (Ban May – September) | Lifeguarded beach | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
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Whitby West Cliff Beach, also known as Whitby Sands Beach, is a sandy beach with rocks stretching from Upgang Beach to the mouth of the River Esk. Located on the northern edge of Whitby town, it is the most popular beach and is just a few minutes walk from the harbour.
Visitors can access the beach from numerous points along Cleveland Way, North Terrace, and North Promenade, but you need to walk down access ramps to reach the beach at the bottom of the cliffs below. For those who need a more accessible option, there is a lift that operates from North Terrace during the warmer months. Paid parking is available at the West Cliff and Pavillion Top car parks.
Families flock to this stretch of sand between Upgang Beach and West Pier to soak up the sun and enjoy the seaside. You can even rent colourful beach huts, deckchairs, and windbreaks near the slipway at West Pier to make the most of your time on Whitby West Cliff Beach, true to the Yorkshire style.
This beach is lifeguarded from May to September, and there is also a seasonal dog ban during these months.
Click here for directions to West Cliff Beach
2. Whitby Tate Hill Sands Beach
Sand/shingle beach | Dog-friendly all year | No lifeguard | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Tate Hill Beach is a small beach situated within the protected harbour entrance. The beach is open to dogs throughout the year. It is a popular destination for those who love picnics, beachcombing, and metal detecting.
Located near the East Pier, Tate Hill Beach is bordered by Church Street, which features a variety of independent shops that add to the area's charm. The famous 199 Steps leading up to Whitby Abbey also start from Church Street, while Henrietta Street is home to the renowned Fortunes Kippers.
Click here for directions to Tate Hill Beach
3. Scarborough South Bay Beach
Sandy beach | Dog-friendly (Ban May to September) | Lifeguarded beach | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Scarborough Harbour lies on one side of South Bay Beach. It extends southward past St. Nicholas Gardens to the blue roundabout, where Foreshore Road transforms into Cleveland Way.
This beach is the busiest of the town's beaches. It is near the top attractions in Scarborough and various entertainment and dining options.
Families adore it for its wide, soft sand beach and shallow shoreline, which is ideal for children to play in. South Bay is also south-facing and protected by the Castle Headland. Sea swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are popular water sports at South Bay Beach.
From May 1st to September 30th, dogs are not allowed on North Bay and South Bay Beaches due to seasonal dog bans. However, there are areas on these beaches that are designated as dog-friendly, even during summer. These areas are in tidal zones, which can only be accessed when the tide is out. During winter, there are no restrictions on dogs.
Click here for directions to Scarborough South Bay Beach
4. Robin Hood's Bay Beach
Sand and rock | Dog-friendly | No lifeguard | Cafes, shops nearby | Beach is a steep walk down from parking
When you arrive at Robin Hood's Bay, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the glistening golden sand stretching to Ravenscar. Locals refer to this beautiful location as “the Bay” This beach is great for fossil hunting and rock pooling.
No concrete evidence indicates that Robin Hood ever visited Robin Hood's Bay, and the origin of the name remains a mystery.
The beach at the Bay is dog-friendly, so don't forget to bring a ball for your furry friend to enjoy during low tide. You can take a brisk and rewarding stroll along the beach to Ravenscar.
Click here for directions to Robin Hood's Bay Beach.
Parking near the beach isn't possible as it can only be accessed through a steep walk down the town. You must park your vehicle in a car park above the village.
5. Runswick Bay Beach
Sand and rock | Dog-friendly | No lifeguard | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Located 9 miles north of Whitby, Runswick Bay is often considered one of the most picturesque beaches in Yorkshire. It was even voted the best beach in the UK in one recent poll.
Visitors need to head to the former fishing village of Runswick Bay, nestled under the cliffs at the beach's northern end, to reach the bay. While cars aren't permitted in the village, there's a pay-and-display car park at the end of the steep access road where you can park your vehicle.
The beach is primarily sandy, with some rocky and stony areas. It's an excellent spot to visit during the summer, particularly for families.
Water sports enthusiasts, including surfers and canoeists, find the bay an attractive destination when the conditions are right. During the off-season, visitors can still enjoy exploring the cliff-tops along the Cleveland Way walking trail or looking for fossils. Runswick Bay Beach is home to several wildlife species, and seals can be spotted.
Runswick Bay Beach is dog-friendly with no restrictions at any time of year.
Click here for directions to Runswick Bay Beach.
6. Cayton Bay Beach
Sandy beach | Dog-friendly | Lifeguarded beach | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Cayton Bay is a naturally beautiful sandy beach in Yorkshire that is located between Scarborough and Filey. This beach is perfect for families to play on and surfers to enjoy. The beach is backed by cliffs and surrounded by scenic countryside.
It offers a range of amenities, including a surf shop, cafes, and toilets. Unlike the busy beaches of Scarborough, Cayton Beach is a large sandy bay that feels very rural, with its lush woodland spilling onto the beach.
There is paid parking available, but please be aware that it’s at the top of a steep concrete path down to the beach. If you're hungry, you can head to Lucy’s Shack at the north end, which serves hot drinks in real mugs, bacon butties, and homemade cakes at a reasonable price.
The bay is a favourite among surfers and windsurfers. The Scarborough Surf School, one of the oldest surf schools in the UK, has been offering surfing lessons at Cayton since 1989. If you're interested in surfing, you can take classes and rent equipment from the school. This beach is lifeguarded so you can enjoy the waves with peace of mind.
Click here for directions to Cayton Bay Beach.
7. Filey Beach
Sandy beach | Dog-friendly ( Ban May to September) |Lifeguarded beach | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Filey Beach is a magnificent 5-mile stretch of sand from Filey Brigg in the north to Bempton Cliffs, home to an RSPB reserve. During low tide, a quarter-mile width of sand is exposed, revealing plenty of good rock pools that visitors can explore along this stretch.
The beach is dog friendly, but there are specific areas where dogs are allowed between May 1st and September 30th.
Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer. Generally, it is safe to swim at Filey Beach, especially when lifeguards are on duty, and the water conditions are calm. However, checking the local weather and tide conditions before swimming is always advisable. Follow any safety advice or warnings from lifeguards or beach officials.
There are various parking options available, though there is a charge for some, and they can get busy during peak times. There is also accessible parking. Availability, restrictions, and parking charges vary on location and time of day/year.
Click here for directions to Filey Beach.
8. Spurn Point
Sandy beach | Dog-friendly (certain areas) | No lifeguard | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Spurn Point is a unique peninsula that stretches between the North Sea and the Humber Estuary, featuring stunning sand and shingle beaches on both sides. It is a nature reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and an excellent location for birdwatching. There are four unique hides and a discovery centre offering insights into the protected landscape of Spurn Point.
The beaches here are perfect for taking a refreshing walk. We recommend walking the three-mile stretch to the end of the peninsula and climbing the 128 feet to the top of Spurn Lighthouse for panoramic coast views. Alternatively, you can opt for a Spurn Safari tour on a specially converted 4×4 truck across the diverse landscape.
Please note that Spurn Point is prone to being cut off from the mainland by the tide. It is crucial to check the safe times to access the beach before planning your trip.
Click here for directions to Spurn Point.
9. Staithes Beach
Sand and rock | Dog-friendly | No lifeguard | Cafes, shops and parking nearby
Staithes is one of the most photographed bays in the country. Although small, it's a lovely place to spend the day. Parking is in the village to access the beach.
If you're planning a trip to the seaside, don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the rock pools between Staithes and Port Mulgrave during low tide. These pools are full of marine life and fossils, providing an exciting treasure hunt for children and adults alike. Keep your eyes peeled for sunbathing seals along the shore!
Click here for directions to Staithes Beach.
10. Bridlington South Beach
Sand and rock | Dog-friendly (Ban May – September) | Lifeguarded beach | Cafes, shops, and parking nearby
One of the most popular beaches in Bridlington is the South Beach. It's a mile-long stretch of golden sand, beach huts, and the famous Princess Mary Promenade. Parking is available at Bridlington Park and Ride or Bridlington town or harbour car parks.
If you're in the mood for a leisurely walk. You can stroll along the promenade, where you'll find several cafes to stop for refreshments. Alternatively, you can ride on the Bridlington Land Train and soak up the stunning views. There are plenty of other attractions to explore in Bridlington, too. Such as Sewerby Hall – a cliff-top country house with award-winning gardens – and Bondville Model Village, which features a miniature harbour, abbey, castle, and train.
Click here for directions to Bridlington South Beach.
So, if you plan to visit this beautiful region of the UK, add one of these must-visit beaches in Yorkshire to your itinerary.
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