Boggle Hole is surrounded by myths and legends, it’s also a fantastic place for a day out with the family or time exploring the coast. Here’s how you can visit Boggle Hole and things to do there.
Just a mile south of Robin Hood’s Bay is Boggle Hole. Boggle Hole is a small cove. It has been worn away by the harsh North Sea over the years. You can reach Boggle Hole via the Cleveland Way footpath, this clifftop path boasts the most stunning views of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Some people believed that boggles, also known as hobgoblins were small mischievous types of goblins that lived in caves along the North Yorkshire Coastline and on remote areas in the moorland. It was said that these boggles had magical healing powers. Often mothers would bring their sick children down to the hob holes hoping that the boggles would cure them of their ailments.
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People also used the caves along the coastline to hide their smuggled contraband such as rum and tobacco. Today, you’ll probably just find fossil hunters and people exploring the cave.
It is a fascinating place to explore and has a rocky foreshore where many fossils can be found such as belemnites and ammonites. The beach here is dog friendly.
Boggle Hole to Robin Hood’s Bay Loop Walk
Easy family circular walk | 2 miles | Takes 1 hour
This easy, family-friendly walk is a really lovely way to entertain kids and enjoy the scenery between Boggle Hole and Robin Hood’s Bay. This route follows a section of the Cleveland Way and boasts views of the North Yorkshire coast from its path.
The walk begins at Boggle Hole car park. First, follow the path down to the Youth Hostel and begin to follow the Cleveland Way North (it is clearly signposted. Head up the steps and through the woodland area until you emerge onto the clifftop. You’re at your first “wow look at that view” moment!
The path will then take you through fields of cows, horses and coastal birds. Take caution here and keep dogs on leads for their safety and so that they don’t spook any wildlife. It won’t be long until you reach the pretty village of Robin Hood’s Bay. We highly recommend stopping for fish and chips or ice cream!
At low tide, you can get back to Boggle Hole via the beach. Make sure to always check the tide times carefully as you can get very easily cut off here. It’s a lovely section of the coast with stunning views of the bay and surrounding cliffs. Just head back along the clifftop way if the tide is in.
The walk itself will take around an hour there and back if you have children with you. We love to make a day of it though and spend some time exploring and enjoying Robin Hood’s Bay.
Boggle Hole YHA Youth Hostel
Boggle Hole Youth Hostel has been fully refurbished and is getting brilliant reviews! It is the perfect place to stay with family if you want to explore the surrounding area or just spend time together on the beach (right in front of you!)
It’s near to Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, tucked away in an old smuggler’s cove this lovely Old Mill will totally exceed your expectations. It features treasure trails, stunning sea views and wooded grounds for the kids to explore.
The Quarterdeck café here serves tasty food at a very reasonable price. At colder times of the year, there is a wood-burning stove to warm up around. Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen here too if you prefer to prepare your own food.
There is free Wifi and parking is just 500m away, it is a walk down to the sea and the hostel. (Make sure to bring a torch with you.) Read our full review of our night at YHA Boggle Hole here.
Let us know in the comments if you have ever visited Boggle Hole, stayed at Boggle Hole YHA or tried and tested the Boggle Hole to Robin Hood’s Bay Walk. We love to hear your thoughts!
