Stroll along the clifftops and picnic in sandy bays; we've planned the ultimate Yorkshire Coast road trip to add to your bucket list.
Yorkshire is a dream to explore by campervan, caravan, or car. We have thoroughly researched this stretch of England and feel well-equipped to provide you with the ultimate Yorkshire Coast road trip planner. Fossil hunt, discover hidden coves, and try the best fish and chips in all the land.
Ultimate Yorkshire coast road trip planner
You can start your journey south in Bridlington or head north from Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Here’s your step-by-step road trip planner to explore all the must-see spots along the route.
Whitby Mini Guide
We have created a FREE mini-guide with all the essential information about Whitby, now available for instant download.
Route overview:
Start: Bridlington or Saltburn-by-the-Sea
End: Saltburn-by-the-Sea or Bridlington
Total driving time (without stops): 3.5 hours
Suggested trip length: 3 to 5 days (more if you want to hike or stay in each town!)
Bridlington, a traditional seaside start
Perfect for classic seaside fun with a ton of heritage and family-friendly attractions.
Bridlington is a vibrant seaside town and civil parish on the East Coast of England, situated in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and makes an excellent starting point for your road trip if you're heading north.
It boasts two award-winning beaches: the beautiful South Beach, featuring a wide promenade, and the pebbly North Beach, ideal for rock pooling.
Things to do in Bridlington:
- Explore Bridlington's Old Town: The medieval Old Town is a lovely area, perfect for a leisurely visit, with its antique shops, galleries, and tearooms.
- Visit Sewerby Hall and Gardens: A stately home with cliff-top views, woodland walks, and a small zoo.
- Take a boat trip: There are puffin-spotting or sea fishing excursions from the harbour.
Flamborough, clifftops and seabirds
Ideal for walkers, birdwatchers, and lovers of rugged coastal landscapes.
Just a short drive north of Bridlington (14 minutes), Flamborough is one of the Yorkshire Coast's most dramatic stops. Famous for its white chalk cliffs and rugged headlands, it is an area teaming with wildlife. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the raw, untamed beauty of the coast.
Things to do in Flamborough:
- Admire Flamborough Head: Towering white chalk cliffs and panoramic sea views.
- Enjoy lighthouse walks: Take coastal trails around the old and new lighthouses.
- Visit Thornwick Bay and North Landing: Secluded coves with sea caves to explore at low tide.
- Visit Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve: A short drive away, offering some of the best seabird watching in the UK, including puffins (May–July).
Filey, miles of golden sand
Perfect for those who love a relaxed pace, calm before nearby Scarborough!
A further 15 minutes from Flamborough is Filey, formerly a fishing village; Filey is now best known for its stunning sandy beach. This is the centrepiece of the town. Filey Brigg, to the north of the beach, is perfect for walks and birdwatching, while the town centre has plenty of things to see and do as well.
Things to do in Filey:
- Spend some time at Filey Beach: Five miles of golden sand with a flat promenade, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
- Visit Filey Brigg: A rocky peninsula great for fossil hunting and nature walks.
- Admire Crescent Gardens: Victorian gardens with cliff-top sea views.
- Visit Glen Gardens: A family-friendly park with mini golf and boating lakes.
Cayton Bay, a surfer's paradise!
Off the beaten path and perfect for those seeking peaceful beach walks or surfing breaks.
Nestled between Scarborough and Filey, Cayton Bay is a hidden gem of the Yorkshire Coast. With its wide, sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and surrounding countryside, Cayton Bay delivers a sense of untouched coastal beauty that feels worlds away from the busier resorts nearby.
While paid parking is available, please note that it's located at the top of a steep, concrete path leading down to the beach.
Things to do in Cayton Bay:
- Surfing and paddleboarding: Popular with surfers; hire gear or take lessons from local surf schools.
- View the dramatic cliffs and wildflowers: Unspoiled and windswept, great for photography.
- See the WWII Pillboxes: Explore remnants of wartime history tucked along the cliffs.
- Eat at Lucy's Beach Shack: If you're looking for a bite to eat, Lucy's Beach Shack at the northern end of the beach offers delicious hot drinks served in real mugs, bacon sandwiches, and homemade cakes. All at affordable prices.
Scarborough, lively seaside fun!
Great for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a blend of entertainment and heritage.
Only 13 minutes from Cayton Bay is the seaside classic, Scarborough! Today, Scarborough is the largest holiday resort on the entire Yorkshire Coast. It is also known as one of the North East Coast's most vibrant and diverse seaside towns. There are loads of activities to cater to all age groups and tastes. Scarborough is approximately a 36-minute drive from Whitby along the coast.
Things to do in Scarborough:
- Visit Scarborough Castle: A 12th-century clifftop fortress with sweeping views of the bay.
- South Bay vs. North Bay: The South is more lively, featuring arcades, shops, and restaurants.
- Visit Sea Life Scarborough: Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary is a unique indoor and outdoor attraction ideal for a family day out.
- Explore Peasholm Park: A Japanese-themed park with boating lakes and summer naval battles!
Hayburn Wyke, find the woodland waterfall
A hidden gem perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.
Hayburn Wyke beach is located between the villages of Cloughton and Scalby. It is a secluded bay that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the crowds. There are stunning views of the rugged coastline and clear blue waters.
Visitors must take a short, steep path from the cliff top to reach the beach, but the breathtaking views are well worth the effort. The beach can be accessed via the Cleveland Way coastal path and the Cinder Track, a disused railway track that runs between Scarborough and Whitby.
Things to do in Hayburn Wyke:
- Admire Hayburn Wyke Waterfalls: The Hayburn Wyke waterfalls are a stunning natural feature. They can be accessed by following the coast path through the woods, which leads visitors to the waterfalls.
- Take the Cleveland Way walk: Scenic coastal paths with woodland sections and sea views.
- Visit the Hayburn Wyke Inn: A cosy country pub nearby for a post-walk pint or meal.
Ravenscar, industrial history and seal spotting
Ideal for walkers, wildlife watchers, and those interested in industrial history.
Perched high on the cliffs between Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar is one of the most intriguing and scenic stops on the Yorkshire Coast. Known as “the town that never was,” it offers unmatched panoramic views.
Despite plans in the early 20th century to transform it into a grand Victorian resort, development stalled, leaving behind only traces of streets that were never fully built. Today, Ravenscar is a peaceful and unspoiled haven with a thriving seal colony.
Come for the seal watching, stay for the views and history, and leave feeling like you've discovered something few others have.
Things to do in Ravenscar:
- View seals at Ravenscar: Visit during low tide and walk down the path to see a colony of seals lounging on the rocks.
- Learn about the Alum Works: Remains of a once-thriving alum industry with interpretive signs and eerie ruins.
- Explore the Cleveland Way: This stretch offers some of the most dramatic cliff-top walking on the route.
Boggle Hole, will you meet the friendly Boggle?
Magical, mysterious, and great for families or anyone with a sense of adventure.
Named after the mythical “boggles” (goblin-like creatures from Yorkshire folklore) said to haunt the caves, Boggle Hole feels like something out of a storybook. It’s hidden down a steep, wooded valley, where a babbling stream winds its way to the sea and opens up to a secluded sandy cove, framed by rugged cliffs and rock pools.
Boggle Hole is a geological treat. The cliffs are part of the Jurassic coastline, rich with ammonites, belemnites, and fossilised plants. At low tide, the beach reveals rock pools teeming with marine life, and keen eyes can often spot fossils embedded in the stone.
Things to do in Boggle Hole:
- Stay at YHA Boggle Hole: A quirky café and hostel tucked into the cliff.
- Try a little fossil hunting: At low tide, the rocks here are a fossil hunter's dream.
- Enjoy beach walks: Especially scenic when walked from Robin Hood's Bay at low tide.
Robin Hood’s Bay, cobbled streets, and smuggling tales
One of the most magical spots on the coast.
A quick 12 minutes from Boggle Hole, few places along the Yorkshire Coast capture the imagination quite like Robin Hood’s Bay. With its steep, cobbled streets, historic cottages, and wide tidal bay, this former smuggling village is equal parts atmospheric and breathtaking. Tucked between towering cliffs and the North Sea, it feels frozen in time yet full of life, stories, and hidden gems.
Things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay:
- Explore and photograph: Lose yourself in winding alleys filled with independent shops and cottages.
- Visit the Robin Hood's Bay Museum: Learn about the town’s smuggling history and maritime heritage.
- Stop for some food: Cosy pubs, seafood cafés, and cream teas with a sea view.
- Try beachcombing and fossil hunting: The tidal beach is rich in marine life and fossils.
Saltwick Bay, Rugged, wild, and fossil-rich
Great for early-morning explorers, photographers, and fossil enthusiasts.
At first glance, Saltwick Bay may seem like simply a beautifully sculpted bay with stunning sea views. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Saltwick Bay is rich in history and boasts remarkable geological features, making it a destination that must be experienced firsthand.
Things to do at Saltwick Bay:
- See Black Nab Rock: A haunting rock formation visible at low tide.
- Visit the wreck of the Admiral Von Tromp: The sinking of this ship has proved to be a bit of a mystery, and the sea itself may not have been responsible for it.
- Hunt for fossils: Ammonites, belemnites, and even dinosaur footprints have been found here.
- Enjoy this Jurassic spot: Lesser-known and far quieter than Whitby’s main beaches.
Saltwick Bay is only a 6-minute drive from Whitby.
Whitby, gothic, historic, and a must-see if you haven't already!
A trip highlight, perfect for history enthusiasts and food lovers.
Whitby is one of the most captivating destinations on the Yorkshire Coast. It’s a town that offers something for everyone. Whether you're here for the history, seafood, sandy strolls, or spooky stories, Whitby delivers every time.
This picture-perfect coastal town has a rich maritime past, stunning scenery, and a distinct character all of its own. From wandering cobbled streets lined with quirky shops to climbing the famous 199 steps for a clifftop view of the abbey, Whitby is a must-visit stop on any Yorkshire coast road trip.
Things to do in Whitby:
- Walk around the ruins of Whitby Abbey: Dramatic ruins that may have even inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Climb the 199 Steps: Climb them for views over the rooftops and harbour.
- Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum: Discover Whitby’s maritime past.
- Try the best fish and chips in all the land: Try the famous Magpie Café or one of the many harbour front spots.
- Visit Whitby Museum and Pannett Park: A peaceful park and a museum full of fossils, curiosities, and Whitby history.
- Admire Whitby Jet jewellery: Explore shops selling handcrafted jewellery made from local jet stone.
Tips for visiting Whitby:
- Parking can be tight, especially in summer. Use the Park and Ride facility located just outside town if you're visiting during peak season.
- The town is walkable, but be ready for hills, steps, and cobbles. Comfy shoes are a must.
- Whitby is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.
Sandsend, walk along the beach from Whitby
Perfect for a calm walk or romantic stop just outside Whitby.
Just a short drive (or a stunning beach walk) north of Whitby lies the peaceful village of Sandsend, one of the Yorkshire Coast’s most refined and relaxing spots. While it may not have the buzz of its famous neighbour, Sandsend charms with understated beauty, sweeping beaches, and a quiet sophistication that makes it ideal for couples, families, and anyone craving calm.
Things to do in Sandsend:
- Wander along the long bandy beach: Great for walking, paddling, or just soaking in the view.
- Stop for food: Try the Sandside Café or Estbek House for more gourmet seaside dining.
- More walking! Enjoy a scenic cliff-top walk or beach stroll that leads back to Whitby. (As always, check the tide times.)
Runswick Bay, a lovely spot for a swim
A peaceful, postcard-perfect village ideal for relaxation.
Runswick Bay is situated approximately 18 minutes from Whitby. The sandy beach, which once provided anchorage for brightly coloured fishing boats, is now a family favourite for rock pooling, fossil hunting, and coastal walks, where you can admire the breathtaking sea views.
Things to do in Runswick Bay:
- Visit the beach and go for a swim: This little sandy beach is a lovely place to spend a few quiet hours. It has plenty of room for children to play and for your dog to have a good, long run. Although there is no lifeguard on duty, the beach is considered a safe swimming spot.
- Visit the cafe and enjoy a coastal walk: Enjoy tea with a view or continue along the Cleveland Way.
Staithes, art and heritage
A creative area full of coastal character.
Once one of the busiest fishing ports on the North East coast, Staithes boasts a long, proud history as the one-time home of famous Royal Navy captain and explorer, Captain James Cook. Staithes is approximately a 22-minute drive from Whitby along the coast.
There is plenty to do in Staithes, suitable for both young and old. Fans of art and history will love strolling through the pretty town’s narrow cobbled streets and paying a visit to the elegant Staithes Art Gallery.
Things to do in Staithes:
- Learn about Captain Cook Connections: Visit the Staithes Museum to learn about his early life here.
- Visit the art galleries and studios: Popular with artists, home to the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage.
And finally, Saltburn-by-the-Sea! Victorian elegance to end the trip
A stylish and spirited end (or beginning) to your coastal journey.
Steeped in history, this seaside town is located south of Hartlepool and bordered by the impressive Hunt Cliff. While it is a popular relaxing hub that attracts many families, Saltburn-by-the-Sea has been gaining popularity among surfers.
The town is regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the UK, hosting several national events each year. And even if you are not a water sports addict, you can still appreciate its long beach, its restored Victorian treasures, its lush gardens and its dynamic food scene.
Things to do in Saltburn-by-the-Sea:
- Visit the Saltburn Pier: The last remaining pier on the Yorkshire coast.
- Ride the cliff lift: A working Victorian funicular railway with panoramic views.
- Ride the surf culture waves: Home to a lively surf scene and lessons for beginners.
- Visit the Valley Gardens: A lovely wooded valley with Italian gardens and a miniature railway.
Make the most of your Yorkshire road trip!
Make the most of your journey by planning your route, checking tide times for beach walks and fossil hunting, and packing clothing for all weather conditions. Yorkshire weather can be changeable. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring cobbled streets and cliff-top paths, and don’t miss out on lesser-known gems like Boggle Hole or Hayburn Wyke.
We also want to emphasise the importance of taking advantage of the numerous local campsites along the route. These campsites provide a fantastic base to soak up the natural beauty, enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars, and wake up to the sound of the sea. Whether you’re camping, caravanning, or in a campervan, you’ll find excellent facilities and a warm Yorkshire welcome.
We hope you have a fantastic road trip!
Related Posts