Yorkshire, located in the North of England, is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country. From the rugged and windswept coastlines of the north to the golden sands of the south, Yorkshire has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or an adventure-packed getaway, Yorkshire’s beaches offer it all.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best beaches in Yorkshire, from hidden coves to bustling seaside towns, and help you plan your next coastal escape. So grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into the best Yorkshire beaches you have to visit

Be sure to check out our guide to the best circular walks in Whitby, too!

8 Best Yorkshire Beaches 2023

Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay is a Yorkshire beach located on the east coast of England in North Yorkshire. It is situated between the towns of Scarborough and Filey and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The beach at Cayton Bay is known for its wide expanse of sand and picturesque cliffs. It is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and walking. This beach in Yorkshire is also popular with fossil hunters, as it is home to a variety of fossils from the Jurassic period.

In addition to one of the best Yorkshire beaches, Cayton Bay also has a number of amenities including a cafe, a pub, a caravan park, and a surf school. There are also several walking trails in the surrounding area, including the Cleveland Way National Trail which passes through the bay. It also has a rich history and was once a popular location for smugglers to bring contraband ashore. There are also the remains of a Roman signal station nearby, which provides an insight into the area’s past.

Overall, Cayton Bay beach in Yorkshire is a beautiful and peaceful destination with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure-filled holiday, Cayton Bay is definitely worth a visit.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside town located on the North East coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. The town is situated at the foot of the Cleveland Hills, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Saltburn’s history dates back to the 19th century when it was developed as a resort town. It was a fashionable destination for Victorian holidaymakers and still retains much of its original charm today. The town’s Victorian architecture is well preserved, and visitors can take a stroll along the picturesque pier or ride the oldest water-balanced cliff lift in Britain.

One of the main attractions of Saltburn is its long sandy beach, which stretches for over a mile and is perfect for swimming, surfing, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide, making this Yorkshire beach an ideal spot for families with young children.

Aside from having one of the best beaches in Yorkshire, Saltburn also has a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore, including some excellent fish and chip shops. The town is also home to the Saltburn Miniature Railway, a charming narrow-gauge railway that takes visitors on a scenic trip along the clifftops.

Runswick Bay

Runswick Bay is a small fishing village and beach located on the North East coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. The bay is nestled between the picturesque villages of Staithes and Sandsend and is part of the North York Moors National Park. This Yorkshire beach is known for its stunning scenery, with a wide expanse of sand and picturesque cliffs. The beach is a popular spot for rock pooling, fossil hunting, and bird watching, with a variety of seabirds and wading birds frequenting the area. The village is also home to a small fishing fleet, and visitors can often watch the fishermen hauling in their catch of the day.

As well as having one of the best beaches in North Yorkshire, Runswick Bay is a great place to explore on foot, with several walking trails in the surrounding area. The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through the village, offering visitors the opportunity to take in the stunning coastal scenery. This quaint beach in Yorkshire is also home to a variety of amenities, including a pub, a cafe, and a village shop. The village has a rich history, and visitors can explore the ruins of the 12th-century St. Hilda’s Church, which sits on the clifftop overlooking the bay.

Overall, Runswick Bay is a beautiful and peaceful destination with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure-filled holiday exploring the North York Moors National Park, Runswick Bay is definitely worth a visit.

Sandsend

Sandsend is a charming village located on the North East coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. The village is situated just north of the popular seaside town of Whitby and is known for its long sandy beach and stunning coastal scenery. Sandsend beach in Yorkshire is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing, with plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. The beach also offers excellent views of the historic Whitby Abbey and the surrounding cliffs, making it a great spot for photographers and artists.

Not only does Sandsend have one of the best beaches in Yorkshire, but it is also a great place to explore on foot, with several walking trails in the surrounding area. The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through the village, offering visitors the opportunity to take in the stunning coastal scenery. Sandsend also has a range of amenities, including several cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The village is also home to a number of art galleries and craft shops, offering visitors the chance to purchase unique souvenirs of their trip.

Overall, Sandsend beach in Yorkshire is a lovely destination with plenty to see and do. Equipped with a beautiful sandy beach, lovely cafes and restaurants and independent shops, this is certainly one of the best Yorkshire beaches in 2023.

Thornwick Bay

Thornwick Bay is a beautiful and secluded bay located in the village of Flamborough on the East coast of England, in the county of East Yorkshire. It is situated just a few miles south of the popular seaside town of Bridlington and is part of the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast. The beach at Thornwick Bay is a mixture of sand and pebbles and is surrounded by towering cliffs, which offer spectacular views of the North Sea. The bay is also home to a range of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Aside from having one of the best Yorkshire beaches, Thornwick Bay is a great place to explore on foot, with several walking trails in the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline and take in the stunning views, or venture inland and discover the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. Thornwick Bay is also equipped with a range of amenities, including a cafe and a gift shop. The bay is also home to a caravan and camping site, making it a popular destination for families and those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Overall, Thornwick Bay is a stunning and peaceful destination that offers visitors the opportunity to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty of the East coast. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, and outdoor activities, or just want to relax and take in the stunning views, Thornwick Bay is definitely worth a visit.

Whitby

Whitby is a picturesque seaside town located on the North East coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. The town is situated at the mouth of the River Esk and is known for its historic abbey, quaint narrow streets, and delicious seafood. Whitby’s history dates back to the 7th century when it was founded as a monastic settlement by Saint Hilda. The town became an important port during the 18th and 19th centuries, and its whaling industry was one of the most significant in the country. Today, Whitby is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its stunning coastal scenery, fascinating history, and vibrant cultural scene.

One of the main attractions at this Yorkshire beach is the 13th-century Whitby Abbey, which sits atop the East Cliff overlooking the town and the sea. The ruins of the abbey are an impressive sight and have inspired many writers and artists over the years, including Bram Stoker, who wrote “Dracula” while staying in the town. This beach in North Yorkshire is also known for its excellent seafood, with a range of fish and chip shops and seafood restaurants to choose from. Visitors can sample fresh crab and lobster caught locally in the North Sea or enjoy a traditional fish and chips by the seafront.

Aside from its history and food, Whitby is also a great destination for outdoor activities, with plenty of walking trails, cycling routes, and water sports on offer. The town has a range of shops, cafes, and galleries to explore, and its narrow streets and quirky architecture make it a charming place to wander around.

Overall, Whitby is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Yorkshire. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or outdoor activities, Whitby has something to offer everyone.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming village located on the North East coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. It is situated just south of Whitby and is known for its historic fishing cottages, winding streets, and stunning coastal scenery. The village is steeped in history, with a network of narrow alleys and streets that date back to the 15th century. These cobbled streets are lined with picturesque cottages and houses, many of which were once used by smugglers who operated in the area.

One of the main attractions in Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the best beaches in Yorkshire which is a mix of sand and rocks and is popular with walkers, rock-poolers, and fossil hunters. Visitors can explore the rock pools at low tide, where they might find crabs, sea anemones, and other marine life. The beach also offers spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and the North Sea.

Aside from the stunning Yorkshire beach, Robin Hood’s Bay is a great place to explore on foot, with several walking trails in the surrounding area. The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through the village, offering visitors the opportunity to take in the stunning coastal scenery. This beach in Yorkshire also features has a range of amenities, including several cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The village is also home to a number of independent shops, selling everything from locally made crafts to antiques.

Overall, Robin Hood’s Bay is a unique and charming destination with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or just want to relax by the sea, Robin Hood’s Bay is definitely one of the best Yorkshire beaches in 2023.

Filey

Filey is a small town located on the North East coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. It is situated between the popular seaside resorts of Scarborough and Bridlington and is known for its beautiful beach, charming promenade, and relaxed atmosphere. Filey’s main attraction is its long, sandy beach, which stretches for miles and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The beach is backed by a promenade that offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can also explore the rock pools at low tide, where they might spot crabs, starfish, and other marine life.

As well as having one of the best Yorkshire beaches, Filey is a great place to explore on foot, with several walking trails in the surrounding area. The town is also home to a number of attractions, including the Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park, which is home to a variety of exotic animals and birds, and the Filey Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history. Filey also has a range of amenities, including several cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The town is also home to a number of independent shops, selling everything from locally made crafts to vintage clothing.

Overall, Filey has so much to offer anyone looking for a fun-filled Yorkshire beach day. Whether you’re looking to explore the shops, eat great seaside scran, or wonder along the sand, this beach in Yorkshire has it all.

Yorkshire boasts some of the most stunning beaches in England, each with their own unique charm and character. From the bustling seaside town of Whitby, with its historic abbey and delicious seafood, to the quaint and peaceful village of Robin Hood’s Bay, with its winding streets and stunning coastal scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or just want to relax by the sea, Yorkshire’s beaches have plenty to offer. So, if you’re planning a trip to Yorkshire, make sure to visit one or all of these beautiful beaches and experience the best of what this stunning region has to offer.

Now you’ve discovered the best Yorkshire beaches in 2023, be sure to check out our guide to the best Yorkshire spas, too!