Of the many reasons that make Beverley such a great place to live, easy access to the east coast of England is a major selling point. It’s only a short drive to the bustling seaside town of Bridlington, with other nearby options including Skipsea and Mappleton.
For people who don’t mind travelling, Beverley is also the gateway to several wonderful beaches in East and North Yorkshire. If you’re looking for a new place to explore on a day out or a weekend away, you may want to check out some of the excellent options in this list.
Hunmanby Gap
Thanks to its expansive coastline, the UK is home to some absolutely stunning beaches. However, sometimes the gems of the north are overlooked for the warmer offerings in the south such as Woolacombe Beach in Devon. That stunning patch of sand is number one in the list of the UK’s best beaches thanks to the great variety of activities it offers. It’s joined by numerous other options from the south, but one Yorkshire option managed to make the list.
Hunmanby Gap in North Yorkshire was included thanks to its high cliffs and golden sand. One of the most popular things about this beach is its peacefulness, away from the usually crowded tourist spots. It’s a particular favourite among dog lovers as well, thanks to its pet-friendly policy. That’s good news, seeing as a lot of beaches in the region have banned canines recently.
Filey
Filey is one of the best spots on the east coast to get a traditional British seaside experience. The highlight is the five-mile stretch of sandy beach, offering plenty of options for activities from bird watching to beach games. The town has a rich history of fishing and is home to plenty of incredible fisheries. The Lifeboat Fish Bar, for instance, has been described as the best of its kind in the country.
One thing that everyone would agree about Filey is that it’s not just about the beach. The town is also the gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes on the Yorkshire coast. It’s an ideal spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, busting with nature all around. You can even sea seals at Filey Brigg if you’re lucky, with dolphins and whales also sighted at certain times of the year.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is regarded by many as the most picturesque spot in North Yorkshire. Walking down the steep cobbled road past the quaint chocolate shops, unique pubs, and fish and chip shops to the stunning beach below is something that everyone should experience at least once. The Bay Hotel is a great spot to enjoy a drink and watch the tide come in at a highly impressive speed.
We advise checking the time of the tide here, as you could end up getting cut off from the road if you’re out strolling too late. There are other options to get back up the hill, but they are slightly less accessible – you don’t want to be trekking up a muddy track getting stung by nettles if you can avoid it. A visit to Robin Hood’s Bay will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time, with its quaint surroundings and range of family-run shops.
Sandsend Beach
Whitby is one of the biggest tourist attractions along the coast of North Yorkshire, but Sandsend may be the better option if you fancy somewhere slightly more peaceful. It’s known for having some of the clearest waters in the UK, making it a great spot for swimming in the summer months – if you’re brave enough to venture into the North Sea, that is. The beach is always perfectly clean and is a favourite among dog lovers and fossil hunters.
Along with the sandy shore, there are many other things to do in Sandsend. One of the highlights is Mulgrave Castle, which caps off a walk through the local woods nicely. However, visitors should bear in mind that dogs should be kept on leads on the woodland trail. There’s also St. Mary’s Church, which is another fascinating building with a rich history.
If you’re in search of different beaches to visit, these jewels of the Yorkshire coast should be high on your list. Don’t forget, it’s cheap as chips to get around at the moment, so you should take advantage of that. It’s high time – or high tide even – that the beaches of Yorkshire gained greater national recognition.
