Watching the pennies this year but still craving adventure? You’re in the right place. Discover fantastic free coastal days out near Low Costa Mill, all within easy reach. This week we’re focusing on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. Pack a picnic, enjoy the outdoors, and explore local gems that won’t break the bank.
Please note: parking charges may apply at some locations.
Scarborough
The original seaside Spa town of Scarborough has plenty to offer for a day out. Scarborough is famous for its stunning beaches, perfect for a day building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. Scarborough has two very different beaches to explore.
North Bay is quieter, with golden sands, rugged cliffs, and rock pools. Look out for Freddie Gilroy on the seafront.
South Bay is livelier, with a busy harbour and promenade. It’s perfect for people-watching and coastal strolls.
Stroll along Marine Drive between the two bays. Enjoy sea views, benches, and photo opportunities along the way.
Scarborough Castle sits proudly on the headland between the bays. The climb offers breathtaking views across both bays and the town below.
Nearby Peasholm Park is a peaceful, oriental-themed park. Expect woodland paths, waterfalls, bridges, and seasonal planting. It’s ideal for a picnic or gentle walk, during the summer you may even spot a naval-warfare battle in the pond.
Whitby
Whitby is unique and beautiful, quirky and unlike anywhere else in Yorkshire. Stroll along the beach take a paddle in the sea, Sit on one of the the piers and watch the fishing boats.
Explore the narrow, cobbled streets then climb the famous 199 steps to Whitby Abbey and enjoy epic views over the harbour and town. The iconic Whalebone Arch is opposite on the West Cliff beside to Captain Cook’s statue. This 20-foot structure recognizes the town’s whaling history. The Arch frames a perfect view of the Abbey ruins.
Pannett Park has stunning views over the town. Visit the gardens and the play park. Stop by the RNLI Lifeboat Museum Whitby, once a working lifeboat station this is now a quaint museum exploring the history of lifeboats in Whitby.
Robin Hoods Bay
Visit the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. It is one of the coast’s most beautiful spots. The village has a history entwined with smugglers, walk through the maze of narrow, cobbled alleyways and it’s easy to see why.
The dog friendly beach stretches beneath dramatic cliffs and is perfect for a slow coastal walk. Rockpooling here is a simple pleasure that is hard to beat. Spot barnacles, limpets, anemones, and sea urchins. Don’t forget your net and bucket!
A steep hill leads from the car parks in the upper village down to the lower section of Robin Hood’s Bay, providing panoramic views of both the village and surrounding coast.
Top Tip …. going on the beach? Always check the tide times, so you don’t get cut off.
Seals spotting at Ravenscar
Ravenscar is one of the best places to spot seals on the North Yorkshire coast. Both grey and common seals can often be seen from the bottom of the cliff. Look out for seabirds such as puffins, gulls, gannets too.
Watching seals responsibly
It’s easy to become excited when you spot a seal but give them space. Please help protect these amazing animals. Here are two simple things you can do:
- Do not approach – very simply, if a seal is looking at you then it has been disturbed. Move further away from it and view using binoculars, a scope, or camera.
- Keep any dogs on a lead and under control – important for the seals, but also for your pets. Remember, seals are wild animals with very sharp teeth!
Walk a section of the Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way National Trail runs through the North York Moors following footpaths from the market town of Helmsley to the coast at Filey. Across heather moorland and along dramatic coastline, it’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the North Yorkshire Coast.
Try the circular route from Boggle Hole to Robin Hood’s Bay and back, around 2-miles of amazing coastal views. Setting off from the beach at Boggle Hole up to Robin Hoods Bay, and then returning following a section of the Cleveland Way National Trail along the coastal path.
The lovely beach is a popular place for fossil hunters so keep your eyes peeled as you make your way through the area. At low tide there are lots of rock pools to search through and it’s possible to find fossils in the rocks on the beach.
Always check the tide times before setting off, the beach section between Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole and is only safe and passable at low tide.
In case you are wondering, Boggle Hole got its name from local folklore about mischievous sea goblins, or “boggles”, that were believed to live in the sea caves near Robin Hood’s Bay. In years gone by, smugglers used these caves to conceal their contraband including rum and tobacco.
We hope these free coastal days out inspire a memorable day out. For more ideas, take a look around our website and explore our other blogs, packed with local tips, walks, and places to visit during your holiday.