12 Best Yorkshire Seaside Towns to Visit in 2023

Want to make the most of summer by visiting the best Yorkshire seaside towns? Even when the sun isn’t shining, these historical and beautiful Yorkshire coastal towns are well worth a visit. 

Yorkshire conjures up images of outstanding natural scenery, ranging from the expanses of the North York Moors to the valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. But besides national parks found inland, Yorkshire’s beauty extends all the way to the coast, as you’ll see when you visit the county’s prettiest seaside towns. 

There are popular coastal towns like Scarborough and Bridlington that offer donkey rides, arcade games and all the other leisure activities you’d expect from a Yorkshire seaside resort. There are also historic destinations like Whitby, where you’ll find the ruins of a medieval abbey overlooking the bay. 

If you prefer quieter sandy strips, you’ll love Yorkshire seaside towns like Staithes and Sandburn. To put it simply – one of the best seaside towns in Yorkshire has everything you could possibly want from a trip to the coast. 

So, to give you a bit of travel planning inspiration, here are a few of our favourite Yorkshire seaside towns to visit in 2023. 

Best Yorkshire Seaside Towns 

Fish and chips, beaches, historical architecture and amazing views are all selling points of Yorkshire’s best seaside towns. 

1. Scarborough 

Home to the popular sandy beaches of South Bay and the quieter North Bay, Scarborough has been one of the classic North Yorkshire seaside towns since its rise to prominence during the Victorian era. And while Scarborough may have retained its historic charm, it’s also bursting with modern leisure facilities. 

For a look into Scarborough’s past, explore the hilltop ruins of Scarborough Castle, one of England’s most fascinating castles. You might also want to admire 19^th-century buildings such as the Rotunda Museum and the Scarborough Spa.  

Attractions in Scarborough that are perfect for families include the Alpamare Water Park, the oriental-themed Peasholm Park and a miniature railway. There’s also a host of arcades, fair rides, fish and chip shops, gift shops, and everything else you’d expect to find at a quintessentially British coastal town. 

If you’re staying in Scarborough for a few nights, you might want to find out about the best days out in North Yorkshire. Amazing places ranging from cities like York to national parks like the North York Moors are within easy reach. 

2. Whitby 

Many visitors flock to the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby (one of England’s most interesting towns) to top up their tan on its beautiful beach, but an array of historical landmarks make Whitby as appealing to history buffs as sunseekers. 

The town is overlooked by the clifftop ruins of the impressive Whitby Abbey, which dates back to the 7^th century and inspired Bram Stroker’s 1992 ’Dracula’ film. We highly recommend climbing the 199 steps that lead to the abbey – you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Whitby Harbour. 

Within the town of Whitby itself, you’ll find classic arcades, ice-cream parlours, rock and candy stores, and independent shops along the promenade and lining the town’s historic cobbled streets. Oh, and on top of everything, Whitby is – of course – home to one of Yorkshire’s best beaches. 

3. Filey 

Even though Filey is a popular North Yorkshire seaside town, it’s five-mile sandy stretch always has plenty of space for families to relax, even during summer. 

Just behind the beach is a row of Edwardian buildings, plus a collection of stunning Victorian gardens. Perfect for families, Glen Gardens features areas for ball games and a play area for the kids. At Crescent Gardens, you can relax among fragrant flower beds and listen to live brass bands during summer. 

At Filey Brigg, you can search for sea creatures and fossils in rock pools along the dramatic peninsula. You can encounter animals such as Shetland ponies at the award-winning Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park. If you love animals, check out England’s best zoos. 

Adding to Filey’s appeal for nature lovers are scenic walks such as Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds National Trail, which are just two of our favourite National Trails in England. 

4. Bridlington 

Bridlington is perhaps most famous for its two beaches that sit on either side of the bustling harbour. But besides sea and sand, the elegant Princess Mary Promenade, charming old town area and delicious food scene all make Bridlington one of the best Yorkshire seaside towns. 

The mile-long South Beach is the most popular sandy strip in this coastal town in East Yorkshire. Lined by colourful beach huts and the historic promenade, South Beach is up there with the best quintessentially British beaches. Lay down a towel on North Beach for a little more peace and quiet. 

Within the town of Bridlington, you’ll find antique shops, a variety of restaurants (including fish and chips) and an abundance of period buildings. Pay Bridlington a visit, and you’ll understand why it’s one of the best days out in East Yorkshire. 

5. Robin Hood’s Bay 

While technically a village, Robin Hood’s Bay simply needs a mention on our list of best Yorkshire seaside towns.  

The picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay boasts an idyllic beach in a remote setting (its name is derived from its past as a smuggler’s den). The town is decorated with cobbled streets and quaint, red-roofed buildings that seem to climb the cliffs. There are also plenty of local shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. 

On top of everything, Robin Hood’s Bay lies on the coast at the edge of the North York Moors, which is one of England’s most stunning National Parks to explore. 

6. Staithes 

Staithes is one of the prettiest Yorkshire seaside towns and harbours, framed by its colourful fisherman’s cottages lining the winding cobbled streets towards the beach.  

Thanks to its postcard-perfect looks, Staithes is a popular destination with photographers and artists. For families, there’s a sheltered and secluded beach with rock pools filled with aquatic life waiting to be discovered.  

You can take in the best views of Staithes by climbing to the cliffs that overlook the town. Staithes is also a popular destination along the Cleveland Way trail. If you’re an avid hiker, you might be interested in learning about some of England’s most scenic National Trails. 

7. Saltburn 

Saltburn is another Yorkshire seaside town along the Cleveland Way. This coastal destination is famous for its food, water sports and variety of outdoor attractions for visitors of all ages. 

Besides the Cliff Tramway that ascends to the summit of the cliffs that overlook the beach, Saltburn’s highlights include the Saltburn Valley Gardens, the Saltburn Miniature Railway and the Saltburn Pier.  

As a Yorkshire foodie hotspot, Saltburn boasts a variety of renowned seafood restaurants, including The Seaview Restaurant, which featured on BBC’s TV show ‘Remarkable Places to Eat’. 

8. Hornsea 

Hornsea is another charming coastal destination that deserves a place on our list of best Yorkshire seaside towns due to attractions such as an impressive promenade and a wide sandy beach. 

But besides the attractions you’d expect from a seaside resort in Yorkshire, Hornsea is home to the pristine Memorial Gardens, the tranquil Hall Garth Park and the Hornsea Museum, where you can learn about the history of the town in an 18^th-century farmhouse.  

One of the most popular placces to visit in Hornsea is the Bugtopia Hornsea Zoo, where you can immerse yourself in a tropical rainforest experience. Read about England’s best zoos if you like to fill your days out with animal encounters! 

9. Redcar 

Redcar needs a mention on our list of best Yorkshire seaside towns at least partly due to a regional investment worth £4.5 billion. This modernisation effort could soon see Redcar compete with famous Yorkshire coastal towns like Whitby for tourists. 

Highlights of Redcar include its long sandy beach, the 19^th-century South Gare Lighthouse and the nearby Kirkleatham Museum. We also recommend visiting the Kirkleatham Walled Gardens, which recently reopened after being closed for three decades (read more about England’s biggest and best gardens if you like manicured greenspaces). 

10. Flamborough 

Situated on a headland between Bridlington and Filey, Flamborough is a historic Yorkshire seaside village known for its white chalk cliffs and two lighthouses, one that dates to the 17^th century and another that dates to the 19^th century.  

Not far from Flamborough are the RSPB Bempton Cliffs, which up to 500,000 seabirds that include guillemots and puffins call home. For more wildlife watching, you can try your luck at spotting seals near the Flamborough Head Lighthouse. 

If you’re travelling with pets, you’ll be glad to know that many of Flamborough’s beaches, including South Landing and North Landing, are dog-friendly. South Landing is also a part of the Danes Dyke Nature Reserve. 

11. Sewerby 

The Yorkshire seaside village of Sewerby is right on the doorstep of the more popular destination of Bridlington. And, unlike Bridglington, Sewerby’s coastline is rocky rather than sandy. But this tiny village is home to one of our favourite attractions in East Yorkshire. 

Situated within 50 acres of beautifully landscapes gardens, Sewerby Hall is a Grade I listed Georgian country house dating back over 300 years. Besides being among England’s most impressive stately homes, Sewerby Hall is home to a small zoo and an aviary, plus activities ranging from mini golf to cricket. 

12. Sandsend  

Sandsend is one of the best Yorkshire seaside towns for those who would rather avoid the bustle of neighbouring Whitby. 

This quiet little fishing village is popular with cyclists and walkers following the Cleveland Way. It’s also renowned for its award-winning restaurants, which range from traditional fish and chip shops to find diners.  

Sandsend’s golden beach is backdropped by many homes valued at over £1 million on the hill, making this village one of the most expensive along the coast of Yorkshire (and very easy on the eye).  

While golden beaches are great, you might prefer to read about some of England’s best white sand beaches. 

What are your favourite Yorkshire seaside towns? 

We hope the Yorkshire seaside towns detailed above give you a little inspiration when planning your next getaway to God’s Own Country. Whether you’re looking for a serene sandy strip, historical landmarks or fine dining, one of the best towns on the Yorkshire coast is perfect for you. 

Are there any Yorkshire seaside towns that deserve a mention on this list? Let us know in the comments below. 

Quick list of best Yorkshire seaside towns 

1. Scarborough 
2. Whitby 
3. Filey 
4. Bridlington 
5. Robin Hood’s Bay 
6. Staithes 
7. Saltburn 
8. Hornsea 
9. Redcar 
10. Flamborough 
11. Sewerby 
12. Sandsend  

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