The Coast
Cliffs, Beaches, Maritime and more
Explore Yorkshire’s captivating coastline, where rugged cliffs meet serene beaches.
The Coast to the Northeast of Pickering is known as The Heritage Coast and is an extremely beautiful and rugged stretch of nature within half an hour’s drive of Hungate Cottages.
Discover quaint fishing villages, historic landmarks, and exhilarating outdoor adventures along this scenic stretch of England’s shores.
Whitby
Traditional maritime town
This traditional maritime town, with cobbled streets and a blue flag beach, is famous for it’s connection with Captain James Cook who learned his seafaring skills here and used Whitby-built ships on his global voyages of exploration.
Visit the Captain Cook Museum to learn more, or wander through the charming narrow streets of Old Town, filled with shops selling Whitby Jet, and countless cafes and restaurants.
From here climb the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey which perches majestically above the cliffs and the Church of St Mary, where it is claimed that the churchyard was an inspiration in Brahm Stoker’s writing of his novel Dracula.
Robin Hood’s Bay
This picturesque village was at one time a busier fishing harbour than neighbouring Whitby to the north. A warren of steep narrow alleys and cobbled streets to explore, lined with shops and eateries and a mix of old houses in various architectural styles. The town’s fortunes relied upon fishing and smuggling after the dissolution of Whitby Abbey in the mid 1500’s.
A small local museum tells about this colourful history and the Old Coast Guard Station gives a fascinating explanation of the natural environment.
Low tide in the bay provides excellent rock pooling opportunities along the coast below the village.
Scarborough
This bustling town was Britain’s first seaside resort and first became popular following a book written by Dr Wittie in1660 about the healing properties of the spa waters.
Most famous for it’s golden beaches – South Bay being more lively with a bustling beach and amusement arcades, and quieter North Bay perfect for rock pooling and relaxing.
There is plenty more for families to enjoy including the fabulous Peaseholm Park, and the North Bay Railway which is Britain’s biggest miniature steam railway
Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve & Flamborough Head
Bempton Cliffs is run by the RSPB as a nature reserve and is home to one of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles. Between March and October half a million seabirds flock here to raise a family on the cliffs.
Puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes crowd onto ledges and are viewable from 5 platforms along a clifftop path. The chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head is a short drive on from Bempton, with more stunning clifftop views over the North Sea, and the opportunity to catch sight of nesting sea birds between March and October or seals lazing on the beach. Walk down a steep path to the rocky beach, stop by the visitor centre in the lighthouse or enjoy a bite and ice cream treat at the clifftop cafe.
Filey
The expansive golden sands at Filey are known as one of Yorkshire’s finest beaches, framed by beautiful Victorian gardens, and the elegant Edwardian architecture of the town behind. Enjoy a picnic in the gardens or rock pooling in the section of the beach near Filey Brigg.
Saltburn by the Sea
A charming Victorian seaside town with the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, a blue flag beach and a water powered inclined cliff lift.
Cayton Bay
Just south of Scarborough. A magnificent wide sweeping bay, a hidden gem of a beach which is generally very quiet and has a wild feel about it. A favourite with surfers.