The closest stretch of coast to get to by car from York is Scarborough or Cayton Bay, but often by going a little further afield you will discover the larger stretches of open sand like at Fraisthorpe and Filey.
If you are travelling by train to the North Yorkshire Coast, then there is an hourly train service from York to Scarborough which takes around 50 minutes. Or you can travel by bus – the Coastliner bus leaves approximately every hour from Stonebow and takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get to Scarborough.
We’ve included all sorts of family-friendly useful information in our Beach Fact Files, such as where the nearest public toilets are, car parking and dining options. We really hope you enjoy a family day trip to the North Yorkshire seaside – the hardest bit will be deciding where to go! Ok, maybe the hardest bit is getting rid of all that sand when you get home, but it will be worth it.
Remember if you’re visiting any of these places and want the local insider information then be sure to take a look at Scarborough & Whitby Mumbler too.
📌 Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set off by visiting the Met Office here.
📌 Familiarise yourself with the RNLI safety advice before you head out.
📌 Respect, protect and enjoy the resort – leave only footprints behind! 💜
📌 Check the Sewage Map before you set off to make sure it is safe to swim by visiting the Sewage Map from The Rivers Trust here.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea 🏖🏖🏖 
Home to one of the best surfing spots along this section of North Sea coast, Saltburn is also protected from the wind by the cliffs. There is a lovely pier and other Victorian highlights including formal gardens with a miniature railway. It has a wide-open beach which is perfect for playing on, running and walking.
The town has some arcades, several cafes and a few small shops.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & single
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes (dogs are not allowed in certain areas)
🚗 Car parking: Cat Nab and The Pier: £2.00 for 2 hours and £6.00 all-day
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 mins (58 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: TS12 1HQ
🍟 Dining options: There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from in Saltburn.
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are situated close to the beach on Saltburn Road/Cat Nab car park
What do Mumblers think?
“It’s a lovely place to visit. The beach is great, cliff lift to the top, pier and small amusements. It’s nice in the woods too with a miniature train and parks for the kids.” Mumbler HW, June 2019
“We like Saltburn-by-the-Sea. We find you can get to Saltburn just as quick as Scarborough on a sunny day as the roads are quieter.” Mumber SP, July 2020
Runswick Bay 🏖🏖🏖
About 9 miles north of Whitby, Runswick Bay is a very pretty village. You can enjoy building sandcastles, rock pooling or even brave a dip in the sea! Why not take a walk along the cliff-top or hunt for some fossils.
No cars are allowed in the village so it’s a lovely place to stroll through the narrow, winding streets. You won’t find all the usual tourist shops, arcades and restaurants here, but it is perfect if you want some peace & tranquillity.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand, mud & cliffs
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚗 Car parking: Bottom Bank Car Park and another car park further up the hill
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 mins (55 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: TS13 5HT
🍟 Dining options: There is a pub The Royal Hotel and more restaurants and pubs in nearby Staithes or Whitby.
🚻 Toilets: The public toilets are located on Bank Top Lane
“Runswick Bay is a gorgeous beach which little ones would love – the road down to it is incredibly steep so it’d be hard work pushing a stroller back up. There is a little car park at the bottom (and I think at the top) and a cafe in the summer months.” Mumbler CCB, August 2017
Robin Hoods Bay 🏖🏖🏖
With a backdrop of craggy cliffs and fantastic views around the bay, Robin Hoods Bay is a great location for fossil hunting.
Check the tide times before you go as at high tide the beach is largely submerged, but when the tide is out you can enjoy a small sandy and rocky beach with plenty of rock pools.
Please note there is no lifeguard service at this beach.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & rock
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚗 Car parking: There are two public car parks in the village so you’ll need to walk to the beach which is very steep
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 mins (52 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO22 4SJ
🍟 Dining options: There a great selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes and of course fish & chips.
🚻 Toilets: There are public toilets at Station Car Park
What do Mumblers think?
“Robin Hood’s Bay is lovely and there is great fossil hunting on the beach. Check the tide times and you can walk from Robin Hood’s Bay to Boggle hole along the beach where there is a great little cafe and then back along the National Trust footpath above the cliff” Mumbler NW, June 2019
Whitby 🏖🏖🏖 
Whitby is a traditional seaside resort and has Blue Flag beaches. There is also plenty to do beyond the sandy beach such as the steam trains at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and a visit to the stunning Abbey. Whitby is full of history, from Bram Stoker’s Dracula that was inspired by the town to Captain Cook who was born nearby.
The West Cliff has loads of fun activities for children including trampolines and crazy golf and the East Cliff stands above a very rocky coast which is perfect for fossil hunting (remember to check the tides before going down).
Whitby has beaches on both sides of the River Esk. To the east is Tate Hill which is a sheltered sandy beach and to the west is West Cliff which is a larger beach with colourful huts, a children’s paddling pool and donkey rides.
📍EACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the south end of the beach
🚗 Car parking: Find details of car parking here
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 10 mins (47 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO21 3EN
🍟 Dining options: For lots of family-friendly places to eat check out the Scarborough & Whitby Mumbler website
🚻 Toilets: There are plenty of public toilets situated close to the beach, at the Abbey and near the Market Place.
What do Mumblers think?
“We went to Whitby last Monday, it was lovely” Mumbler SC, July 2020
Scarborough 🏖🏖🏖 
As one of the UK’s top seaside resorts, there is loads to do in this vibrant Yorkshire town. Two large sandy beaches are divided by rocks where the ruins of Scarborough Castle remain.
You can build sandcastles, take a dip in the sea, go rock pooling or enjoy a donkey ride! The North Bay is a life-guarded beach with so much to enjoy. South Bay offers arcades and cafes along with access to another sandy beach. Why not walk between the two and enjoy both.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed May-Sept
🚗 Car parking: Find details of car parking here
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour (40 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO11 1NT
🍟 Dining options: For lots of family-friendly places to eat check out the Scarborough & Whitby Mumbler website. You will be spoilt for choice for fish and chips with the Lifeboat Fish Bar, located on 76-78 Eastborough rated no. 1 on Tripadvisor!
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located at Peasholm Drive and West Pier
What do Mumblers think?
“In Scarborough we love North Bay railway and Peasholm Park across the road, there is also crazy golf there and boat rides. In the south bay all the amusements and obviously the beach and donkey rides and harbour ice cream is the best ice creams in Scarborough .” Mumbler HM, May 2019
Cayton Bay 🏖🏖🏖
There is quite a steep path leading to and from this beach, but it is worth the effort as it offers a wide sweeping bay,
Situated between Scarborough and Filey, it in an unspoilt natural beauty spot that is popular with surfers, birdwatchers and fossil hunters. It is also a great place for a bit of rock-pooling fun.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed year-round
🚗 Car parking: From Filey road (A165 out of Scarborough) at traffic lights take a left turn into Cayton Bay which is clearly signed. Car park is situated at top of cliff and then you must proceed on foot down a steep bank to access the beach
⏰ Driving distance from York: 55 minutes (39 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO11 3NP
🍟 Dining options: Lucy’s Beach Shack sells snacks, sandwiches and a vast array of beach toys. There is a selection of cafes and takeaways in Cayton Bay, but if you want more choice you might want to head to Scarborough (4 miles away).
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located on the path to the beach
What do Mumblers think?
“Cayton Bay, huge field for parking, lovely large sandy beach, toilets and cafe hut.” AS, 11 August 2020
“We went to Cayton Bay in May half-term and was a great day out. I think there were a few rock pools but great for paddling in the sea.” RI, 5 August 2020
Filey 🏖🏖🏖
With an amazing 5 mile stretch of beach, one of the longest in the UK, there is plenty of space to take a walk, paddle in the sea or build sandcastles. There are often lots of rock pools exposed to explore too!
The promenade running along the seafront features a series of artworks inspired by the local natural heritage. There is a play area at the Country Park (plus a car park), and Glen Gardens also has a play area and a boating lake.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Dogs are restricted to certain areas on this beach between May & Sept.
🚗 Car parking: Find details of car parking here
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour (41 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO14 9JQ
🍟 Dining options: There are lots of restaurants and cafes in Filey including fish & chips of course!
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are marked on this map you can download here
What do Mumblers think?
“We went to Filey on Sunday and was lovely. We originally went to Scarborough first and it was ridiculously busy, busier than I’ve ever seen it before, we didn’t even stop just drove on to Filey! .” VR, 29 July 2020
Flamborough 🏖🏖🏖
Danes Dyke is a pebble beach on the south side of the Flamborough headland backed by cliffs. At low tide, rock pools are exposed making it great for hunting out marine wildlife.
The picturesque beach of North Landing has stunning chalk cliffs, backed by grassy hills. The beach is a mix of soft sand and pebbles and again is a great location for rock pooling, though be careful as the rocks can get slippery.
The chalk cliffs at South Landing offer some shelter from the sea breezes and again it’s a great beach for rock pooling.
Please note there is no lifeguard service in Flamborough.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & pebble (Danes Dyke Beach, North Landing), single & pebble (South Landing)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚗 Car parking: Find details of car parking in Flamborough here
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 minutes (45 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO15 1DW (Danes Dyke), YO15 1BJ (North Landing), YO15 1AG (South Landing)
🍟 Dining options: There is a small selection of cafes and restaurants in Flamborough and a much wider choice in nearby Bridlington.
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located at Danes Dyke and Lighthouse
What do Mumblers think?
“We went to Flamborough Head. Never been before but it was so beautiful! My little boy didn’t even complain his legs were hurting… Spotted seals, too!” BJ, 6 April 2018
Bridlington 🏖🏖🏖
The north beach is sand and shingle offering great views of the white cliffs of Flamborough Headland. Plenty of rock pools, a land train and lots of traditional seaside fun make this a great family destination.
Bridlington South is a wide beach over a mile long, after which it becomes Fraisthorpe. The south section of the beach can be much quieter if you are happy to walk.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & pebble (north beach), sand (south beach)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Dogs are banned from the area closest to the harbour between 1 May and 30 September
🚗 Car parking: Information on car parking, including Park & Ride, can be found here
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 20 minutes ( 41 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO15 2PL (north beach), YO15 3JH (south beach))
🍟 Dining options: There are plenty of dining options in Bridlington including cafes, cheap eats and fish & chips.
🚻 Toilets: There are plenty of public toilets in Bridlington, full details here
What do Mumblers think?
“I went to Bridlington south beach on Wednesday. Park in the park and ride, loads of space and only £5. Toilets with foot rinseing for after the beach. A takeaway cafe right on the beach doing food, tea/coffee and proper ice cream..” JK 14 August 2020
Fraisthorpe 🏖🏖🏖
This long, flat and sandy beach form part of Bridlington Bay. It is a great beach for walking, playing and running along as there is so much space. It’s also great for kite-surfing!
The village is set back about a mile away from the beach and has a range of pubs, shops and restaurants. Please note there is no lifeguard service at this beach.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed year-round
🚗 Car parking: Parking is available at Auburn Farm (charges apply)
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour (41 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO15 3QU
🍟 Dining options: The Cow Shed Cafe is located near the car park
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located at Auburn Farm
What do Mumblers think?
“Fraisthorpe near Bridlington – perfect beach – there is a cafe doing take away drinks and lovely yorvale ice cream.” Mumbler KG, 12 Aug 2020
“Fraisthorpe. Has toilets and a nice cafe and a car park right on the beach front. £3 a car I think. Lovely beach!” Mumbler KT, Jul 2020
Withernsea 🏖🏖🏖
There is plenty to do in this traditional seaside resort, including 144 steps to climb to the top of the famous inland lighthouse, which is now a museum. The main beach and Withernsea runs for miles in both directions and the promenade has plenty of cafes, fish and chip shops and pubs.
There is a lifeboat rescue service stations here and in the summer month, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. Sailing and windsurfing are really popular here, so even if you don’t partake, there is plenty of activities to watch.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & shingle
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September
🚗 Car parking: Parking is available at Lee Avenue Car Park (HU19 2HR) and Market Car Park (HU19 2HB)
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 40 minutes (55 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: HU19 2DW
🍟 Dining options: There are plenty of cafes and fish & chip shops to choose from in Withernsea
🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located at Central Promenade and Piggy Lane
What do Mumblers think?
“I was in Withernsea a few days ago and the beach is lovely and clean, it was also very quiet.” NG, 18 August 2019
There are plenty of fossils to be found here. You can access the beach via the cliff trail or by walking along the beach from Robin Hood’s Bay.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 minutes (52 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO13 0NE
This small, picturesque village is located between Runswick Bay and Whitby. A lovely sandy beach with small rivers running into the sea on either side makes it a very family-friendly spot. At low tide a large area of beach is available and there are plenty of rock pools. In the summer an ara of the beach is zoned off for swimming.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 20 minutes (50 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO21 3SU
Once you finish walking the coast path to get to the see, you’ll come out next to two spectacular waterfalls. Hayburn Wyke is great for looking for fossils and hiding in the rocks and boulders – no need for a bucket and spade here as there is no sand.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 25 minutes (47 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO13 0AU
This dog-friendly beach is in a picturesque cove offering spectacular views out to sea and is often fairly quiet.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 20 minutes (43 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO14 9QP
Thornwick Bay is a small bay located on the north coast of Flamborough Head. It is a rocky beach with several caves and an amazing sea arch in the cliffs. Note: This location is not suitable if you have a pushchair/pram.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 minutes (50 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: EH11 1US
The small village of Wilsthorpe is just 2 miles south of Bridlington and the long sandy beach slopes gently into the sea. At low tide a wide sandy beach is exposed which makes it great for children to have a run-around and play. There is no life guarding service or facilities at this beach – nearby Bridlington has a choice of visitor attractions and other amenities.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 5 minutes (40 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO15 3QL
Barmston Beach is a long sandy beach in a fairly remote location. It is worth visiting for a quiet seaside stroll and a great place to watch sand martins who nest in the cliffs from April to September. Just six miles south of Bridlington, if you want to visit somewhere more bustling too.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 10 minutes (42 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: YO25 8PJ
Hornsea has a large shingle and sand beach and is a classic seaside resort. Its long promenade with landscaped gardens and easy access to all the facilities in the town makes it an ideal place to visit.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour and 10 minutes (45 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: HU18 1PZ
Mappleton has a wide sandy beach that is great for fossil hunters. A former MoD bombing range, there are warning signs of old armaments and the danger of picking up metal objects! This doesn’t stop people from enjoying the wide-open spaces at low tide.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour and 15 minutes ( miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: HU18 1XT
This three-mile expanse of sand and shingle runs along a narrow spit of land at the mouth of the Humber Estuary. It is a great place for bird watching and fossil hunting. Tidal currents can be very strong, so care should be taken if swimming.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 2 hours (65 miles)
🗺 Postcode for satnav: HU12 0UG
Here is a useful map showing all of the great beaches worth visiting in North Yorkshire, from Saltburn-by-the Sea down to Spurn Point. Simply click an icon on the map to find out more information or plan your route.
Thank you to Scarborough & Whitby Mumbler News Page for helping us out with which beaches to include in this blog. Make sure you follow them for more local tips if you are planning to visit the East Coast!
All information correct and time of publication (May 2024). Please check all details before setting off!
