Whitby features a working harbour filled with fishing boats, the well-known 199 steps leading to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, and strong ties to Captain Cook and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. You can smell the sea air mixed with fresh fish along Church Street's seafood eateries. Scarborough is Yorkshire’s largest seaside resort, with two sandy bays, South Bay and North Bay, where seagulls call overhead and the waves lap the shore. The historic Scarborough Castle stands guard above the town, while the Stephen Joseph Theatre on Westborough hosts local performances. Bridlington attracts visitors with its long sandy beaches and traditional promenade lined with arcades and cafes emitting the aroma of freshly brewed tea and fish and chips.
Smaller towns like Robin Hood's Bay and Filey offer quieter streets framed by old stone cottages and coastal footpaths like the Cleveland Way. Each town has its own pace and facilities, with public transport connecting them along the coast.
Whitby West Cliff Beach lies beneath towering cliffs, with the salty tang of sea spray filling the air and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing on the sand. It is family-friendly, with cafes and public toilets just 200 metres away. Scarborough South Bay stretches over 1.5 kilometres, where children’s laughter mixes with the cries of gulls, and the promenade buzzes with walkers and cyclists. This beach is suited for traditional seaside activities and water sports. Bridlington North Beach is known for its clean sand and gentle slope into the sea; lifeguards patrol during summer months from May to September, ensuring safety. The scent of seaweed mingles with the fresh breeze here.
Beaches like Runswick Bay and Sandsend offer quieter environments with a mix of pebbles and sand, attracting walkers and nature lovers who enjoy the sound of waves against rocky shores. Most beaches provide parking and public transport access, though availability varies seasonally.
Tours in yorkshire
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by Andrew the guide. Andrew always places your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. On our Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles, Jorvik, and Clifford's Tower, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk on King's Staith Landing, where many royal visitors arrived in York.
The Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by one of the expert guides. The guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, the philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew Ward led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.
Here’s what’s included A welcome Hooting Owl rum and mixer of your choice. A tour of the distillery Guided tastings of our Yorkshire rums Learn the history and myth of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the origins of The Hooting Owl. Tasting samples our Hooting Owl Rum.
Step into the world of the Brontës on this very small-group day tour from York. Greg, your friendly and enthusiastic guide, will take you through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside to Brontë country. The first stop is at the location of Thorpe Green Hall where Anne was a Governess, then after a short comfort break we continue to Saltaire and the historic Salt Mills. Greg then takes us to attend the Brontë birthplace (entrance included) where Greg offers a personal and engaging tour at the family home where the famous siblings grew up. We then travel to Haworth, here enjoy two free hours to wander the cobbled streets, browse charming shops, enjoy a coffee, and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The day concludes with a trip up Penistone Hill with sweeping views toward Top Withens. Entrance fees to the Brontë birthplace and Parsonage Museum are included, making for an engaging & memorable day. Gregs style is both informal but highly informative into the lives of these famous Sisters.
Yorkshire Coast
Location of Yorkshire Coast
This 177-kilometre trail follows rugged cliffs and moorland, offering sweeping views of the North Sea and geological features such as the dramatic Alum Cliffs near Ravenscar. The 10-kilometre walk from Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby takes around 3 to 4 hours and passes through historic fishing villages and quiet coves. Along the way, walkers hear the crash of waves below and the cry of seabirds overhead.
Proper footwear is essential due to steep and narrow paths, and walkers should be prepared for changing weather conditions. Safety signs mark hazardous areas. Public transport links allow flexible starting and finishing points along the trail.
Scarborough, Whitby, and Bridlington have key train stations with regular services from York and Leeds. For instance, the train from York to Scarborough takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bus services like the Coastliner 840 run between Leeds and Scarborough, stopping at coastal towns along the way.
Driving provides flexibility to reach remote beaches and cliff walks, using well-maintained A and B roads such as the A165 and B1414. Parking is generally available in towns but can be limited during busy seasons. Cycling is popular on designated routes, although some cliff paths are too steep or narrow for bikes.
Public toilets and parking facilities are generally close to beaches and town centres, often with small charges between EUR 1 and 3 for parking. Many attractions operate from March to October, with limited winter hours.
Most restaurants and cafes accept card payments, but carrying some cash is recommended for smaller vendors. The local currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP), with currency exchange services in larger towns like Whitby and Scarborough. Visitors should check weather forecasts and tide times when planning coastal walks.
"The Yorkshire Coast is a tapestry of rugged cliffs and hidden coves, where the salty breeze carries stories of fishing villages and quiet beaches perfect for a reflective stroll—only locals know how the light shifts just right at sunset to reveal its true magic."
Luca Moretti - Coastal Geographer
Visiting outside peak holiday periods such as early spring or late autumn usually means lower accommodation prices and less crowded attractions. Many pubs and cafes offer midweek specials or lunch deals priced between EUR 8 and 15.
Booking accommodation and train tickets well in advance can lower costs, especially during bank holidays or school breaks. Buying snacks or picnic supplies at local markets supports small businesses and saves money. Joining local guides for walking tours provides rich historical and cultural insights; options include the York Private Walking Tour with Local Guide, which sometimes extends to coastal areas.
Wearing sturdy footwear and keeping a safe distance from cliff edges is important, especially in wet or windy weather. Being aware of tide times is crucial on beaches with rocky areas or coves to avoid becoming trapped by rising water.
Lifeguards patrol main beaches like Scarborough South Bay and Whitby West Cliff during summer. Swimming outside designated zones is not advised because of strong currents. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 999, and local coastguard stations monitor coastal safety.
Whitby Abbey, a ruined Benedictine monastery founded in 657 AD, inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and is managed by English Heritage. Scarborough Castle, dating from the 12th century, overlooks the town and sea, offering panoramic views and archaeological displays.
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby highlights the explorer’s early life and maritime career. Smaller museums and galleries around the coast provide insights into fishing traditions and local art. Guided tours and educational programmes are often available for visitors of all ages.
The Luxury Private Day Back Roads Whitby Moor & Coast tour provides a full itinerary through moorland and coastal scenery. The York Jorvik Viking History Walking Tour Adventure can be combined with coastal visits for added historical context.
Boat tours from Scarborough and Whitby offer close-up views of cliffs and marine wildlife, with the sound of waves and bird calls accompanying the trip. Booking tours ahead is advised in summer to secure spots and best prices, which generally range from EUR 40 to 100 per person, depending on length and inclusions.
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