Best beaches in Yorkshire: Family-friendly beaches, hidden gems and coastal walks

With long stretches of sand, safe paddling waters, traditional seaside attractions and plenty of space for children to run free, Yorkshire is packed with fantastic family-friendly beaches. Whether you're building sandcastles on a Blue Flag beach, hunting for fossils along the coast or enjoying fish and chips with a sea view, there's something to keep visitors of all ages entertained. These are our favourite family beaches in Yorkshire, offering a winning combination of beautiful scenery, good facilities and plenty of fun for a day by the sea.

• Best for: Families looking to combine beach time with sightseeing
• Vibe: Classic seaside fun beneath the shadow of Whitby Abbey, with plenty to see and do beyond the sand.
• Don't miss: Treating the family to fish and chips before climbing the famous 199 Steps for views across the town and coastline.
• Good to know: The beach is within easy walking distance of Whitby's attractions, making it ideal for a full day out.

One of the most iconic beaches on the Yorkshire coast, Whitby Beach combines a wide stretch of sand with all the attractions of one of England's most characterful seaside towns. Children can enjoy paddling, building sandcastles and exploring the shoreline, while parents will love the easy access to cafés, restaurants, amusements and the town's famous harbour. With Whitby Abbey towering above the coastline, it's a beach day packed with history, scenery and family-friendly entertainment.

• A beach and town in one: Plenty of attractions beyond the shoreline.
• Family-friendly facilities: Cafés, toilets and restaurants all nearby.
• Iconic setting: Few beaches can match Whitby's dramatic backdrop.

• Best for: Families with younger children
• Vibe: Relaxed and traditional, with a huge expanse of golden sand and a timeless seaside feel.
• Don't miss: A walk out to Filey Brigg for panoramic views across the bay.
• Good to know: The beach is so large that it's usually possible to find a quieter spot, even during the school holidays.

One of the best family beaches in Yorkshire, Filey Beach boasts five miles of golden sand, shallow waters and a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for younger children. The gently shelving shoreline makes it ideal for paddling and sandcastle-building, while the nearby promenade offers easy access to cafés, ice cream shops and all the essentials for a classic day at the coast.

Why we love Filey Beach:

• Endless golden sand: Plenty of room for beach games, picnics and family fun.
• Safe paddling waters: Shallow seas make it ideal for younger children.
• Traditional seaside charm: Think fish and chips, ice creams and donkey rides.

• Best for: Classic family seaside days out
• Vibe: Lively and welcoming, with a bustling promenade and plenty of traditional attractions.
• Don't miss: A stroll along the seafront followed by an ice cream overlooking the beach.
• Good to know: Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer season, making it a popular choice for families.

Bridlington South Beach is one of Yorkshire's most popular family beaches, combining a wide sandy shoreline with excellent facilities and plenty of entertainment nearby. Children can enjoy building sandcastles and paddling in the sea, while parents will appreciate the easy access to cafés, toilets, parking and attractions along the promenade.

Why we love Bridlington South Beach:

• Excellent facilities: Everything you need for a stress-free family beach day.
• Wide sandy beach: Perfect for games, picnics and long walks.
• Traditional seaside atmosphere: Arcades, cafés and family attractions are all close at hand.

• Best for: Families looking for a quieter beach escape
• Vibe: Peaceful and scenic, with soft sand, dramatic cliffs and beautiful coastal views.
• Don't miss: Exploring the rock pools at low tide before lunch in one of the village cafés.
• Good to know: Parking can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.

Just a few miles north of Whitby, Sandsend Beach offers a quieter alternative to some of Yorkshire's busier seaside resorts. The long stretch of sand is perfect for family walks and beach games, while the rock pools that appear at low tide provide endless entertainment for curious children. Add in the charming village setting and it's easy to see why families return year after year.

Why we love Sandsend Beach:

• Beautiful sandy shoreline: Plenty of space to spread out and relax.
• Rock pooling adventures: Great for discovering crabs, shells and marine life.
• Quieter atmosphere: Less crowded than many of Yorkshire's larger resorts.

• Best for: Scenic coastal walks with your dog
• Vibe: Characterful and atmospheric, with winding streets, dramatic cliffs and a beautiful sweeping bay.
• Don't miss: Following a stretch of the Cleveland Way coastal path for some of the best sea views in Yorkshire.
• Good to know: The steep hill between the village and the beach can be challenging after a long walk, but the views are worth it.

One of the most picturesque spots on the Yorkshire coast, Robin Hood's Bay is a favourite among dog owners thanks to its expansive beach, dramatic scenery and excellent walking routes. At low tide, the beach stretches out for miles, providing plenty of room for dogs to explore, while the surrounding coastline offers endless opportunities for longer adventures.

Why we love Robin Hood's Bay:

• Spectacular coastal scenery: One of the most beautiful bays in Yorkshire.
• Excellent walking routes: Direct access to the Cleveland Way.
• Dog-friendly atmosphere: A favourite stop for walkers and their dogs.

• Best for: Peaceful walks away from the crowds
• Vibe: Quiet and unspoilt, with a sweeping sandy bay framed by cliffs and rolling countryside.
• Don't miss: A long beach walk at low tide when the bay opens up into a huge expanse of sand.
• Good to know: Access involves a short walk down from the village, but the peaceful setting more than makes up for it.

Often considered one of Yorkshire's prettiest beaches, Runswick Bay is a fantastic choice for dog owners looking to escape the busier seaside resorts. The wide beach offers plenty of room for dogs to run and play, while the surrounding coastline provides some of the most scenic walking opportunities on the Yorkshire coast.

Why we love Runswick Bay:

• Beautiful natural setting: A postcard-perfect Yorkshire bay.
• Wide sandy beach: Plenty of room for energetic dogs.
• Peaceful atmosphere: Ideal for a quieter day by the sea.

• Best for: Long off-lead beach walks
• Vibe: Wild and spacious, with miles of sand and a wonderfully open feel.
• Don't miss: Watching the sunset over the North Sea after an evening walk along the beach.
• Good to know: This beach remains relatively quiet compared with many of Yorkshire's larger resorts.

Fraisthorpe Beach is a dream destination for dog owners. The vast sandy shoreline provides plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs, chase a ball or simply enjoy the sea air. Even during the summer months, it's often possible to find quieter sections of beach, making it ideal for dogs that prefer a little more space.

Why we love Fraisthorpe Beach:

• Huge sandy shoreline: Perfect for long walks and games.
• Plenty of space: Rarely feels overcrowded.
• Beautiful coastal scenery: Especially impressive at sunrise and sunset.

• Best for: Combining beach walks with a traditional seaside day out
• Vibe: Lively but relaxed, with Victorian charm, surfing culture and dramatic coastal views.
• Don't miss: Taking a walk along the historic pier before heading onto the beach.
• Good to know: Saltburn is one of Yorkshire's most dog-friendly seaside towns, with plenty of welcoming cafés and pubs nearby.

Saltburn Beach combines the best of both worlds: a wide sandy beach for dog walks and a vibrant seaside town packed with places to eat, drink and relax afterwards. The expansive shoreline offers plenty of room for dogs to explore, while the surrounding cliffs and coastal paths provide excellent opportunities for longer walks.

Why we love Saltburn Beach:

• Dog-friendly seaside town: Plenty of welcoming places nearby.
• Fantastic beach walks: Miles of coastline to explore.
• Traditional charm: A classic Yorkshire seaside destination.

Yorkshire's coastline is packed with beautiful sandy beaches, from huge sweeping bays and traditional seaside resorts to quieter stretches of coast where you can enjoy miles of golden sand without the crowds. Whether you're planning a beach day with the family, a long coastal walk or simply somewhere to relax by the sea, these sandy Yorkshire beaches are among the finest on the east coast.

• Best for: Wide-open coastal scenery
• Vibe: Wild and rugged, with a broad sandy shoreline backed by dramatic cliffs.
• Don't miss: Walking the length of the bay at low tide when the sand seems to stretch endlessly in both directions.
• Good to know: The beach is popular with surfers, but there's plenty of space for walkers and beachgoers too.

Tucked between Scarborough and Filey, Cayton Bay combines one of Yorkshire's most impressive sandy beaches with spectacular coastal scenery. The broad expanse of sand provides plenty of room for beach games, long walks and simply soaking up the views.

Why we love Cayton Bay:

• Huge sandy beach: Plenty of space to spread out.
• Dramatic setting: Surrounded by cliffs and open countryside.
• Less commercialised: Feels more natural than many resort beaches.

• Best for: Traditional coastal escapes
• Vibe: Relaxed and understated, with a quieter feel than Yorkshire's larger resorts.
• Don't miss: Combining a beach walk with a visit to Hornsea's independent shops and cafés.
• Good to know: The beach rarely feels as busy as some of Yorkshire's more famous seaside destinations.

Hornsea Beach offers a long stretch of sand and shingle backed by a pleasant promenade. It's a lovely choice for visitors looking for a quieter beach day while still enjoying the convenience of a traditional seaside town.

Why we love Hornsea Beach:

• Peaceful atmosphere: Ideal for a slower-paced beach day.
• Long shoreline: Great for walking.
• Traditional seaside town: Plenty to explore nearby.

• Best for: Traditional seaside atmosphere
• Vibe: Bustling and energetic, with all the excitement of a classic British seaside resort.
• Don't miss: A walk along the seafront before heading onto the sand.
• Good to know: The beach sits right in the heart of Scarborough, so cafés, attractions and facilities are all close by.

One of Yorkshire's best-known beaches, Scarborough South Bay offers a vast stretch of sand backed by the town's famous seafront. It's a fantastic place for families, beach games and traditional seaside fun.

Why we love Scarborough South Bay:

• Classic seaside experience: Everything you could want for a beach day.
• Large sandy beach: Perfect for families and groups.
• Excellent facilities: Easy access to shops, cafés and attractions.

• Best for: Hidden sandy escapes
• Vibe: Quiet, scenic and wonderfully unspoilt.
• Don't miss: The spectacular views from the clifftop before descending to the beach.
• Good to know: Access is steeper than some Yorkshire beaches, which helps keep visitor numbers lower.

Nestled between Filey and Flamborough, Reighton Sands is one of Yorkshire's lesser-known coastal gems. The wide sandy beach feels wonderfully remote and is often far quieter than nearby alternatives.

Why we love Reighton Sands:

• Hidden-gem appeal: Often overlooked by visitors.
• Beautiful sandy shoreline: Perfect for peaceful walks.
• Spectacular views: Dramatic cliffs frame the beach beautifully.

While Yorkshire is home to popular seaside favourites such as Whitby, Filey and Scarborough, the county's coastline also hides a number of lesser-known beaches that reward those willing to venture a little further. From secluded coves and fossil-rich bays to dramatic stretches of coastline tucked beneath towering cliffs, these hidden Yorkshire beaches offer a quieter, more adventurous side of the county's coast.

• Best for: Coastal explorers
• Vibe: Wild and secluded, surrounded by woodland and dramatic chalk cliffs.
• Don't miss: Exploring the fascinating rock pools revealed at low tide.
• Good to know: The walk through the nature reserve is part of the experience and adds to the beach's hidden-gem appeal.

Nestled within Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast, Danes Dyke Beach feels wonderfully remote despite being relatively easy to reach. Backed by ancient woodland and striking chalk cliffs, it's a beautiful spot for rock pooling, fossil hunting and escaping the crowds.

Why we love Danes Dyke Beach:

• Hidden location: Feels far removed from Yorkshire's busier beaches.
• Excellent rock pooling: Perfect for curious explorers.
• Dramatic scenery: Woodland meets sea in spectacular fashion.

• Best for: Spectacular coastal scenery
• Vibe: Rugged and atmospheric, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
• Don't miss: Walking a section of the Flamborough Head coastline after your beach visit.
• Good to know: The beach is reached via a steep path, which helps keep visitor numbers low.

Tucked beneath the towering chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head, South Landing is one of Yorkshire's most beautiful hidden beaches. The sheltered cove is popular with kayakers, wildlife watchers and walkers looking to discover one of the county's most scenic coastal spots.

Why we love South Landing:

• Dramatic chalk cliffs: Some of the most impressive coastal scenery in Yorkshire.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for seabirds and seals.
• Peaceful atmosphere: Often feels wonderfully undiscovered.

• Best for: True off-the-beaten-track adventures
• Vibe: Remote, rugged and wonderfully untamed.
• Don't miss: The dramatic coastal views from the clifftops before descending to the beach.
• Good to know: Access can be challenging, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

One of Yorkshire's least-visited beaches, Kettleness Beach is a hidden treasure for adventurous walkers and those seeking solitude. Reached via steep coastal paths, the beach rewards visitors with spectacular scenery and a sense of complete escape from the modern world.

Why we love Kettleness Beach:

• Genuine hidden gem: Far quieter than almost anywhere else on the Yorkshire coast.
• Dramatic landscapes: Rugged cliffs and sweeping sea views.
• Adventure factor: Feels like a real discovery.

• Best for: Seaside charm and fossil hunting
• Vibe: Historic and characterful, with colourful cottages tumbling down to the sea.
• Don't miss: Searching for fossils along the shoreline at low tide.
• Good to know: Access is through the village's steep, narrow streets, adding to its old-world charm.

Overshadowed by nearby Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay, Staithes remains one of Yorkshire's most enchanting coastal destinations. The small beach sits at the foot of a picturesque fishing village and offers a fascinating mix of history, geology and stunning coastal scenery.

Why we love Staithes Beach:

• Beautiful fishing village setting: One of Yorkshire's prettiest coastal locations.
• Great for fossil hunting: A favourite with families and geology enthusiasts.
• Rich maritime history: Packed with character and charm.

From towering cliffs and sweeping bays to hidden coves and dramatic headlands, Yorkshire's coastline offers some of the finest coastal walking in England. Whether you're looking for a gentle beach stroll or a full day exploring sections of the Cleveland Way and Flamborough Headland, these beaches combine spectacular scenery with unforgettable walking routes.

• Best for: Spectacular cliff-top scenery
• Vibe: Wild and dramatic, with towering white cliffs and breathtaking sea views.
• Don't miss: Following the coastal path towards Bempton Cliffs for some of Yorkshire's most impressive scenery.
• Good to know: Bring binoculars if you're visiting in spring or summer, when seabirds flock to the cliffs.

North Landing is one of the highlights of the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast. The sheltered cove itself is beautiful, but it's the surrounding network of coastal paths that makes this such a rewarding destination for walkers. Expect dramatic chalk cliffs, hidden coves and endless sea views.

Why we love Flamborough North Landing:

• Exceptional coastal scenery: Some of Yorkshire's most dramatic landscapes.
• Fantastic walking routes: Direct access to miles of cliff-top trails.
• Wildlife watching: A great spot for seabirds and seals.

• Best for: Peaceful seaside walks
• Vibe: Quiet and authentic, with a rugged coastline and a wonderfully local feel.
• Don't miss: Walking north along the coastline towards Cattersty Sands.
• Good to know: This is one of the Yorkshire coast's lesser-known beaches, so it rarely feels crowded.

Tucked away on the North Yorkshire coast, Skinningrove Beach is a hidden gem for walkers looking to escape the busier resorts. The combination of dramatic cliffs, wide-open views and a peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for a restorative coastal stroll.

Why we love Skinningrove Beach:

• Quiet location: Ideal for escaping the crowds.
• Beautiful coastal views: Rugged scenery in every direction.
• Great walking opportunities: Plenty of routes to explore nearby.

• Best for: Long beach walks
• Vibe: Remote and windswept, with a sense of space that's hard to find elsewhere.
• Don't miss: Walking the length of the beach at low tide when the sands are at their widest.
• Good to know: The beach is often combined with a walk from nearby Skinningrove.

One of Yorkshire's most underrated beaches, Cattersty Sands offers a broad stretch of sand backed by dramatic cliffs and open countryside. It's a wonderful place to walk, especially outside the summer months when you'll often have large sections of the beach almost entirely to yourself.

Why we love Cattersty Sands:

• Huge sense of space: Perfect for clearing your head.
• Beautiful natural scenery: Wild and unspoilt.
• Excellent walking beach: Miles of coastline to explore.

The Yorkshire coast is one of the UK's most famous fossil-hunting destinations, with millions of years of geological history exposed along its cliffs and shorelines. From ancient ammonites and belemnites to traces of prehistoric marine life, the coastline around Whitby and the North York Moors offers fascinating opportunities for amateur fossil hunters and curious families alike. Just remember to check tide times before you visit and admire any significant finds responsibly.

• Best for: Serious fossil hunters
• Vibe: Wild, dramatic and wonderfully untamed.
• Don't miss: Exploring the rocky foreshore at low tide when fossil-bearing rocks are most accessible.
• Good to know: Always visit on a falling tide, as parts of the beach can become cut off when the sea comes in.

Just south of Whitby, Saltwick Bay is widely regarded as one of the best fossil-hunting beaches in Yorkshire. The beach's Jurassic rocks have yielded everything from ammonites and belemnites to fossilised wood, making it a favourite destination for geology enthusiasts and families eager to discover a prehistoric treasure.

Why we love Saltwick Bay:

• World-class fossil hunting: One of the best locations on the Yorkshire coast.
• Dramatic scenery: Rugged cliffs and wide-open sea views.
• Sense of adventure: Every visit feels like a treasure hunt.

• Best for: Off-the-beaten-track fossil discoveries
• Vibe: Remote and atmospheric, with a real sense of exploration.
• Don't miss: Following the old railway route down to the beach before beginning your search.
• Good to know: Access is steep and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Tucked away between Staithes and Runswick Bay, Port Mulgrave is one of Yorkshire's lesser-known fossil hotspots. The secluded beach is backed by impressive cliffs and offers excellent opportunities to spot ammonites and other ancient marine fossils scattered among the rocks.

Why we love Port Mulgrave:

• Hidden-gem appeal: Far quieter than Yorkshire's more famous fossil beaches.
• Excellent fossil potential: A rewarding destination for keen explorers.
• Spectacular setting: Feels wonderfully wild and remote.

• Best for: Combining coastal walks with fossil hunting
• Vibe: Rugged, windswept and wonderfully untouched.
• Don't miss: Taking in the dramatic views beneath Boulby Cliff, England's highest sea cliff.
• Good to know: The beach is best accessed via a coastal walk and can feel wonderfully remote.

Overshadowed by nearby fossil-hunting hotspots, Boulby Beach offers a quieter alternative for visitors keen to explore Yorkshire's geological heritage. The shoreline reveals layers of ancient rock and provides a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric history of the North Sea coast.

Why we love Boulby Beach:

• Unique geology: A fascinating place to explore Yorkshire's ancient past.
• Dramatic surroundings: Dominated by towering cliffs.
• Peaceful atmosphere: Often far less busy than better-known locations.

Yorkshire's coastline is beautiful year-round, but each season brings a very different experience. From spring wildflowers and summer beach days to autumn walks and dramatic winter scenery, there's never really a bad time to visit. The best season depends on whether you're looking for swimming and sunbathing, quiet coastal walks or simply the chance to enjoy the Yorkshire coast at its most atmospheric.

Spring is one of the most underrated times to visit Yorkshire's beaches. As the weather begins to warm up, the coastline comes alive with wildflowers, nesting seabirds and quieter beaches before the summer crowds arrive. It's an excellent time for coastal walks, wildlife watching and exploring seaside villages at a more relaxed pace.

• Best for: Walking, wildlife spotting and peaceful beach days.
• Expect: Milder temperatures, blooming coastal landscapes and fewer visitors.
• Don't miss: The seabird colonies around Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs.

Summer is peak season on the Yorkshire coast, when long sunny days bring beachgoers flocking to popular destinations such as Filey, Bridlington and Scarborough. It's the best time for swimming, sandcastle-building and classic seaside holidays, with many coastal towns hosting events, festivals and family-friendly activities.

• Best for: Beach days, paddling, family holidays and watersports.
• Expect: Warmer weather, busy beaches and a lively atmosphere.
• Don't miss: An evening stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the coast.

As the summer crowds disappear, autumn brings a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere to Yorkshire's beaches. Crisp days, golden light and dramatic coastal scenery make this one of the best seasons for long walks, photography and cosy weekends by the sea.

• Best for: Coastal walks, photography and weekend escapes.
• Expect: Fewer visitors, colourful landscapes and fresh sea air.
• Don't miss: Walking sections of the Cleveland Way as the coastline takes on its autumn colours.

Winter transforms the Yorkshire coast into a wild and dramatic landscape. Stormy seas, deserted beaches and moody skies create spectacular scenery, while nearby pubs and cafés offer the perfect place to warm up afterwards. While it may not be beach-weather, it's a wonderful season for walkers and anyone seeking a quieter side of the coast.

• Best for: Dramatic scenery, peaceful walks and cosy coastal getaways.
• Expect: Empty beaches, crashing waves and breathtaking sea views.
• Don't miss: Watching winter storms roll in from the warmth of a seaside pub.