What’s Around?
Scarborough
Scarborough continues to be a firm favourite with families of all ages. It is a unique mixture of cliffs, a castle headland, a historic harbour, and a bustling town centre. Scarborough has a Sealife Centre, an outdoor Almpare aquatic park, and rides and amusements for younger guests. The oldest funicular cliff railway is in Scarborough and in full working order!
There are also many cultural attractions such as the Spa, The Stephen Joseph Theatre and the Open Air Theatre, which hosts many international artists, so well worth checking to see who is playing there during your stay! If you want to eat out, Scarborough has an excellent range of pubs and restaurants, covering a wide range of cuisines and budgets, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Filey
Filey is an ideal base from which you can explore the Yorkshire coast and other inland destinations. But before you do, Filey has a great deal to offer, not least stunning beaches, activities, and venues. It is also the start/end of the Cleveland Way, ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and walking in the countryside.
The town has many shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs and a recently refurbished promenade. Filey Brigg is also a must if you enjoy the outdoors and exploring rock pools and the local wildlife! You can walk into Filey on the beach at low tide, which takes approximately 40 minutes. If you bring your furry friend, this stretch of the beach is accessible, even during the main summer months, so you do not have to leave them behind! Within easy reach are several coastal resorts, towns, and fishing villages, which are accessible via road and/or rail.
Bridlington
Bridlington is about 8 miles from Filey and can be accessed via road or rail. Known as ‘Brid’ for short, it is a firm favourite with families given its wide range of amenities, golden beaches and activities, suitable for all ages. The centre of Bridlington is dominated by its historic fishing harbour, a living reminder of its rich fishing heritage. Bridlington Old Town has a Georgian high street with vintage galleries, shops, cafes and bars if you want something different. Bridlington Spa has many events and is well worth checking out if you are planning any time in Bridlington.
Sewerby is a small village 2 miles north of Bridlington. The hall and gardens provide many activities, especially for younger children, including a zoo and seasonal activities. The house is open to visitors, and there is a café on site too. Bridlington has much to offer the whole family and is well worth visiting from your base in Filey.
York
York is a historic walled city with Roman roots, a Viking past, and a wealth of museums, historical sites, shops, and places to eat. York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. You can climb the 275 steps of the central tower for unrivalled views across the city. Many museums in York, including the National Rail Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre and York Castle Museum, will entertain all your guests. For those who like something a little darker, York offers a wide range of ghost tours and walks, including the Wizard Walk of York.
After a long day of sightseeing, York has plenty of places to eat and drink. There are plenty of choices to suit all tastes. From coffee shops and afternoon tea to pubs, bars, restaurants, and street food, you can rest assured that there is something for everyone!
And finally, if you need a little retail therapy, York has much to offer. From independent retailers and vintage to shopping centres and the Shambles Market, there is plenty of choices.
Hull
Hull is Yorkshire’s only maritime city; Hull is an up-and-coming city offering an eclectic mix of museums, shopping, tours, walks and nightlife. Recently the City of Culture, Hull, has a wide range of activities and venues for all the family. The Deep is an award-winning aquarium, home to spectacular animals such as sharks, stingrays, tropical reef fish, loggerhead turtles and the UK’s only pair of green sawfish.
If you are looking for something a little more cultural, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and guided walking tours.
When it comes to eating out, Hull offers plenty. From informal dining and street food at Trinity Market to craft ales and formal dining experiences, there is something for everyone. Throw in gin-making, escape rooms and an ale trail, and you will not be short of things to do!
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is a pretty fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North Yorkshire Moors. It is ideal for adults and children, with plenty of sandy beaches, rock pools, and country walks. The village is one of the cobbled streets, with many cafes, pubs, restaurants and local shops to peruse during your visit.
Robin Hoods Bay has one of the few beaches that is dog friendly all year round. Just remember to take plenty of poo bags, as the disposal bins are in the village and not on the beach. At the southern end of Robin Hood’s Bay is Boggle Hole, home to some amazing fossil discoveries and a site of special scientific interest. About an hour away by car, Robin Hood’s Bay is ideal for a day of exploring the picturesque village and its coastline.
Whitby
North of Robin Hood’s Bay is the ancient seaport of Whitby. The river Esk runs through the centre of the town dividing it into east and west sides, linked by the famous swing bridge. Whitby Abbey, St. Mary’s Parish Church, and picturesque old town lie to the east side of Whitby.
The west side of the town is also home to historic fishermen’s cottages and yards, as well as markets and the main shopping areas. Whitby has long been associated with the gothic culture, given it was the setting for part of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, and the annual Whitby Goth Festival has continued that long tradition. You can also see the Gothic influence in the cobbled streets, shops, cafes, and themed events that run regularly in the town.
Bempton
Bempton Cliffs is a nature reserve run by the RSPB. Dogs can access some areas of the site, but it is worth checking before you set off exactly what the restrictions are. Bempton is home to several sea birds and is home to the only breeding site of gannets in the UK.
Between March and October, you can also expect to see puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars and shags. The centre has accessible viewing points, a café, and other amenities. A must for bird lovers!
Flamborough
Just south of Filey is Flamborough. Flamborough is immediately recognisable due to the extensive white cliffs and famous lighthouse at Flamborough head. The north and south landing beaches are ideal for those who love rock pools. The village itself has a nice assortment of cafes, shops and pubs. From the centre of the village, there are many walks, including the striking south landing and north landing.
Flamborough Head is one of Britain’s most spectacular areas of chalk cliffs, standing at almost 400 ft. As well as its distinctive white cliffs, there are coves, sea caves and stacks along the coastline. If your holiday is likely to cover the Christmas/New Year period, then the Flamborough Fire Festival is well worth considering as an alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations.