The Ultimate Yorkshire Coast Road Trip Guide

A couple of years ago I did one of the most incredible road trips of my life, the Pacific Coast Highway along California‘s coastline including driving through the Big Surr; and while I’m not saying the Yorkshire Coast is exactly comparable it may have more similarities then you may initially think.  While I have been exploring more of my own county I’ve had the chance to visit many places along the stunning Yorkshire Coast and it’s left me wondering why more people haven’t taken this amazing journey!  Scotland has the NC500 , Wales has the Coastal Way (both of which I’d love to do) so it’s about time Yorkshire gets it’s time to shine with this stunning road trip.  Here I will answer the most frequently asked questions, give information about all the must-see places along the way and I will even provide you with a map you can follow on your journey.  I really do think that Yorkshire contains some of the most beautiful areas of the UK and as of yet it is relatively lightly travelled.  So without further adieu, here is the ultimate Yorkshire Coast road trip guide:

Before you go: Frequently asked questions:

How long do you need to do the Yorkshire Coast Road Trip?

If you were to drive the route at the end of this post without stopping it could be done in around 4 hours, however, there are many places where you will need to get out and explore to really enjoy the journey.  So between 2-5 days would be ideal depending on how much time you want to spend in the bigger resorts like Whitby where you could easily spend the best part of a day on it’s own.

Where to stay on the Yorkshire Coast?

Most seaside resorts, especially the more popular locations, have a variety of different accommodations for all budgets.  Bed and breakfasts are available in most seaside resorts as well as hotels of differing levels of luxury.  A look at any price comparison site will show you the best in the area, Bed and Breakfasts, in particular, can vary in quality so be sure to check reviews before you stay.  If you are looking for an alternative Airbnb offers a variety of accommodation, varying from a room in someone’s home to a whole property (use this code to get £50 off your first stay, this is a referral code so I will also earn credit).  Wild camping isn’t legal in the UK but there are places to camp across the coast and caravaning is very popular in the UK.  You will find hundreds of Caravan sites across the coastline, be advised that you are best to book ahead in the Summer and bank holidays as popular sites sell out well in advance.   Take a look at the Discover Yorkshire Coast website to see many of the caravan and camping sites along the coast.   It’s worth checking ahead for local events, some such as Whitby’s famous twice-annual Whitby Goth Festival, as these can sell out accommodation throughout the town years in advance, so plan around these when organising your trip.

What’s the toilet situation on the Yorkshire Coast?

This question came up a lot when I was asking what people would like to know about doing this road trip.  Just where are the toilets?  how frequently can they be found? and what are they like?  Truth be told the UK isn’t great with public toilets, they are usually few and far between however the Yorkshire Coast does have more than average, and you will usually find one in every resort somewhere near the seafront.  Some do require payment, usually around 30-50p so carrying change is a good idea.  This link actually shows where most of the ones in the area are.  They aren’t usually the best kept and get pretty cold in winter but they do the job.  Outside of this nipping into a coffee shop or similar is usually fine.

How easy is it to rent a car?

Renting a car is pretty straight forward in the UK as long as you are the minimum age of 23.  There are a few large providers that can be found through the UK and a price comparison site is the best way to make sure you get the best deal.  Most cars will have a manual instead of an automatic gearbox which can be unusual for travellers from the US.

What’s parking like on the Yorkshire Coast?

There are plenty of car parks throughout the coast so parking should never be a problem, in the height of summer you may need to park at one a few streets away from the seafronts if they get busy.  These are almost all pay and display so bring change and avoid NCP car parks if you can as these are often the most expensive.  If you are looking to save money it is worth looking up the prices and locations of car parks in advance as there can often be large price differences between car parks just a street apart.

What about food on the Yorkshire Coast?

There are plenty of places to eat up and down the coast, however be aware that some takeaways and cafes will close early on Sundays.  Whatever you do make sure you get a traditional fish and chip meal at some point on your trip, anywhere on the coast is good for them!  If you happen to be pregnant while travelling then make sure to choose the proper foods and nutrients you may need depending on which phase of the pregnancy you are in. You can figure that out by using a pregnancy calculator.

Are dogs allowed on Yorkshire Coast Beaches?

Dogs are very popular in this part of the world and as we all know they love to play in the sea and sand as much as the rest of us.  While there are some beaches where dogs can roam free, there are others they can’t visit at all and in some it is dependent on the time of year.  Take a look at this link to see exactly which areas are dog accessible.

What’s the deal with the tides on the Yorkshire Coast?

If you want to time your visit with a stroll along the beach you will likely need to check with the tide timetable.

Is it safe to swim in the sea on the Yorkshire Coast?

If you can brave the famously cold North Sea then, for the most part, yes, provided you are a strong swimmer and the weather is fair.  There’s usually warnings around telling you where not to swim and if there are dangerous currents so pay attention to what is around you at all times, the currents can be strong.

Yorkshire Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Redcar

Starting the furthest north, Redcar is a seaside town often mistaken as being part of County Durham due to the relative closeness to the city of Hartlepool.  Once famed as a fishing village Redcar now contains plenty of museums, galleries and monuments as well as a picturesque beach.  Redcar has gone under a large seafront renovation in recent years including the addition of The Recar Beacon which opened in 2013 and stands as the most exceptional landmark of the area.  Standing at 80ft tall it is free to enter and provides panoramic views of Redcar and the surrounding towns.

Saltburn by the Sea

The Victorian seaside town of Saltburn has retained much of its historic charm.  The eye is drawn to the classic red and white Victorian cliff lifts (the oldest working balanced cliff lifts in England) which sit next to the colourful seaside chalets and the last remaining pier in Yorkshire.  It’s a place popular with surfers and hosts one of the UK’s biggest surf competitions.  The beach itself has blue flag status given for its clean beach, water and great amenities.

Staithes

Staithes is an Instagram-worthy small village that is surprisingly overlooked.  Similar to the more popular Robin Hood’s Bay in terms of architecture and quaint village appeal, Staithes is small and yet perfectly formed.  Its rows of 18th-century picturesque cottages lead down steeply to the water, where you can enjoy a pint or meal at the pub overlooking the water.  The winding cobbled streets and a handful of independent shops give this coastal village real charm.

Runswick Bay

Runswick Bay has a much more accessible route to the water than nearby Staithes and while the architecture and while it’s not quite as charming in my opinion the view out to sea here is one of the best.  The large white rocks that surround the sea make a great place to sit and take in the view if you want a break from the sand. Its status as one of the quieter destinations on the list is surprising given is has been voted Britain’s best beach just last year.

Sandsend

Just around the corner from the Whitby, you will find the pretty fishing village of Sandsend.  It is actually so close you can see Whitby Abbey and Whitby Pier from here and it is certainly an easy enough walk between the two designations.  It makes for a much calmer and quiet seaside visit then than it’s popular neighbour Whitby.

Whitby

The historic fishing town of Whitby is one of the most popular destinations in Yorkshire, and for good reason!  It’s the home of Dracula, Whitby Jet and Captain James Cook to name but a few.  It’s winding cobbled streets, charming boutiques and iconic whalebone framed view of Whitby Abbey are just a few of the draws that make people want to head to this beautiful seaside resort.  It’s small and compact size does mean it can get very busy in peak season so visiting outside these times would be ideal.  Make sure you take the time to walk up the famous 99 steps to Whitby Abbey and live your Dracula fantasy in the graveyard overlooking the ocean.  Bram Stoker wrote Dracula here and its influence can be seen everywhere, it’s why it is the location of its famous Whitby goth weekends.  If you want to really live the old world fantasy take a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam train which runs between Whitby and Pickering with a few other stunning stops along the way.

Robin Hood’s Bay

This picturesque village is known for being just that, a beautiful, quaint and completely British village that is very popular with Instagramers.  The cottages the tumble down the historic streets towards the seafront are a photographers haven!

Ravenscar

Close to Robin Hoods Bay, this is a great place to stop off for stunning views as Ravenscar offers a great vantage point across the Yorkshire Coast from its dramatic cliftops.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a typical British seaside in that it’s tacky, somewhat run-down, and yet full of charm.  The beaches and seasides are still great, there are fish and chip shops and ice cream bars everywhere and of course the all-important 2p game machines all up the seafront in the popular arcades.  Make sure you stop off at the 1950s themed Harbour Bar to treat yourself to an ice cream float and don’t forget to pick up a stick of rock.  If you want to spend more time here check out the Sealife Centre, Scarborough Castle and see who’s performing at the open-air theatre, which draws in some big names!  If you want the true British experience you’ll find it here.

Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay is a stunning curved bay which provides stunning views but is mostly known as a surfers paradise.  Getting down to the beach might not be so easy here but the views for above are worth a visit, even if you don’t want to head down to take in the surf!

Filey

If you are looking for a long stroll on the beach the 5 miles of Filey’s beachfront is the place to go.  Its Victorian promenade and Edwardian architecture is also a draw.  The famous Cleaveland Way, the 105-mile cliff walk around some of the Yorkshire Cost also starts here.

Bempton

Bempton village is a pretty place in its own right but it is the Bempton Cliff Nature Reserve that is the real draw to the area.  Around half a million seabirds gather here to raise families on the chalk cliffs that overlook the north sea.  Wildlife aside the white cliffs and stunning blue sea make for some amazing views, especially on a sunny day.

Flamborough

Closeby the Bempron Cliff Nature Reserve is the seaside village of Flamborough.  The white cliffs make for stunning views over the sea and bay and there is a beach, hiking, lighthouses and much more to see.

Bridlington

Bridlington is a typical northern seaside town with a historic promenade, wide beaches and fish and chip shops aplenty.  With funfairs, amusements and donkey rides there’s something for everyone in this kitsch seaside location.  The harbour always has plenty of boats to see as well as the lighthouse and even a miniature village for a truly traditional British experience.  Away from the seafront, the old town is full of stunning architecture and independent boutiques.  Events are often held here celebrating the history of the town such as the popular 1940s and Deckension festivals.  There are many historic churches, gardens and gatehouses to be discovered, some of which date back to medieval times.

Hornsea

Honeneaseas’s blue flag beach and Victorian promenade make it a draw for visitors who want to take in the beautiful seaside away from the crowds of nearby Bridlington.  It’s well known for its pottery production and Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake that is home to 250 species of birds alone.  The eastern end of the Trans Pennine Trail also ends here if you are looking at doing a hike in the area.

Withernsea

The small seaside resort of Withernsea marks the end of your Yorkshire Cost road trip where you will be greeted by the sight of the famous white island lighthouse, standing 127 feet tall and now home to a museum and the famous pier towers.

You can extend your trip by driving over the Humber Bridge to Barton Upon Humber for a bonus view of the vast Humber River from both sides as you pass over one of the longest bridges in the world (please note there is a fee to cross over the bridge).

The Yorkshire Coast Road Trip Route Map:

So there is the ultimate Yorkshire Coast road trip guide, where are you looking forward to seeing the most?  If you have any questions about the trip drop them down below and I will be sure to get back to you!

This post contains collaborative links made without compensation