I don’t know about you, but 2020 (and 2021) have really helped open my eyes to the beauty that we have on our doorstep. I’ve always considered ‘holidays’ as trips that involve a plane journey to a warmer climate, a new currency and some dodgy attempts at conversing in a local tongue. But now I feel rather smug that I have such a vast area of the UK to visit for the first time, starting with last months trip to the East coast! Let me tell you about some family friendly places to visit on the Yorkshire Coast!
1. Robin Hood’s Bay
Located around 15 miles north of Scarborough and 6 miles south of Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay is picturesque and charming fishing village. The winding roads consist of cute cottages and independent businesses, there is a photo spot on every turn!
What is there for children at Robin Hood’s Bay?
There are three sure hit areas to keep kids happy at Robin Hood’s Bay- the play area, the beach and the toy shop! These were all huge hits with Ace, and I’m sure you’ll find that in your household too!
Pirate Ship Playground
Situated at the top of the steep hill down into Robin Hood’s Bay sits a lovely pirate/ nautical themed play area. With something for young and older children alike, it’s a lovely place to start or end your day. It’s also the perfect spot to soak in the views in peace whilst the little ones play!
The upkeep of the play area is managed by residents, and there’s a little donation box if you wish to leave a little something after your brood have burnt off some steam!
Robin Hood’s Bay Toy Shop
Half way down the steep hill to the coast, you’ll find the cutest little toy shop. Honestly, it’s the prettiest little store and I’m gutted I missed getting any photo’s, inside and out! Ace absolutely adored it in here and we picked up a little something on the way down AND back up!
Next door to the toy shop is the Yorkshire Coast Dinosaur & Fossil Museum. It’s tiny (just like the toy shop) and we only glanced inside from the window- but- for any dino lovers it’s a good addition to your trip!
There is also independent stores selling ice creams, buckets and spades and gifts in this area. And lots more on the meandering roads off from the main hill.
Robin Hood’s Bay Beach
This isn’t your average sandy beach. Robin Hood’s Bay beach is nestled in a rugged cliff face with rocky pools underfoot. It’s a great spot for a fishing net, bucket and spade and an adventure!
2. More family friendly places to visit on the Yorkshire Coast – Filey and Cayton Bay
South of Robin Hood’s Bay (and Scarborough) you’ll find the popular seaside town Filey and the quieter area of Cayton Bay. Both were situated close to our holiday home and we visited after the crowds had headed home.
How family friendly is Filey?
Filey is a great place to visit and very family friendly. Although it gets busy (we visited late afternoon, mid week in term time) it’s worth driving around the area to catch one of the beach side parking spots. Especially if you have a tired toddler in tow!
Keeping little ones entertained in Filey
There is plenty to keep little ones entertained on Filey seafront, including a paddling pool, crazy golf and numerous ice cream stops.
The beach at Filey was more accessible than others we visited on the Yorkshire Coast, but in our experience, very busy.
A visit to Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay Beach is undeniably beautiful. The views from the parking to the left of the pedestrian pathway are simply stunning. It’s definitely worth parking up with a brew and taking it all in!
The walk down to the beach however was tougher than we thought. Definitely not one to attempt with a pushchair (we learnt the hard way let me tell you!) or lots of heavy beach toys and snacks.
Between the steep slope and wooden steps down to the beach, you’ll stumble across Lucy’s Beach Shack which sells hot drinks, snacks and all the beach entertainment little ones need.
Popular family friendly places to visit on the Yorkshire Coast
3. Whitby
Around 6 miles north of Robin’s Hood Bay you’ll find the famous Whitby Abbey. And if you’ve got the energy, you can climb 100 steps to see the Dracula fan sight up close. (in exchange for £10!)
There is plenty to see and do in Whitby. We’d originally planned to spend a day between Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, but found each town had much more to see and do than we thought.
Getting around Whitby with children
The River Esk runs through Whitby, giving the opportunity to enjoy a beach and harbourside experience in one day. However, Whitby is pretty hilly and you’ll come across some pretty steep points and areas more easily accessible by stairs, whilst navigating between the two.
We parked beach side on North Terrace, which was ideal for leisurely pushchair walks to admire the Abbey, Pier and grab a photo at the famous Whalebone Arch.
The Cliff Lift is the easiest way down to the beach with little ones, and quickly transports you down to the brightly coloured beach huts.
Reaching harbourside from this point may appear tricky initially. After reaching the Whalebone Arch, follow the road round with the Abbey on your left. You’ll spot a slight slope with a few benched areas- follow this S shaped path and after a while you’ll reach the harbour!
The harbourside is bustling. Ice cream sellers, arcades, fish and chip shops. And a pirate ship (which is really a restaurant) that Ace sat and admired for a good 15 minutes!
4. Scarborough
Probably the most famous Yorkshire Coast town on the list. And one that lived up to some of my expectations.
Which, I hate to say, was pretty low in points.
Scarborough South Bay, which was crammed with brightly lit arcades, overcrowded beaches and a hoards and hoards of tourists. Which just isn’t my bag I’m afraid.
However….
What to see in Scarborough North Bay
We had a lovely morning in North Bay area. Parking was more easily available and the whole area felt more calm. You can reach the quieter North Bay Beach here too. Our favourite parts were:-
Peasholm park
The Japanese style gardens are perfect for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle. Ace adored watching the dragon boats sail on the lake (and if he’d been a little older we’d definitely of hired one) and spotting all the friendly squirrels in the woodlands. And the the ice cream from the lake side café was divine!
north bay railway
When I thought of a family friendly holiday on the Yorkshire Coast… this was the picture I had in my mind, Travelling on a 1930s miniature railway along the seafront. Ace had the best time, and it was so worth the £4.50 return fare. (under 2’s go free)
There is lots more to do at North Bay Railway, including high ropes and water chutes, which would be ideal for older children too.
Family friendly places to visit on the Yorkshire Coast
I really hope you’ve enjoyed my round up of family friendly places to visit on the Yorkshire Coast.
Robin Hood’s Bay will always hold some special memories for me, and it was truly one of the most beautiful towns we visited. For traditional seaside vibes you can’t beat Filey, Whitby and Scarborough. And the views of Cayton Bay are just breathtakingly beautiful.
My Top Tips when visiting these family friendly places on the Yorkshire Coast
- Download the parking app- RING GO. Every parking meter we spotted accepted payment using this method and most weren’t giving change or accepting card. The queues to pay at Robin Hood’s Bay car park were 15 people deep with a 25 minute wait. No toddler will wait in that quietly, so the app was a lifesaver!!!
2. Consider using a sling / baby carrier. Although Ace is confident on his feet, he gets tired and grumpy quickly! Therefore a light pushchair for us was a must. However, for a younger child and baby, I’d take a sling or baby carrier. A much easier way to navigate those hills and steps!
3. Explore the backstreets! We stumbled across favourite spots in Scarborough simply by accident. Take a wander and leave the tourists behind.
I’ve uploaded a little video to my Instagram page of our holiday on the Yorkshire Coast, if you wanted to see a little more!
Do you have a UK holiday planned this year? Would you consider visiting the Yorkshire Coast?
If you’re still looking for inspiration you might like my post about our trip to Peppa Pig World last year!
Sian x
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