The Best Beaches Near Whitby – Stunning North Yorkshire Coastal Spots

Whitby beach on a sunny day — The huge expanse of golden sands at Whitby on a hot sunny summers day

There’s something undeniably special about the coastline around Whitby. Whether it’s the sweeping sands, dramatic cliffs, or the invigorating (read bloody freezing!) sea air, this stretch of the Yorkshire coast offers some of the finest seaside experiences in the UK.

If you’re planning a relaxing coastal escape at The Belfry Whitby, here’s our guide to the very best beaches to explore during your stay — from iconic seaside spots to hidden gems and easy day trips.

Beaches Around Whitby

Whitby Beach – Classic Seaside Charm

Just a short stroll from The Belfry, Whitby Beach is a must-visit. Stretching along the west side of the town, it offers everything you’d expect from a traditional British seaside experience.

Golden sands, colourful beach huts, and the iconic view back towards the town, harbour and clifftop abbey make it perfect for a leisurely walk or simply sitting and watching the world go by. It’s also one of the best places to catch both a sunrise and sunset over the North Sea!

Facilities include a café, toilets, deckchair and for the adventurous surfboard hire. Note the dog ban which runs from 1 May to 30 September.

Sandsend Beach – Peaceful and Expansive

Just north of Whitby lies Sandsend Beach, at all but high tide you can walk this long, unspoilt stretch of sand all the way from Whitby beach.

With charming cottages and a welcoming village atmosphere, Sandsend is perfect for a relaxed afternoon before heading back for a cosy evening. It’s wonderfully calm, with a charming village feel and excellent nearby places for a coffee and lunch or a few beers in The Hart Inn. The savvy pub goer can spot an oncoming bus from the beer garden, down their pint and make it to the bus stop just in time for it to whisk them back to The Belfry Whitby!

Runswick Bay – Picture-Perfect Coastal Beauty

Runswick Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful bays in the country.

A sweeping sandy beach backed by quaint cottages makes this an idyllic place to spend a slow afternoon. It’s also popular for fossil hunting and gentle exploring. Though it is a fairly long walk from Whitby along the Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay, the views are outstanding and refreshments are waiting in the one of the two village pubs or café. Again it’s easy to hop on a bus back to The Belfry Whitby for a well earned relaxation time.

Plenty of parking at the top of the cliff, there is some parking available at the bottom of the though it is limited.

Low tide at Runswick Bay — Down the beach at Runswick Bay towards the village clinging to the steep hillside.

Robin Hood’s Bay – Rugged and Atmospheric

Steeped in history, Robin Hood’s Bay offers a dramatic coastal setting. Worth visiting for the iconic view alone which can be enjoyed without making the steep decent down to the beach!

At low tide, vast stretches of rock pools and sand are revealed, making it perfect for curious explorers. Try a short walk along the beach to the next curiously named inlet, Boggle Hole, where there’s a YHA with lovely little café.

Again, a bit of a theme developing, but the buses back to Whitby from here are frequent so a moderate walk from Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay is well rewarded with fantastic views all along the route.

Robin Hoods Bay beach from above — Robin Hoods Bay with rugged North Yorkshire cliffs in the background

Staithes – Characterful and Quiet

Staithes is a charming fishing village with a small but beautiful beach overlooked by the fabulous Cod & Lobster pub.

Surrounded by cliffs and steeped in maritime history, it’s an ideal stop for those who appreciate peaceful surroundings. Beyond the harbour walls are miles of rockpools to explore, just beware of incoming tides.

Staithes harbour from the cliffs above — Staithes harbour and beach taken from the Cleveland Way

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Saltwick Bay – Wild and Unspoilt

Just east of Whitby, Saltwick Bay offers a rugged, natural coastal experience, known for its fossils, dramatic rock formations and shipwrecks.

Head up the 199 steps and it’s only 15 minutes walk along the Cleveland Way to reach Saltwick Bay. For the adventurous we would definitely recommend walking back to Whitby along the foreshore – however always check the time tides!

The wreck of the Admiral Von Tromp, Saltwick Bay near Whitby, Yorkshire England — Rocky outcrop of Saltwick Nab and the shipwreck remains of the Admiral Von Tromp trawler in the foreground.

Port Mulgrave – Atmospheric and Unique

Port Mulgrave combines coastal beauty with industrial heritage, making it a fascinating place to explore. Once a harbour it’s now occupied by a gathering of ramshackle fisherman’s huts above a shale beach which is great for fossil hunting.

Ask Phill or the kids about the walk to Staithes over the canyon of doom!

Port Mulgrave - Clifftop View from the Cleveland Way — View of Port Mulgrave from the Cleveland Way footpath.

Skinningrove Beach – Spacious and Quiet

Skinningrove Beach offers a wide sandy dune backed bay with the sandiest sand on the Yorkshire Coast — perfect for barefoot walks.

Cattersty Sands Beach and jetty, Skinningrove on the coast of the North York Moors, Yorkshire, UK, taken from the Cleveland Way coast path on a sunny day. — Cattersty Sands or Skinngrove Beach and jetty.

Perfect Day Trips Along the Coast

If you’re staying a little longer, these beaches make excellent day trips — all easily reachable by car or bus.

Saltburn Beach – Elegant Victorian Seaside

Saltburn Beach blends natural beauty with traditional seaside charm.

With its historic pier, cliff lift, and wide sandy beach, it’s perfect for a relaxed day out with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. Check out the renowned seafood at Seaview Restaurant.

Saltburn Beach Tramway — Saltburn By The Sea cliff tramway which links the Victorian town to upper and lower promenades. Saltburn Pier

Scarborough South Bay – Traditional Seaside Fun

For a classic seaside experience, South Bay delivers everything from sandy beaches to promenade attractions.

It’s lively, nostalgic, and perfect if you want to soak up that traditional British seaside feel.

Aerial photo of the town centre of Scarborough in East Yorkshire in the UK showing the coastal beach and harbour with boats and the Scarborough Castle on a bright sunny summers day — Aerial photo of Scarborough South Bay overlooked by the Castle in the background.

Scarborough North Bay – Scenic and Relaxed

North Bay offers a quieter, more scenic alternative to the busier south side.

Backed by dramatic cliffs and close to coastal walks, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Filey Beach – Vast, Calm and Unspoilt

Filey Beach is a real favourite for those who love space and tranquillity.

Stretching for miles, this gently sloping beach is ideal for long, peaceful walks and taking in the fresh sea air without the crowds.

Cayton Bay – A Surfer’s Favourite

Cayton Bay is known for its excellent surf and sweeping coastal views — a great spot for a brisk walk even if you’re not heading into the water.

The Perfect Base for Coastal Exploration

Staying at The Belfry Whitby B&B puts all of these incredible beaches within easy reach.

After a day exploring, return to comfort and unwind in your stylish room. Then wake to a freshly prepared Yorkshire breakfast made with the finest local ingredients — the perfect start to another day by the sea.

Plan Your Whitby Escape

Whether you’re drawn to iconic seaside towns or hidden coastal gems, this stretch of the Yorkshire coast offers something truly special.

We’d love to welcome you to The Belfry Whitby B&B — Book your stay at The Belfry Whitby and discover the best beaches on the North Yorkshire coast.