Start the year with a splash in one of these East Coast beaches:
FILEY
Filey’s long, picturesque promenade and sweep of soft, golden sand make it a true haven for beach lovers.
It’s the perfect place to go for a run along the beach, fly a kite, build a sandcastle or roll up your trousers, grab your fishing net and head for the deep rock pools. At the bottom of the beach is Filey Brigg which is a long, low headland jutting far out into Filey Bay. The walk along the top of the Brigg is fairly level and affords extensive views across the bay to the great chalk cliffs of Bempton and Flamborough and northwards towards Scarborough and the cliffs of Robin Hoods Bay.
WHITBY
Whitby is always a popular holiday destination but don’t worry, with over 2 miles of sand, there is more than enough room for everyone!
The West Cliff beach stretches up to the West Pier and as well as glorious coastal views, you can also see the vibrant holiday beach huts.
When you’ve had enough of the sand, you can head inland and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many fantastic Fish and Chips restaurants like the renowned Magpie Café or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can head up the 199 steps (don’t forget to count them on your way up) and explore the magnificent Whitby Abbey, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY
Brooding cliffs tower over a huddle of red roofed former fishing cottages that spill right down to the edge of the sea, creating a lost in time getaway for anyone who loves unusual architecture and breath-taking scenery.
SCARBOROUGH NORTH BAY
The town has not one but two great beaches to take advantage of. North Bay is a sandy beach with rocky outcrops to the north which becomes isolated at high tide and provides brilliant rock pool areas at low tide.
SCARBOROUGH SOUTH BAY
Separated by a crag topped with a castle, Scarborough North and South Bay are both popular holidaymaker spots. South Bay again has a large sandy bay and it also has a working harbour with a small fishing fleet as well as a new marina for yachts and pleasure boats.
Along the foreshore, you’ll not find yourself bored as the amusement arcades provide plenty of entertainment. On top of this there is Scarborough Spa which hosts outdoor concerts throughout the year.
CAYTON BAY
The Yorkshire Coast is one of the best areas for surf in England. This stretch of coastline boasts some of the UKs finest beaches and its natural geology creates some truly spectacular surfing conditions. At no place is this more evident than at Cayton Bay, which serves up a big swell that even the most experienced of surfers would relish.
Cayton Bay has a magnificent wide sweeping bay, a year-round dog-friendly beach, clean water, affordable parking and great facilities. A firm favourite not just with surfers but also bird watchers, fun-seekers and fossil hunters, or those who just want to relax and unwind.
BRIDLINGTON
Bridlington’s North Beach is clean and is a mixture of sand and shingle with extensive facilities and a cliff-top nature reserve. With a long and spectacular history, it is the venue of choice for many artists and touring shows so it is well worth keeping an eye on their programme of events.
