Robin Hood’s Bay - Spectacular beach meets picturesque village

One of Yorkshire’s true jewels, Robin Hood’s Bay is a pretty village meets incredible beach, set in a sheltered bay on the beautiful Yorkshire Coast. You simply must visit, and it’s highly recommended to stay for more than a short while. Check

Discover Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay is a true gem of the Yorkshire Coastline. Brooding cliffs tower over a village of quaint charming cottages which spill right down to the edge of the sea. This picturesque destination is perfect for a cosy getaway where you can embrace the village’s unusual architecture and uncover the fascinating smugglers secrets of the bay.

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Accommodation in Robin Hood’s Bay

There’s many places to stay in the immediate area, which is very popular with visitors. Also check out our dedicate hotels in Robin Hood’s Bay page.

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Attractions in Robin Hood’s Bay

There’s plenty of things to do in the immediate area, including, of course, many hours of fun playing on or strolling along the beautiful beach.

Once you’ve enjoyed the sights and sounds, there’s plenty more to the North and South.

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About Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay is a small fishing village and a bay located in the North York Moors National Park, 6 miles south of Whitby and 15 miles north of Scarborough on the coast of North Yorkshire.

Bay Town, its local name, is in the ancient chapelry of Fylingdales in the wapentake of Whitby Strand.

Explore on Foot

Robin Hood’s Bay is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend break. After leaving your car on the cliff top, begin your descent through the twisting village on foot. Explore all the little cobbled alleyways and picturesque dwellings steeped in so much history of the village’s smuggling past.

History & Heritage

Discover the fascinating history of the fishing village and wander through the narrow winding streets where smugglers would slip through in the 18^th century with their illicit trade. Follow the Smugglers Route through the network of passageways where items such as tea, silk and tobacco were passed through.

Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the best spots for fossil hunting in the UK with some incredible discoveries across the years across the golden sands. You can learn more about the incredible fossil finds and the geology of Robin Hood’s Bay at the Old Coastguard Station & Visitor Centre.

The North York Moors

For sheer beauty, there is nowhere that can compare with Robin Hood’s Bay which sits on the edge of the stunning North York Moors National Park. Where else can you experience a landscape where stunning moorland, ancient abbeys and picturesque villages live side by side in such perfect harmony?

The surrounding area of Robin Hood’s Bay offers a multitude of beauty spots to explore. Head inland to the beautiful Sneaton Forest and its famous Falling Foss Waterfall or if you are feeling particularly adventurous check the tide timetable and take on the 3 mile walk along the beach to Ravenscar.

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Start / End of Coast to Coast

Robin Hood’s Bay is the end point of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route.

It is also on the Cleveland Way national trail.

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Origin of the Name

With such an evocative name, you would think it would be obvious where the name was given… but not so! The origin of the name is uncertain, and it is doubtful, that (legendary – and not certain to have existed) Robin Hood was ever in the vicinity of the village.

An English ballad and legend tell a story of Robin Hood encountering French pirates who came to pillage the fishermen’s boats and the northeast coast. The pirates surrendered and Robin Hood returned the loot to the poor people in the village that is now called Robin Hood’s Bay… or so the story goes.

What is certain, is the village now bears the name.

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Robin Hood’s Bay on the map

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Robin Hood’s Bay Fact Pack

1. Robin Hood’s Bay is a small fishing village located in North Yorkshire, England, on the coast of the North Sea.
2. The village is named after the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood, who is said to have hidden in the nearby woods.
3. Robin Hood’s Bay has a population of approximately 1,200 people.
4. The village is a popular tourist destination, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and stunning coastal scenery.
5. Robin Hood’s Bay is located within the North York Moors National Park, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
6. The village has a rich maritime heritage, with a history of fishing, smuggling, and shipbuilding.
7. Robin Hood’s Bay has a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the 15th-century St. Stephen’s Church and the Bay Hotel, which dates back to the 17th century.
8. The village has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several art galleries, craft shops, and music festivals held throughout the year.
9. Robin Hood’s Bay has a range of accommodation options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury holiday cottages and apartments.
10. The village has several pubs and restaurants serving traditional Yorkshire cuisine, as well as fresh seafood and international dishes.
11. Robin Hood’s Bay is known for its spectacular coastal walks, with routes leading along the clifftops and down to the beach.
12. The village is home to several species of birds and marine life, including puffins, seals, and dolphins.
13. Robin Hood’s Bay has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
14. The village was a major center for smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries, with tunnels and secret passages leading to hidden warehouses and storage areas.
15. Robin Hood’s Bay was a popular location for artists and writers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the painter John Atkinson Grimshaw and the novelist Bram Stoker.
16. The village has a number of unique and quirky attractions, such as the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, which tells the story of the village’s history, and the Old Coastguard Station, which is now a National Trust visitor center.
17. Robin Hood’s Bay has a vibrant community spirit, with several local clubs and societies, including a choir, a drama group, and a gardening club.
18. The village has a range of activities and attractions for families, including rock pooling, fossil hunting, and crabbing on the beach.
19. Robin Hood’s Bay has been used as a filming location for several TV shows and movies, including the BBC series “All Creatures Great and Small” and the film “Phantom Thread.”
20. The village has a number of annual events and festivals, including the Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Weekend and the Baytown Beer Festival.
21. Robin Hood’s Bay is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, with several local companies offering guided tours and equipment rental.
22. The village is easily accessible by road and public transport, with regular bus services connecting it to nearby towns and cities.
23. Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque and charming village, with a unique character and friendly locals.
24. The village is a great base for exploring the North York Moors and the surrounding countryside, with several hiking and cycling trails passing through the area.
25. Robin Hood’s Bay is a hidden gem of North Yorkshire, a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty, history, and culture.

Where next?

See more Yorkshire Coast resorts here.