What Is The Best Beach In Yorkshire For A Family Staycation Day Out?

Planning a trip to the coast can be a bit of a gamble. Will it be packed? Will it be clean? And, most importantly, will the fish and chips be any good? Well, it seems there's one spot on the Yorkshire coastline that's getting everything right. According to thousands of holidaymakers, Filey Beach has officially been named the best stretch of sand in all of Yorkshire.

It even beat its more famous neighbours, Scarborough and Whitby, in the rankings. This isn't just any old beach; visitors are calling this seaside gem classier and cleaner than almost any other coastal destination in the country. So, what's all the fuss about?

So, what's the big deal with Filey Beach?

On 17 August 2025, the news broke that Filey Beach had shot to the top of the charts on TripAdvisor. It wasn't a close call, either. Based on reviews from 2,646 visitors, the beach earned a brilliant 4.7 out of 5 rating. That's a lot of happy holidaymakers.

This picturesque spot is a classic British seaside town, but with a twist. It offers five miles of gorgeous golden sands, meaning there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Whether someone is building a sandcastle a bit too enthusiastically or a family is having a very serious game of rounders, there's no feeling of being on top of each other. This makes it an ideal place for a relaxed beach day, without the usual crowds you might find at other popular resorts.

One visitor, The Codnore Traveller, summed it up perfectly: "Filey as a seaside town is infinitely more classy than about 90% of all other UK seaside towns, and so it is little wonder that Filey Beach is one of the nicest in the country." They went on to rave about how incredibly clean it is. "This Beach is clean, and when I say clean, I mean CLEAN." When someone feels the need to use capital letters, you know they mean business. This underrated seaside gem seems to have cracked the code for a perfect coastal experience.

More than just sandcastles and sunshine

A great beach needs more than just sand, and Filey delivers. One of its standout features is Filey Brigg, a long, narrow peninsula that's a brilliant spot for a bit of exploring. It's here that adventurers, young and old, can discover loads of rock pools. Who doesn't love peering into a tiny little world, hoping to spot a crab scuttling away or a small fish darting under a rock? It's the kind of simple fun that makes a trip to the seaside so memorable. The coastline here is truly special, with the clear waters adding to the magic of the rock pools.

Beyond the rock pools, the town itself adds to the charm. There's a historic promenade perfect for a gentle stroll, an interesting sculpture trail to follow, and a much more relaxed vibe than its noisier neighbours. As another visitor, Michael Scott, put it after a trip from Scarborough: "Filey is so much quieter than Scarborough, and I must confess, much more to my taste. There was so much space that people had vast areas to play football, fly kites, and to sit quietly without any interference from anybody else... I must confess Filey quickly became a favourite. I will return." This quiet nature is what makes the town and its beach feel like a hidden gem, perfect for a staycation.

A proper day out for everyone

It's clear that Filey Beach is a place that caters for everyone. It's not just for families with buckets and spades. The vast expanse of sand and sea is a playground for all sorts of people. Helen H noted this, saying, "This stretch is used for a multitude of reasons: dog-walkers, surfers, fishermen and visitors." It's a real community hub where locals and tourists can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery together. Whether someone is looking for adventure in the crystal clear waters or just a peaceful walk along the golden sands, this beach has it covered.

The facilities are spot on, too. No one wants to be caught out without access to a good cafe or a shop for a forgotten bottle of sun cream. Helen H continued: "There are a selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops for holidaymakers wanting bucket and spades, and everything else needed for the perfect day on the beach." It's this combination of natural beauty and practical amenities that makes it such a winning coastal destination, perhaps even tempting people away from their usual holiday park.

Don't forget the fish and chips and ice cream

What's a trip to a British seaside town without fish and chips followed by an ice cream? It's practically the law. And, of course, Filey has this covered. One reviewer, Munchmunchtime4lunch, gave some top tips: "Beach is lovely- sandy- designated dog areas. Lovely fish and chips place at the top of the beach... The cook to order so you will have to wait." That's always a good sign - freshly cooked is always worth a little wait.

They also pointed out a place that was a hit with everyone, including four-legged friends. "There was a place that sold ice cream and drinks and beach stuff (very busy) including some doggy ice cream for dogs." A proper family day out where even the dog gets a treat. It's these little details that make a place special. Filey isn't trying to be flashy; it's a traditional Yorkshire seaside escape that focuses on being incredibly clean, friendly, and beautiful. It's a true seaside gem that proves sometimes the most underrated places are the best ones for a perfect staycation.