Ravenscar, Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and Sandsend

July 2021

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Discover the rich history of the Yorkshire coast as you explore the winding streets of this fascinating seaside quartet

Each of these hugely popular seaside resorts have their own distinct characteristics, but together they offer a tantalising glimpse into the Victorian history of the coastline, and legends of smugglers, vampires and ghosts haunt the cobbled streets. Ravenscar offers sweeping views and bracing sea air, while Robin Hood’s Bay combines cobbled streets with a traditional fishing village atmosphere. Further north, Whitby is a famous fishing port that is steeped in history. Whitby inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula, as well as housing Yorkshire’s famed son, Captain James Cook, during his apprenticeship. Travel a little further, only two miles, and you will find Sandsend coastal village. Sandsend is home to a wide sweeping beach that attracts rock- poolers and crab-catchers, whilst surfers and paddle boarders head to the shore when a coastal breeze comes blustering across the sea.

Base Camp

For an authentic seaside stay, rest your head in Madeline’s View harbour-side cottage, which overlooks Whitby harbour as well as the Abbey. Sleeping up to four guests, this coastal bolthole is the perfect base for discovering a taste of all Whitby has to offer. Or, try Water’s Edge apartment for a quieter night’s sleep. This Sandsend apartment is only a stone’s throw away from the sandy beach. For a luxurious retreat head to Raithwaite Sandsend. A family and dog-friendly hotel, there’s a great choice of rooms, an excellent restaurant and fabulous outside terrace overlooking the hotel’s beautiful gardens. Near Robin Hood’s Bay, the Victoria Hotel offers luxurious, sizeable rooms, and panoramic sea views.

For an authentic seaside stay, rest your head in Madeline’s View harbour-side cottage, which overlooks Whitby harbour as well as the Abbey. Sleeping up to four guests, this coastal bolthole is the perfect base for discovering a taste of all Whitby has to offer. Or, try Water’s Edge apartment for a quieter night’s sleep. This Sandsend apartment is only a stone’s throw away from the sandy beach. For a luxurious retreat head to Raithwaite Sandsend. A family and dog-friendly hotel, there’s a great choice of rooms, an excellent restaurant and fabulous outside terrace overlooking the hotel’s beautiful gardens. Near Robin Hood’s Bay, the Victoria Hotel offers luxurious, sizeable rooms, and panoramic sea views.

Perfect Weekend

Once used as a signalling station for the Romans, Ravenscar is a great place to start your weekend. Explore the rocky shores which are backed by dramatic clifftops, perfect on a sunny day, or try a round on the nine-hole golf course that weaves across the clifftops. The quaint fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay is ripe for exploration. From rock-pooling to fossil-hunting, spend your weekend combing the shore. Check out Robin Hood’s Bay Museum and discover carefully-curated local memorabilia when the weather turns cold. Don’t forget to take a glance at the village’s parapet mosaic wall (it’s believed to be one of the longest in the country) which tells the long history of Robin Hood’s Bay.

Whitby is packed with must-see attractions such as the Captain Cook Memorial Museum – a 17th century house once home to young James Cook, and now home to original paintings, maps and manuscripts, as well as artefacts that tell the story of his voyage to the South Pacific. Whitby Abbey is also not to be missed – although this would be pretty hard given its size and imposing position above the town. Uncover centuries of history amongst the monastic ruins, and take in fantastic sea views. After all that you’ll be needing to refuel, so head to the Magpie Café for award-winning fish and chips. This Whitby hotspot is known for its queues, so if you don’t want to wait, book a table at The Star Inn The Harbour, where exciting dishes are crafted using local ingredients. If you’re feeling peckish, try surf ’n’ turf dishes that are a speciality here.

If your Sunday is spent in Sandsend, the beach will be calling your name after you’ve indulged in a beachside breakfast at Sandside Café. This glorified beach hut sits right on the water’s edge so you can soak up the sea air whilst enjoying a famous Whitby crab sandwich. Explore Sandsend’s charming coastline, with rocky caves to delve into, or head up the old railway path to make the most of the towering clifftop views. At Sandsend, the two AA Rosette Estbeck House is the place to wine and dine with daily changing, coastal-inspired menus.