23/07/2024
We’ve rounded up some of the best family/dog-friendly beaches you can easily visit from York.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea 🏖
Home to one of the best surfing spots along this section of North Sea coast, Saltburn is also protected from the wind by the cliffs. There is a lovely pier and other Victorian highlights including formal gardens with a miniature railway. It has a wide-open beach which is perfect for playing on, running and walking.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & single�🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes (dogs are not allowed in certain areas)�🚗 Car parking: Cat Nab and The Pier: £2.00 for 2 hours and £6.00 all-day�⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 mins (58 miles)�🍟 Dining options: There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from in Saltburn. �🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are situated close to the beach on Saltburn Road/Cat Nab car park
Runswick Bay 🏖
About 9 miles north of Whitby, Runswick Bsy is a very pretty village. You can enjoy building sandcastles, rock pooling or even brave a dip in the sea! Why not take a walk along the cliff-top or hunt for some fossils. No cars are allowed in the village so it’s a lovely place to stroll through the narrow, winding streets. You won’t find all the usual tourist shops, arcades and restaurants here, but it is perfect if you want some peace & tranquillity.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand, mud & cliffs�🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes�🚗 Car parking: Bottom Bank Car Park and another car park further up the hill�⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 mins (55 miles)�🍟 Dining options: There is a pub The Royal Hotel and more restaurants and pubs in nearby Staithes or Whitby.�🚻 Toilets: The public toilets are located on Bank Top Lane
Fraisthorpe 🏖
This long, flat and sandy beach form part of Bridlington Bay. It is a great beach for walking, playing and running along as there is so much space. It’s also great for kite-surfing! The village is set back about a mile away from the beach and has a range of pubs, shops and restaurants.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy�🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed year-round�🚗 Car parking: Parking is available at Auburn Farm (charges apply)�⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour (41 miles)�🍟 Dining options: The Cow Shed Cafe is located near the car park�🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located at Auburn Farm
Cayton Bay 🏖
There is quite a steep path leading to and from this beach, but it is worth the effort as it offers a wide sweeping bay, Situated between Scarborough and Filey, it in an unspoilt natural beauty spot that is popular with surfers, birdwatchers and fossil hunters. It is also a great place for a bit of rock-pooling fun.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sandy�🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed year-round�🚗 Car parking: From Filey road (A165 out of Scarborough) at traffic lights take a left turn into Cayton Bay which is clearly signed. Car park is situated at top of cliff and then you must proceed on foot down a steep bank to access the beach�⏰ Driving distance from York: 55 minutes (39 miles)�🍟 Dining options: Lucy’s Beach Shack sells snacks, sandwiches and a vast array of beach toys. There is a selection of cafes and takeaways in Cayton Bay, but if you want more choice you might want to head to Scarborough (4 miles away).�🚻 Toilets: Public toilets are located on the path to the beach
Hunmanby Gap 🏖️
This dog-friendly beach is in a picturesque cove offering spectacular views out to sea and is often fairly quiet.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 20 minutes (43 miles)
Sandsend 🏖️
This small, picturesque village is located between Runswick Bay and Whitby. A lovely sandy beach with small rivers running into the sea on either side makes it a very family-friendly spot. At low tide a large area of beach is available and there are plenty of rock pools. In the summer an ara of the beach is zoned off for swimming.
⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 20 minutes (50 miles)
Robin Hoods Bay 🏖
With a backdrop of craggy cliffs and fantastic views around the bay, Robin Hoods Bay is a great location for fossil hunting. Check the tide times before you go as at high tide the beach is largely submerged, but when the tide is out you can enjoy a small sandy and rocky beach with plenty of rock pools.
📍BEACH FACT FILE:
🏖 Type of beach: Sand & rock�🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes�🚗 Car parking: There are two public car parks in the village so you’ll need to walk to the beach which is very steep�⏰ Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 mins (52 miles)�🍟 Dining options: There a great selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes and of course fish & chips.�🚻 Toilets: There are public toilets at Station Car Park