Get ready for our adventure in stunning North Yorkshire! We set out to uncover charming new towns and picturesque beaches, alongside some favourites we’ve visited before. Join us for another action-packed itinerary and share our top recommendations for a reet good getaway!
Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Since it was a long drive, we decided to take a break and stretch our legs at this stunning English Heritage site. The country house is well-preserved, and the gardens are beautifully manicured, with seasonal flowers on display. Fortunately, during our visit, we were treated to a vibrant sea of tulips. The site first opened to the public in 1995, and extensive work has been done since then to create the beautiful attraction you see today. There are gardeners everywhere, meticulously tending to the plants and lawns and ensuring that all the bushes are perfectly trimmed. We chose to skip the inside of the house (though I’ve heard it’s worth a visit) and instead enjoyed the tea room, where I must say, we had one of the best coronation chicken sandwiches we’ve enjoyed in a long time! If you’re an English Heritage member, this is definitely a perfect stop on your journey.
Staithes This quiet and charming fishing village was the childhood home of Captain James Cook. Parking is available only at the top of the hill, so be prepared for a steep walk down and an equally long and sweaty walk back up. Take a stroll along the high street, where each side street offers another opportunity for great photos. At the end, you’ll find the harbour, which is sheltered by rugged cliffs. Be sure to visit the Cod and Lobster, a perfect spot for a well-deserved pint with relaxing views. Additionally, this village is home to Dog Loup, one of the narrowest streets in the UK, measuring just 45cm wide.
Saltburn-by-the-sea This is where we chose to base ourselves for the next three nights, in an Airbnb just a stone’s throw away from the beach to the left, and the shops to the right. It perfectly captures the essence of a British seaside town, featuring colorful chalets, fish and chip shops, and a pier, but without the overwhelming number of arcades (although I do enjoy a slotties sesh) and other typical tourist tat. One of the main events in Saltburn is the cliff lift – it uses water to move the two carriages up and down, and is the oldest cliff lift of this type operating in the UK. The other is its pier – its Grade 2 listed and is the last remaining pier in Yorkshire!
Unlike our usual adventures, we decided to spend an entire day exploring the local area without using the car at all! We began the day with a stroll along the beach to Marske-by-the-Sea, where we stopped at ‘In the Dog House’ for coffee and cake. At first glance, the place looked a bit questionable, but the coffee was excellent (and I always appreciate a complimentary biscuit), and the staff were incredibly friendly. After our break, we took a different route back along the cliff walk to get a different perspective of Saltburn. We walked through fields with very inquisitive cows, maneuvered over a few challenging stiles (which were a bit tricky for Santa and his hip), and ventured into the wooded valley of Hazel Grove. From there, we visited the viaduct and Saltburn Gill before making our way back into Saltburn itself—it turned out to be a delightful 8.6-mile walk.
We then headed to The Ship for a much-needed drink, and Santa was thrilled to discover that they had Old Peculiar on tap! The pub boasts a large beer garden, which served as the perfect vantage point to watch the surfers while Momma snapped away with her camera. Next, we took a walk along the pier, had a quick go at the 2p machine (where we sadly won absolutely nothing 😩), and admired the colorful chalets. Finally, we returned to the beach for some fish and chips and a bottle of wine.
Rievaulx Abbey This monastery was one of England’s most powerful Cistercian establishments, founded in 1132 by just 12 monks. At its peak, it was home to around 650 residents until its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1538. Following this, it transformed into an iron forge, where the lay brothers at Rievaulx produced their own tools, nails, and cutlery. Eventually, the forge closed down, and the land passed through generations of the landed gentry before being designated a historical monument in the 1900s. Visitors can utilize audio guides and will find plenty to explore in these remarkable ruins, easily spending hours immersed in their history. We arrived here just after opening, so had the abbey to ourselves for most of our visit, much to Momma’s delight!
Helmsley From quiet to absolutely packed, we secured the very last spot in the car park! Helmsley is the only market town within the North York Moors National Park, featuring charming old sandstone buildings that host a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Thanks to the fantastic weather, the square was bustling with motorbikes, much to the irritation of the owner of the cafe we chose! After enjoying our mandatory coffee and cake, Momma took some time to explore The Ginger Bear, while Santa savored a beer at the brewery. Our final stop in Helmsley was the impressive castle, boasting over 900 years of history—marking our second English Heritage site of the day.
Thornton-le-Dale This pretty little village kept popping up during our research, so decided to swing by to check it out. The car park is huge, but the adjoining toilets were absolutely filthy (I just love seeing turd smeared all over the walls). Whilst the village has its appeal, a drive-through would have sufficed. However, we did enjoy a sandwich and sausage roll during our stop!
Whitby Whitby is an incredibly popular destination, and as an added surprise, it was the Goth Weekend! This event has been taking place since the mid-’90s, attracting people dressed in gothic attire and showcasing other alternative subcultures. While many attendees wore steampunk outfits, the variety of costumes was impressive and contributed to a unique atmosphere. We climbed the 199 steps leading up to the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which sits precariously on the windswept cliffs, often battered by the elements. Founded in the 7th century, this Abbey fell victim to King Henry VIII, resulting in the nearly complete demolition of its south side in 1539. Not only does the Abbey possess a rich and vibrant history, but it also served as inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
After exploring the Abbey, we visited Whitby Brewery, located in the shadow of the Abbey. Santa enjoyed a Black Death stout, and we all indulged in some delicious pizza. Afterward, we strolled over to the Whalebone Arch, erected in 1853, which frames a stunning view of the town below as well as the Abbey. To finish off the day, we headed to the East Pier to catch the sunset. The streets were now empty, allowing us to admire the old cobblestones and shopfronts on our walk back to the car.
Runswick Bay Runswick Bay is a hidden gem on the Yorkshire coastline, offering a picturesque village filled with charming atmosphere. Cue more red-bricked roofs and winding streets huddled together beneath dramatic cliffs. With the tide out, we had the opportunity to explore the stretch of coastline, although we unfortunately didn’t find any fossils. However, a young family enjoying the rock pools did discover a large lobster – I think the whole of Yorkshire heard her screaming “We’ve found a lobster”. We really enjoyed Runswick! We ended up staying longer than we thought we because it was so relaxing. We would highly recommend a visit here.
Robin Hood’s Bay Another popular destination, the steep hill from the top of the village provides views of the surrounding coastline. This hill leads down to the lower part of the village, a maze of narrow, cobbled alleyways lined with charming houses at every turn. Picture Yorkshire stone houses adorned with brightly painted doors and, of course, red rooftops. Momma was in her photography element, until we got to one of the iconic houses and it was covered in scaffolding..
Historically, Robin Hood’s Bay was a hotspot for smugglers. The police would frequently raid their contraband, only to indulge in the rum and brandy themselves. It often resulted in the officers falling into a deep, drunken sleep, allowing the smugglers to reclaim their goods!
During our visit, we stopped by a little hut near the beach to grab some sandwiches to enjoy at the top of the hill while taking in the views. Unfortunately, Santa’s tuna sandwich turned out to be a cheese sandwich instead. Of course, this didn’t phase him, and he still gobbled the whole thing up. We ended our day with a drink at the Victoria Hotel, which held a bit of nostalgia for Mum and Dad as it was where they stayed during their last visit.
Flamborough Head The last place we visited before heading home was Flamborough Head, a chalk headland known for its sheer white cliffs. It features two lighthouses: one built in 1669 and the other in 1806. The color of the water here was incredible—something you would expect from a tropical island, not the windy coast of Yorkshire. The photos truly don’t do it justice.
In addition to being an important site for seabird colonies (making it a hotspot for migratory birds), Flamborough is also home to a large population of seals. It was delightful to watch them play and lounge around the Drinking Dinosaur rock formation. If you’re a wildlife lover, this place is absolutely for you. We wrapped up our lovely few days with the most delicious ice cream before embarking on the long drive back to the Midlands.
