Though the ruins of Whitby Abbey give a gothic feel to the picturesque town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, the rest of the town is primarily tourists with a wide range of attractions. There are restaurants specializing in seafood and other coastal attractions, including the beaches in Whitby.
There is a long list of wonderful things to do in Whitby, and visiting the beautiful Whitby beaches has to be top of the list. The town boast of culture, art, architecture, and so many more. Many people, however, visit Whitby because of the seaside location. There are two main beaches in Whitby, but there are other surrounding beaches not far from the town.
There is nothing like enjoying the sea air in your lung and the sun on your skin to unwind from everyday life. We all love a day at the beach. Here are the ten best beaches in Whitby and its surrounding area to visit.
Beaches In Whitby
Whitby West Cliff Beach
Whitby West Cliff beach is a large sandy beach, also known as Whitby Sands beach. It is the most popular Whitby beach on the northern edge of Whitby town, just a few minute walk from the town’s center. This beach runs from Upgang beach to the mouth of the River Esk.
It is suitable for families and allows dogs from May to September. This beach offers everything you will want to make the most of your time, from donkey rides to colorful beach huts and a children’s paddling pool. There are deckchairs and windbreaks near the slipway where you can make the most of your time on the beach.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Whitby, consider The George Hotel. It is just a few minutes from the beach and is located in the center of Whitby. The hotel is affordable and offers an excellent breakfast for guests in the morning. Rooms are comfortable, with all necessary amenities provided. The hotel’s location makes it easy for you to explore Whitby and visit other attractions in the town.
Whitby Tate Hill Beach
The Tate Hill beach is a small Whitby Beach, but it is less crowded and dog-friendly. It is located within the sheltered harbor entrance. It’s a sandy beach so you can go with your bucket and your spade so you can build some sandcastles.
If you’re a picnic and campfire lover, this is the beach for you. You’re promised a great time on this beach with your loved ones. It’s a famous place to relax, sunbathe, and swim safely.
The best place to stay for easy access to this fantastic beach is Cyanacottages-Benson Gem which is just a minute’s walk from the beach. The hotel boasts a hot tub, terrace, city view, and garden. Couples particularly love this hotel. You can enjoy hiking nearby or have a stroll in the garden and enjoy a wonderful experience.
Beaches Near Whitby
Sandsend Beach
Sandsend beach is a sand and shingle beach perfect for families. Sandsend beach is long, and it runs from Sandsend Village to Dunsley Beck in the south. The beach is located a few miles north of Whitby, and you can even see the ruins of Whitby Abbey high on the Clifftops. This is one of the Whitby beaches that you can reach on foot from Whitby town.
The beach has a gorgeous view, and it’s not crowded. If you love surfing, this is the perfect place for you. During summer, part of the beach is set aside for swimming and is a great place to cool off. There are several beachfront cafes to enjoy some lovely delicacies after a fun time on the beach.
There aren’t big hotels here, but there are guesthouses you can choose from to stay in after your adventure on the beach. Mulgrave Country Cottage is just a 4-minute walk from the beach and close to the town center. Most guests love this cottage because of its location. It also boasts a private beach and a large garden. You will definitely enjoy your stay here.
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is an isolated little cove about 9 miles north of Whitby. Many people believe Runswick Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Yorkshire coast. The beach is also predominantly a sandy beach in Whitby; however, there are some scattered rocks and rocky areas.
It’s a great place to visit during summer and an excellent spot for families. Children can build sandcastles, play beach games, explore rockpools and even have a dip in the North Sea.
If you are big on water sports, this is the right place for you. You can surf, sail, paddleboard, waterski, and so on. You can also sit back and watch boat races or seals. It is one of the safe swimming areas, although there is no lifeguard.
Onshore, you can also enjoy rock pooling and fossil hunting under the cliffs or explore the cliff-tops along the Cleveland Way. It is a great fishing spot during winter. You can also take your dog for a run here as dogs are permitted all year round. No matter what you’re looking for, Runswick has pretty much got you covered.
There aren’t many accommodations near this beach, but you can stay at Normanby Cottage, which is on the beach. The hotel has great amenities, and the rooms are cozy and well decorated.
Upgang Whitby Beach
Upgang is a small, flat Whitby beach backed by the cliff between Sandsend Beach and Whitby West Cliff Beach. It is a sand and shingle beach that’s not famous like Sandsend or Whitby West Cliff beach. However, it is an excellent place for you if you enjoy surfing and would love a quiet time by the beach side sunbathing.
Upgang Whitby beach is a very popular fishing spot during summer. You can also walk your dog all year round as there are no restrictions.
If you need excellent accommodation near the beach, you can stay at Saxonville Hotel. The hotel is 3 minutes from the beach and has a great restaurant. It is in a beautiful and peaceful location on Whitby West Cliff, meaning you can also explore the Whitby West cliff beach.
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Saltwick Bay
Saltwick Bay is a northeast-facing bay about 1 mile east of Whitby. This is one of the beaches in Whitby where swimming isn’t recommended, so if you’re looking to have a dip in the water, this isn’t a good option for you.
You can access the beach via a footpath near Whitby Holiday Park. The beach is a sandy beach and a great place to search for fossils such as ammonites and belemnites. It is famous for fishing, and dogs are permitted.
There aren’t any accommodations on the beach, but there are accommodations nearby. One of them is Penny Hedge, Whitby by Marston’s Inns, which offers a great breakfast and service. Many people love the hotel because of its location. There are many attractions close to the hotel where you can have a great time, like the Sneaton Castle, Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby Harbor, and Whitby Abbey.
Robin Hoods Bay Beach
This Whitby beach is located to the south of the town. It is such a gorgeous beach, you will likely be awestruck by the view. If you’re looking to escape the Sandsend and Whitby West Cliff beach crowd, this is the right place for you.
It is worth noting that the beach’s name has nothing to do with Robin Hood but because the spot used to be an 18th-century smugglers’ den.
The beach is a beauty to behold, with its glistening golden sand stretching out to Ravenscar. It is dog friendly, and your children can also have a great time scouring the rock pools for sea life.
After a busy day on the beach, you can stroll into the village to grab a bite as there are some amazing pubs and cafés out there.
Grosvenor Hotel is an excellent place to rest after an activity-filled day on the beach. The hotel’s location is perfect because it is just a minute’s drive from Whitby, it is near the beach, and there are so many attractions near the hotel. Guests enjoy a full English breakfast in the morning and provide basic amenities.
Enjoying The Beaches In Whitby
These are some of the best Whitby Beaches near you when visiting the region. If you’re looking to have a seaside adventure in Whitby, these are great options. These are some of the favorite spots among locals and tourists.
Regardless of your preferences, be rest assured that these Whitby beaches will have something to offer. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing time by the sea or an adventurous time with a lot of waves, surf, and water sports, there is a beach in Whitby and its surrounding that fits the bill for a nice beach vacation.
