A few weekends ago I spend a long weekend on the North Yorkshire coast with my family. Despite the dismal weather we had a smashing time having some much needed R&R.
Stay
We based ourselves in the beautiful little town of Sandsend filled with picture postcard cottages and a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach. Just a three mile coastal walk from the larger town of Whitby, we stayed in the quaint Thordisa Cottage which I found through Airbnb. Set right on the estuary overlooking the beach, the three bed cottage proved to be the perfect base for the family offering all the mod-cons; a hot shower, comfy beds, Wi-Fi as well as being dog-friendly for Reg, the cockapoo puppy.
Eat
It’s years since I’ve been to Whitby but I have fond memories of Christmas visits there when we used to rent a tiny cottage in Staithes. Personally I felt it had lost its shine this time round however this could be due to fact the weather was less than desirable. Also we were pounding the streets with a dog so couldn’t go into the haunts usually favoured by my Mum and sister such as the Magpie Cafe for Fish and Chips and the Marine Hotel for cocktails and prosecco.
Some of my very helpful instagram followers also suggested the Rusty Shears for tea, cake and gin as well as Beckett’s Cafe which is apparently cake-heaven and perfect for book-lovers. It’s only looking at their reviews now I realise they’re dog friendly so we could have stepped inside.
For a small place Sandsend has some fabulous places to eat. Two AA rosette restaurant Estbek House was just a couple of doors down (housed in an impressive Georgian building) however we chose to spend Saturday night at the Bridge Cottage Bistro. A small menu of tasty local delicacies left James tucking into lobster and me into lemon sole. We had a great meal and would definitely go back. We also enjoyed a tipple or two in the nearby pub, The Hart Inn (again just a few doors down) which had friendly staff, prosecco on tap and a roaring fire.
See
The sun didn’t decide to grace us with her presence so we spent most of the time either in the cosy cottage or walking the stretch of sandy beach at Sandsend.
We did visit nearby Robin Hood’s Bay to meander the charming winding streets and take a walk along the beach and if it hadn’t have been hailing we would have nipped to Runswick Bay. If there had have been more time we were also considering a trip along the North Yorkshire Railway too. Maybe next time…
Does anyone have any gems they’d like to share on the North Yorkshire Coast? Any favourite eateries or places to stay in the area surrounding Whitby?
Hadleys in Whitby for fish and chips! Its just on the rifht after you walk over the bridge. Love all the little shops as you make your way up toward the abbey but it’s a few years since I’ve gone up the 99 steps.
Sandsend is a real hidden gem, it’s so pretty and the beach is small and ideal for children. Used to go every year as a kid. The walk from Sandsend beach to Whitby is nice but don’t get caught by tide on your way back!
Bit further north but Saltburn is lovely these days, has a pier with knitted toys on it, surfing, great fish and chip cafe right but the beach and a beautiful park AND the funicular!
I went to Saltburn years and years ago and there was LOADS of surfers. Such a lovely place – didn’t realise there was a funicular!
Good point about the tide coming in – we got a taxi back as it was absolutely freezing by then!
Ooh we’re thinking of booking a last minute trip to North Yorkshire for our wedding anniversary, any tips for locations/accommodation for a bit of romance?!
Hopefully someone can recommend a luxury romantic cottage for you both Katie x
The pictures look nice and I definitely have to visit North Yorkshire on my next UK trip. Unfortunately, it is an area I haven’t visited yet, but I’m looking forward to going there in the future.
Hopefully you’ll get a chance to visit soon Mia – the drive through the Moors will take your breath away x
I don’t know about eateries but my recommendations would be:
Visit the lucky duck shop…and buy a lucky duck!
Visit the Sutcliffe Gallery – lovely photos of old Whitby life!
If feeling energetic and the weather is right, do the coastal walk from the abbey to Robin Hoods Bay – and reward yourself with lunch and beer at the other end!
We had a very interesting stay at La Rosa Hotel – each room is slightly bizarrely themed! Our room had a huge copper bath! It’s very well located, affordable and friendly – worth a look.
Whitby holds a special place in my heart and I think everyone should go and explore it! And yes Lauren, a brilliant drive over!
What an immense bath Ellie! Just checking out their website now x
I grew up in Middlesbrough and spent many a childhood weekend in Whitby and still love going back there now- to get the true Northern experience you have to try “humble pie n mash” – its a small cafe (dog friendly) serving comfort food including vegetarian pies too and old school desserts- doesn’t have a website but someone has done a write up here http://www.athriftymrs.com/2013/09/humble-pie-n-mash-whitby.html
Agree with the Marine being a good cocktail spot and i think it serves the best fish and chips too, also,not being much of a sophisticated type and favoring all things bad taste, I would also say no trip is complete without going to the dracula experience (so bad its good) and of course spending all your change in the arcade 2p machines.