Robin Hood's Bay Beach

Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach showing signage, a coastal town and café lifestyle


Explore the rugged coastline and beach of this quirky coastal village where smugglers hid contraband using a network of tunnels.

Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is a charming sandy opening on the eastern side of a small fishing village. The picturesque beach lies at the foot of the quaint hilly streets of its namesake village and is a part of the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy the steep walk down to the beach via narrow alleys from the summit of the village.

Cycle along the coast and enjoy the views of the sea and the cliffs. Note that the walk to the beach from the village is particularly steep. The stretch of sand is ideal for families due to its fascinating treasures, including crabs and fossils. Sunbathe on the beach with a view of the fishing boats.

Capture photos of the scenic bay from the Cleveland Way footpath or the surrounding cliffs. Watch surfers enjoying the choppy waves on windy days. Horse rides are available on the beach with the Farsyde Riding Centre.

Make your way through the maze of alleys of the village center and explore the quaint setting. Ascend meandering hills flanked by charming homes and cafés. Relax at a traditional pub with a plate of fish and chips and a beer. Among the highlights is the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, with trinkets and artifacts relating to sailing ships, smuggling and general life in the village.

Learn about the intriguing history of the bay. It has been linked to smuggling for centuries, with legends of underground passages between houses. It also served as inspiration for Leo Walmsley’s Bramblewick novels.

Embark on the scenic coastal walk from Whitby, 5 miles to the north, to reach Robin Hood’s Bay Beach. Alternatively, ride a bus southeast for 30 minutes from central Whitby to reach the beach. The journey to this charming bay in the North York Moors National Park incorporates the forested villages of Stainsacre and High Hawkser. Leave the car in the large parking lot above the village.

Reviews of Robin Hood's Bay Beach

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
111
" "5 - Excellent 54.679802955665025%
4 - Good
76
" "4 - Good 37.4384236453202%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 7.389162561576355%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.49261083743842365%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A most beautiful place, but the road down to the beach is very steep. Not too bad going down, but terrible to walk back up.

5/5 - Excellent

Lynda

Walk from whitby on the cinder track

5/5 - Excellent

Frances

You will need a car to get around all the pretty villages but some are easy to walk to.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

We could not get to see this beach as there was nowhere to park and it was very crowded.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Car parking limited.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Too steep to access the village.

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