Dawn at Whitby in Yorkshire

Dawn at Whitby in Yorkshire. Image by MARK BULMER

 

If you’re looking for seaside town perfection, a visit to Scarborough will not disappoint with two glorious stretches of sand and a retro vibe. Whitby with its jagged abbey ruins is alluring in its unconventionality. For bracing walks along rugged coast, head to Robin’s Hood Bay where red-roofed cottages cling to existence on the edge of the sea. And Bridlington is good old-fashioned Georgian elegance with an arching promenade flanking the beach and a quirky old town

You’re in wild country here and the region is one of the best in England for bird watching. You don’t need to be an avid twitcher to appreciate the sight of thousands of puffins, kittiwakes and other seabirds nesting against the towering 400ft chalk face of Bempton Cliffs. 

 

View from North Landing Beach near Flamborough

View from North Landing Beach near Flamborough. Image by DAVE ZDANOWICZ

 

An organised boat trip is a wonderful way to see the coast from another angle and you have a good chance of spotting minke whales, porpoises, seals and even the occasional shark at the right time of year. 

For those seeking adventure in the water, the Yorkshire Coast is the ideal place for surfing, kayak tours, stand-up paddle boarding and coasteering. Just be sure to pack a decent wetsuit to guard against the less-than-balmy water temperature.