Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire

What a name for small and scenic village by the sea - Robin Hood's Bay.

It conjures up many visions but the reality is one of the most scenic bays in North Yorkshire.

Robin Hood's Bay lies about seven miles along the coast, to the south of Whitby. My first visit was about 16 years ago although we were actually holidaying in Whitby.

Wakening one morning to a beautiful, clear late spring day we grabbed a quick breakfast, crossed the bridge over the River Esk, walked through a cluster of quaint shops and set off up the 199 steps in Whitby which lead to the Abbey ruins that include Whitby Church and Monastery.

As the day looked so clear it was decided, keenly by me but reluctantly by my husband, that an after breakfast walk was needed.

We set out along the cliffs, following what is known as the Cleveland Way. It was not our intention to walk as far as Robin Hood's Bay but somehow we did.

This walk takes in a large part of the coastal countryside of North Yorkshire.

As we were both dressed in casual day wear, wearing only sandals on our feet, it was lucky that the day stayed so warm and clear. The North Yorkshire coast can have dense fogs, especially in spring and the walk turned into a bit of a marathon.

It became too far to go back, but still too long a distance to the Bay and it seemed as if the trek would go on forever.

Then all of a sudden we were there.

We had seen some fine scenery on our journey but nothing to compare to the sight of Robin Hood's Bay as we approached it. We were on the cliffs at the North of the bay and, as you look down, you can see the full sweep of the bay.

The traditional houses have red tiled roofs and are very higgledy piggledy in shape. We stopped at the first cafe which was just as we left the cliff approach.

After welcome refreshment we set off to explore.

There is a small village with a few bus stops and some lovely surrounding countryside.

However the tourists tend to head straight down to the sea front. The beach is not a lovely sandy beach although it is sandy in parts.

Fishing boats are launched from here and when the tide is out the beach is a mixture of sand, stones and rock pools.

It does feel like an unspoilt natural beach which is good.

It is one of those beaches that children who love exploring rock pools will adore. When the tide is in it comes very close to the buildings at the front.

The actual walk down to beach is part of the attraction of Robin Hood's Bay, as it is all downhill and through a real mish mash of shops, pubs and buildings. Parts of the walk down have railings which you can use to steady yourself in bad weather as it is so steep.

Obviously the walk down is generally a doddle but the walk back is another matter altogether.

Still you can keep stopping off at ice cream stalls, pubs and cafes for much needed refreshment. Among the buildings there is at least one museum, a church, some houses and many more unusual shops, rather than the old run of the mill seaside sellers.

I have visited Robin Hood's Bay many times since and have always enjoyed my visit.

The air is clean and fresh and the whole area is so picturesque whatever time of year, although it looks different depending on the particular season. 

Note
Robin Hood's Bay like Whitby and surrounding areas is very dog friendly. Though there are beach restrictions in the area many shops, bars and cafes allow dogs inside. Just make sure you ask first.

Where to stay

Images below are from a more recent visit to Robin Hood's Bay, late Summer 2017.

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