The 8 Best Coastal Views in Yorkshire 🌊
- SECRET YORKSHIRE
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Yorkshire’s coastline is a spectacular mix of dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and charming fishing villages. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a nature lover, or just looking for the perfect picnic spot, these coastal viewpoints will leave you breathless. Here are the 8 best coastal views in Yorkshire you simply can’t miss.
1. Flamborough Head
– White Cliffs & Lighthouse Views
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Standing atop the chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head feels like stepping into a postcard. The sweeping sea views are punctuated by two historic lighthouses and nesting seabirds. On clear days, you can spot miles of rugged coastline in either direction.
Best time to visit: Early morning for soft golden light and fewer crowds.
2. Whitby Abbey & Harbour
– Gothic Beauty Meets the Sea
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Climb the famous 199 steps to Whitby Abbey and you’ll be rewarded with a view over the red rooftops, bustling harbour, and shimmering sea. The mix of history, dramatic cliffs, and fishing boats makes this one of Yorkshire’s most iconic vistas.
Pro tip: Stay for sunset – the abbey ruins glow beautifully against the sky.
3. Robin Hood’s Bay
– Storybook Village on the Coast
Location: Between Whitby & Scarborough
Perched at the bottom of a steep winding street, Robin Hood’s Bay offers a timeless view: cobbled streets tumbling down to a sweeping bay. Low tide reveals rock pools and fossil-strewn beaches that stretch for miles.
Insider tip: The view from the Cleveland Way path into the village is unforgettable.
4. Bempton Cliffs
– Seabird Paradise
Location: Near Bridlington
Part of the RSPB reserve, Bempton Cliffs offers sheer chalk faces alive with puffins, gannets, and razorbills in spring and summer. The dramatic drop into the North Sea creates a spectacular backdrop for wildlife photography.
Best time to visit: Late spring during puffin season.
5. Sandsend Beach
– Wide Horizons & Rolling Waves
Location: Near Whitby
A quieter alternative to Whitby, Sandsend delivers a panoramic beach view stretching all the way to Whitby Pier. The shallow waters, golden sands, and dramatic skies make it a favourite with walkers and photographers.
Good to know: Great cafes nearby for a post-walk coffee.
6. Scarborough Castle
– History Overlooking the Sea
Location: Scarborough
From the castle’s high vantage point, you can see both North Bay and South Bay, with the town nestled in between. This is one of the few spots in Yorkshire where you can enjoy a 360° coastal panorama.
Pro tip: Visit during the annual Scarborough Seafest for music and seafood with a view.
7. Cayton Bay
– Surfer’s Paradise
Location: Between Scarborough & Filey
Framed by rugged cliffs and rolling dunes, Cayton Bay is a favourite among surfers. From the cliff path, you get sweeping views of the bay’s perfect curve and the North Sea beyond.
Best time to visit: Sunrise, when the water reflects pastel skies.
8. Spurn Point
– Where Land Meets Sea
Location: Humber Estuary
A unique coastal landscape, Spurn Point is a narrow spit of sand stretching into the sea. The ever-changing light and shifting sands make for an atmospheric and unforgettable view.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes – it’s a long but rewarding walk.
Final Thoughts
From the towering cliffs of Flamborough to the wild beauty of Spurn Point, Yorkshire’s coast offers some of the UK’s most memorable seaside views. Whether you’re visiting for a day or exploring the full coastline, these spots deserve a place on your must-see list.