Best beaches in Yorkshire: a guide

From sandy stretches that are dog-friendly all-year-round to the best accessible coastal spots, we've got you covered with our guide to the best beaches in Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire coastline is a masterpiece of natural beauty and traditional British charm. ‘God’s Own Country’ remains one of the best seaside destinations, offering a diverse range of experiences for every holidaymaker.

In this Yorkshire beach guide, we break down the cream of the crop into different categories, so you can find a coastal stretch to suit your needs.

Best beaches in Yorkshire near a UK Club campsite

Cayton Bay Beach, near Cayton Village Club Campsite. Member photo by Janet Whincup.

Cayton Bay Beach, Cayton Bay

Type: sandy

This wild expanse of one of the most underrated coastal spots in Yorkshire, so it’s incredibly convenient that there’s a UK Club campsite so close.

Friendly for dogs all-year-round and a spot that’s great for surfing, Cayton Bay is versatile as well as beautiful.

Stay at: Cayton Village Club Campsite - 1 mile away

Robin Hood’s Bay, near Whitby

Type: sandy, rocky

This is a dramatic rocky and sandy bay famous for its steep, narrow streets and fossil hunting.

A former centre of smuggling, the village itself tumbles down towards the North Sea, offering panoramic views. Bring your camera!

Stay at: North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Bridlington Beach, Bridlington

Type: sandy

Enjoy the classic charm of Bridlington’s vast, sandy shores, where traditional promenades and colorful beach huts meet the refreshing spray of the North Sea.

With its bustling harbour and shallow waters, it’s a great spot for a day out.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite - 2 miles away

Best scenic beaches in Yorkshire

Flamborough North Landing, near Bridlington Club Campsite. Member photo by Sarah Ottewell.

Runswick Bay, near Whitby

Type: sandy

Frequently voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, Runswick Bay is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped haven.

Surrounded by cliffs, it’s within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and is flanked by red-roofed cottages.

Stay at: North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite - 12 miles away

North Landing, Flamborough

Type: sandy/ pebble

Nestled within the striking white chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head, North Landing is a rugged and wild cove.

It feels worlds away from the busy resorts, offering clear waters that are often teeming with marine life. In the warmer months, you may catch some puffins nesting.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite - 3 miles away

Staithes Beach, Staithes

Type: sandy

A former major fishing port, Staithes is now a quiet, incredibly picturesque village where the North York Moors meet the sea.

The beach is nestled within a historic harbour, surrounded by high cliffs, making it one of the most scenic beaches in Yorkshire.

Stay at: North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite - 14 miles away

Best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire

Fraisthorpe Beach, near Bridlington

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

Located just south of Bridlington, Fraisthorpe is a vast, flat expanse that seems to go on forever. It is a favorite for dog owners because there are no seasonal restrictions, and the shallow tide allows for plenty of safe splashing.

Look out for the World War Two pillboxes that have fallen from the cliffs that make for an interesting photo opportunity during your walk.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite - 9 miles away

Barmston Beach, Barmston

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

Barmston offers a much quieter, more rural experience than many of its neighbours. This is a peaceful stretch of coastline characterised by long sands and grassy dunes. Because it lacks the facilities of the larger resort towns, it remains a hidden gem where your dog can run for miles without the crowds.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite - 11 miles away

The Bay Beach, near Filey

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

This stretch of the five-mile Filey Bay is perfect for dog owners. At low tide, the sand extends for hundreds of yards, revealing shallow pools that are safe for dogs to splash in. Much quieter than the main Filey area, it’s vast expanse with no restrictions.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite or Cayton Village Club Campsite - both 8 miles away

Best family beaches in Yorkshire

Whitby, near North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite.

Filey Beach, Filey

Type: sandy

A quintessentially British seaside town that’s been welcoming guests for decades, Filey is one of the best family beaches in Yorkshire. The promenade features a sculpture trail and the nearby Filey Brigg offers fascinating rock pools for ‘mini-beast’ hunting.

Stay at: Cayton Village Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Scarborough South Bay, Scarborough

Type: sandy

From donkey rides and amusement arcades to the historic Victorian cliff lift, there’s never a dull moment on Scarborough’s South Bay.

The bay is sheltered by the castle headland, making the waters generally calmer for swimming. The harbour area is a great place to watch the fishing boats bring in the daily catch.

Stay at: Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Whitby Beach, Whitby

Type: sandy

Sometimes known as West Cliff, Whitby’s main beach has everything needed for a great day out with the family.

There are colorful beach huts for hire, a large children's paddling pool on the cliff top and plenty of space for kite flying. It’s a short walk from the town’s famous fish and chip shops and the iconic whalebone arch.

Stay at: North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Best surfing beaches in Yorkshire

North Bay, Scarborough, near Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite. Member photo by Georgina Lill.

Saltburn Beach, Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Type: sandy/shingle

Saltburn is the hub of the North East surfing community. The Victorian pier creates a reliable ‘break’ that is ideal for all skill levels.

With professional surf schools right on the promenade and a cool, laid-back vibe in the local cafes, it’s the best place to catch your first wave or hone your skills

Stay at: North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite - 25 miles away

Scarborough North Bay, Scarborough

Type: sandy, rocky in places

Scarborough’s North Bay is where you’ll find the locals when the swell is up. It’s a Blue Flag beach for its excellent water quality and is generally a calmer spot than the town’s South Bay. It’s undoubtedly one of the best surfing beaches in Yorkshire.

Stay at: Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Best accessible beaches in Yorkshire

Hornsea Beach, Hornsey

Type: sandy/shingle

Hornsea is a classic Victorian resort with a focus on accessibility. The promenade is long, flat and offers sweeping views of the North Sea.

There are multiple ramps providing easy access to the sandy beach and the town is well-equipped with accessible facilities. It's a quieter alternative to the larger resorts, perfect for a peaceful day by the water.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite  - 18 miles away

Bridlington North Beach, Bridlington

Type: sandy/shingle

Unlike many of the more rugged Yorkshire beaches, the north end of Bridlington Beach is backed by a wide, level promenade that connects directly to Sewerby Hall and Gardens.

The area is famous for its Land Train, which is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, allowing you to travel along the clifftop from the town center to Sewerby with ease.

Stay at: Bridlington Club Campsite - 2 miles away