The Yorkshire Coast

If you think the only white cliffs in the country are to be found at Dover, think again. Yorkshire boasts a coastline to rival any in the UK, and the vertiginous chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head , sadly not immortalised in song by Dame Vera Lynn, are nevertheless a wonder to behold.  Add to this the numerous coves and bays tucked beneath these looming giants, the amazing colonies of gannets and puffins who make them their summer breeding grounds and the diverse sea-life  enriching the waters below and you have a ‘must-see’ destination among many belonging to the Yorkshire Coast.

From the wide banks of The Humber and eerie Spurn Point , stretching as far as Whitby Abbey and some way beyond , the Yorkshire Coast offers an incredible variety of experiences.  The wildlife enthusiast  can spot whales (yes really) , porpoises and seals , plus  numerous species of migratory birds who use the coastline for navigation  and stopping off points in Spring and Autumn.

Adrenalin junkies are well served too. Surfing has steadily grown in popularity along this coast, but especially just south of Scarborough at Cayton Bay, sand- buggying and kite-surfing have  a following at Fraisthorpe – wide sands and not too many tourists -and wreck diving has a wealth of sunken ships to explore, as before modern navigation, these were treacherous waters.

Castles, ancient and modern lighthouses, World War Two pill-boxes are all to be found on headlands and shores.

The children can have fun looking for fossils at Robin Hood’s Bay as they are plentiful. They might even pick up a piece of semi-precious Whitby jet!

And, of course all the traditional experiences we associate with the sea-side are there to be had – sandcastles, donkey rides, fish and chips, wonderful cliff-top walks and the general sense of well –being and relaxation that is part of the nostalgic package of a holiday break by the sea.

This post was kindly written by Angela Foster of Field House Farm Cottages, High Barn and the York Hop Store.