Welcome to North Yorkshire! Tucked away quietly in the northeast of England, facing the North Sea, North Yorkshire has long been considered a true gem of a British location. Described as England's "Garden of Eden" by some, there is much more to this large county than first meets the eye. Full of rolling hills, stunning cliffs, and almost endless uninterrupted countryside waiting to be explored. Its stunning coastlines are home to those braving the wild cold waters with a range of water sports offered up and down the various stretches of sand and small harbours. North Yorkshire rewards those who travel off the beaten path, so far untouched by the mainstream excitement for modern, bustling cityscapes. Our travel guide will walk you through its culture, food, attractions, islands, national parks, and charming village towns you might not have heard of before. Known mainly for being rich in British culture and heritage, North Yorkshire is home to the once-Viking and Roman city of York. In the drive between York and the North York Moors railway station, it is possible to visit the thrilling passages in the city of York, which educate visitors on a range of historical periods in Northern England since Caesar's time, before moving on to Castle Howard. Parks and picturesque towns become the backdrop to endless strolls.
About North Yorkshire
Bordering Cumbria, County Durham, and the Humber River, North Yorkshire is part of the historical region of Yorkshire. Characterized by towering moors, mysterious forests, and serene harbours, North Yorkshire offers a rich tapestry of local traditions and breathtaking scenery. Attractions include the historic Scarborough Castle, the world-class Yorkshire Dales and the historical site of the Trolleybus Museum. The area is also famous for its numerous golf courses and equestrian centres, partly due to being well-suited to horse and deer riding. While the region's maritime climate can be cold and wet during winter, there are four distinct seasons. Travelers are encouraged to visit in the summer; however, the colder months are ideal for traditional English winter recreation.
One of the reasons North Yorkshire is such a magical place is that so many diverse cultures have previously settled there. The Celts, the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, the invading Danes, the Norse, and the Normans – all left their mark. This mixture of northern races created a distinct and unique cultural landscape – a place like North Yorkshire cannot be replicated. Reflected in the many festivals and country fairs that can be enjoyed all through the year and the warm welcome visitors will receive is the rare and vibrant tapestry of rural life. The coastline of North Yorkshire is also the beginning peak of the Cleveland Way, which meanders through the North York Moors to Helmsley in the south. Out towards the natural North Sea border with hundreds of monuments, miles of idyllic golden beaches, and the North York Moors, the west coast comprises rocky headlands and spectacular chalk cliffs. The Flamborough Headland makes an ideal resting point for wildlife and birdwatchers, while the beautiful fishing ports of Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay are also steeped in history and heritage.
Getting There
The scenic North Yorkshire is located on the UK's East Coast and is comfortably accessible from other cities and areas. Those driving to North Yorkshire will travel by the route A1 northwards, taking the East-Central route from London, targeting Newark. Alternatives to booking train tickets to Yorkshire will involve boarding trains that run between London and Edinburgh and Alnmouth if travelling from other cities, including Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Newcastle. The final aspect of travelling to the Yorkshire area is travelling by aeroplane and landing at one of the local airstrips, which thrive there. Humberside Airport is most significant among these destinationsis, where a seamless air-to-road trip service operates. Local bus services connect the cosy travel spot of Scarborough on Sundays during peak season; pre-booking tickets is advised. Transportation to the garden town of Harrogate is easily accomplished by frequent bus services running to Leeds. With regular train services leaving from Cleethorpes to Hull, an interchange for the service to Sheffield will allow for the extension of travel to the market town of Shipton-by-Beningbrough. Travel on to York by train, having access to a range of services with high-speed rail companies. Remember to purchase tickets before travelling to secure the best price point online or further travel to Thirsk with a change in York. Replace local train services in Middlesbrough for a trip to Northallerton by bus. Finally, pre-booking a space on a local service to Bearsden upon Trent or Knaresborough for weekend travel is advisable.
Taking P&O Ferries from Holland to Newcastle upon Tyne
Taking the ferry from Holland also has its advantages. You can travel at your own pace, using the ferry ticket as an all-inclusive vacation, and have the lucky coincidence of being able to bump into some dolphins even before you arrive in Great Britain. Ferries also connote a wider range of voyages and add value. The ferry trips, however, do offer a wide range of amenities. First, a cabin with toilet, shower, television, and telephone. The ferry's self-service restaurant is open 24 hours. There is also a bar on board, while shopping opportunities are not lacking. Passengers can also use various games of chance in the casino, while artists can take photos or find enlightenment and relaxation in the chapel. Crossing the North Sea can be dangerous; it can be pretty choppy even when reasonably calm. Several ferries sail over the North Sea, although the ferry from Hull in the north of England to Zeebrugge in Belgium or Europoort near Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is much more prevalent in tourism. The ferry from Holland to Newcastle upon Tyne sails thrice daily, taking about 15 hours. It leaves IJmuiden at 17:30; the next departing ferry goes a little earlier, at 16:00, and the first early morning ferry goes at 09:30. Of course, ships, routes, and times can be subject to change. When booking a ferry, a seat must be reserved; without prior reservation, boarding is not possible. This costs about €10, but making a reservation on board is also possible. The time required to catch the eye is about 16 hours, though the voyage duration can vary. Everyone must be present an hour before departure at the terminal, but motorists must be there an hour and a half before their time of departure. Upon arrival in Newcastle, bus services to various destinations are already waiting in front of the building. Only passengers on foot must go to customs and immigration with the other passengers after leaving the terminal.
Taxi to Runswick Bay
Exploring North Yorkshire
You will need to get from Newcastle to Runswick Bay, where I recommend you start your weekend. The most convenient way of getting to Runswick Bay would be by taxi. A chauffeur service would drive you for 85 miles and about 2 hours. This being the case, the trip would cost about £250. But car hire is also available for £30 per day. However, consider an additional insured driver where you must pay £10-12 a day, making your car hire totals of £40-42. It is worth mentioning that these costs are accurate as of the time of writing. Taxi to Runswick Bay: Newcastle taxi services generally operate at fixed prices to Runswick Bay, so it's worth discussing this before you book. A cab from Newcastle to the peaceful coastal village in North Yorkshire would take about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive 85 miles. The fare generally costs approximately £270-300. While £300 may seem steep, taxi services are incredibly reliable across the North York Moors during the summer months. The railway line often becomes closed at these times. Arange of reliable taxi firms thatan get you from wherever you are staying in Newcastle to Runswick Bay. Pre-booking a taxi would be your best port of call about 2 weeks before you wish to travel, particularly if you are journeying over a bank holiday, half term, or the summer. Again, the fare could be reduced if you book a return. The North Yorkshire Coast, especially the Whitby and Runswick Bay locations, are known for attracting tourists and are popular places to eat and stay. The economy will differ with hotels, restaurants, and cafes, depending on the time of year.
Discovering Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is a gem on our Cleveland coast of the North Sea. It extends along the bay, which puts out to sea to the north and encompasses a delightful little beach, the village straggling up the bank. The rising ground behind the bay always makes such a pretty background, and the walk from Runswick Bay up to the cliff top is enriching, enabling you to see that part of the cleavage of the coast. Some great interest is shown by the sideways thrust of the rocks under the sand. Their materials are primarily sandstones such as the Bretton and the Alum Shales, and under them is the Dogger, which is of no great botanical interest but can be seen more readily here than in many other places.
An example of the striking coastal scenery can be discovered in Runswick Bay, a village that straggles around the curve of a bay containing an unexpectedly small sandy beach hemmed in by high cliffs and rocky scars. Its singular charm and accessibility help make it quite a magnet at holiday times, as does its community atmosphere, complete with art galleries, local shops, and very characterful restaurants. It has drawn summer visitors for centuries. Many have returned en famille – one of the most eventful times to come is perhaps on New Year's Day when Runswick's famous dog racing takes place. The time of day and month plays little part in how much one might appreciate Runswick Bay. It is beautiful for walking either along the coastline north to Staithes or south to Kettleness or for shorter walks higher up along the cliff top. Swimming is safe; there's more than enough sand to build vast castles, and how the cliffs cup the sand causes the sea to warm up quickly. A regular bus service connects Runswick Bay with the surrounding towns, villages, andas Sandsend and Whitby.
Attractions and Activities
Runswick Bay is packed with attractions and activities to cater to everyone. For the history buff, there's the nearby and world-renowned Staithes, home of Captain Cook. Visitors can wander the cobbled streets and then relax on the harbourfront while watching the many boats bobbing around. Creative individuals will enjoy visiting the Captain Cook and Staithes Centre to see artwork, photography, gifts, and books from local artists celebrating the birthplace of James Cook. Alternatively, why not visit the village of Hinderwell, where you can pop into the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum and get an exciting insight into the village's history.
If local nature appeals to you, the Cleveland Way is nearby and offers a short, gentle stroll or a strenuous all-day hike to vantage points such as Kettleness, Roxby, and the top of Old Runswick. The southern section of the Cleveland Way, reaching as far as the small fishing town of Whitby, is graded moderate, and walkers will be rewarded with stunning scenic views as they amble along the coastal path. And for the water lovers among us, the neighbouring bay of Sandsend and the town of Whitby provide coastal access to scuba divers, surfers, sea anglers, sailors, and more. For those who prefer a less pacey approach, the Blue Flag beach in Sandsend is ideal for paddling, bathing, and picnicking on the sandy beach. For wildlife enthusiasts, Robin Hood's Bay is one of the best places on the coast to see seabirds such as Kittiwakes and Fulmars; alternatively, get the old-world railway steam nostalgia at the North York Moors Railway, which starts in the famous market town of Pickering. There is also a range of events, from regattas to folk weeks to tractor festivals and more, to cater toto various interests and hobbies. And after all that activity, why not visit one of the hidden eateries and cafes in and around the bay.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
If you're drawn to Runswick Bay, there's a good chance you're also attracted to the sheer beauty of the surrounding North York Moors. Sure, coastal towns are always built to snag your attention with their charm and novelty, but when I travel, I always aim to explore the surrounding area of a place I'm visiting to gain a broader understanding of where I am. From Runswick Bay, there are three nearby areas that you can see for day trips. Each has enough going for it that you could easily spend a day exploring one of these towns on your visit to Runswick.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is the closest town to Runswick Bay, and by hopping on a bus, it's only about a 30-minute ride down the coast to get there. Exploring Saltburn is an excellent way for travellers to experience visiting a possibly overlooked place for a day. The town of Whitby is a bit further away from Runswick Bay than Saltburn, about 50 minutes by bus. Still, it is a popular day trip due to its rich history, excellent beach, spooky associations, culinary delights, and lovely location at the mouth of the River Cree. Buses to and from Whitby run approximately once an hour. Inland, the market town of Pickering is about 40 miles east of Runswick Bay. If you've ever wanted to visit a place that's existed for nearly 2000 years, Pickering is the place to go! This Yorkshire town has historical attractions, like the 13th-century castle ruins, Beck Isle Museum, and the North Yorkshire Moors Heritage Railway. Buses to and from Pickering run about once per hour and take over three hours.
Nearby Towns and Villages
If you're holidaying in Runswick Bay, you won't miss out on visiting the neighbouring villages and towns along the Yorkshire Coast. Saltburn-by-the-Sea is great to see. Saltburn has long been a popular coastal resort, and its pier, which was purpose-built for pleasure, is the perfect place to start your visit. At the town's heart is a traditional Victorian feel, reflected in the architecture, the parks, and the elegant houses of the period. The city is also famous for its funicular railway - one of the world's oldest water-powered cliff railways and a ride that should not be missed. Whitby is a small port and busy fishing town at the mouth of the River Esk, a natural harbour nestling below the cliffs. Whitby has loads to offer, with something for everyone of all ages. There are fish and chip shops, restaurants, and some fascinating shops and boutiques. The little village of Goathland has one foot firmly in the past. People have lived in the surrounding area with early medieval settlements and Viking farms for over 2000 years. However, it is perhaps Goathland's appearance in the TV series and the first film that has added to the charm and popularity of this idyllic and historic Yorkshire Moors village, set within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, only 9 miles from the coast at Whitby. Staithes is an old fishing village considered one of North Yorkshire's prettiest. With its tiny harbour filled with fishing boats, cliff-hugging cottages, and kipper smokehouses, the village of Goathland is also well worth a visit and may look familiar to you if you're a fan - it has been featured in both. Inland towns to visit include Pickering and Helmsley, while for a small shopping spree, head to nearby Guisborough to enjoy the town's twice-weekly market or explore the forest at nearby Great Ayton.
Happy Day Out for Tom and His Son
Oh, and here we are at the end! I hope you've enjoyed this travel guide to North Yorkshire; getting to wax rhapsodic about a place very close to my heart is always a pleasure. Love or loathe it, no denying North Yorkshire is drop-dead gorgeous. The area is ever-changing – the summer will bring more than enough life to be packed into these picturesque streets, and the winter will make you fall in love all over again with the wide-open gracing spaces you see here now. The weather here can get quite dreary, but I've shared some of my favourite rainy-day activities and the best things to do during the summer, each as helpful as the last. I firmly believe North Yorkshire and Runswick Bay are the perfect destinations for families with children.
So let's backtrack a little: it dawned on you that Runswick Bay might be the right place for your next trip, and you started researching the area. You read about the bay and its three sisters, you heard tales of mayhap-once-upon-a-time shipwrecks and golf balls, and you saw it all coming together as you looked for places to eat and sleep, laughed at the gallery with the jumping sheep and marvelled at how quickly this unique place coaxed you into wanting to visit. I hope you'll take that plunge. Adventure beckons here at every turn, for every person with every taste. There's more to discover here than I've attempted to showcase in this comprehensive guide. One last thought before I leave you to your own explorations: please, remember to leave this place exactly when you found it. Whether you are a native of Yorkshire or the UK or a traveller from even farther abroad, everyone is a guest in this stunning part of the North Yorkshire coast. Let's make sure there's plenty more left for everyone to enjoy!
Book a Taxi Service call Newcastle Taxi Service on 077 8888 2008