Yorkshire, The Heritage Coast

Begin your day in the East Riding of Yorkshire at Burton Agnes Hall, filled with beautiful historic treasures and award-winning gardens. 

Have lunch in Bridlington while enjoying the variety of boats in the ancient fishing harbour. Continue to the dramatic cliffs at Flamborough Head and the nearby mighty 100m-high RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Home to huge seabird colonies, in spring the air seems filled with confetti – it’s actually thousands of flying fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes! Far below, thrilling chalk reefs are exposed at low tide. 

Overnight in Scarborough.

Spend the day exploring Scarborough with a visit to the spectacular cliff-top castle. Dating to the time of King John, the castle sits dramatically on a headland and dominates the town’s skyline. Then head for the Rotunda Museum to find out more about the area’s unique geology. For modern local artwork, head for the Grade II-listed [email protected] 

Options for the rest of the day include a sea boat ride, surf or paddleboard lesson. For a less energetic visit, drop in at the Scarborough’s Sealife Sanctuary. Overnight in Scarborough where you are spoilt for choice for evening entertainment options.

Visit the ancient fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay on the edge of the North York Moors with colourful houses winding higgledy-piggledy down to its ancient harbour. 

Visit the Old Coastguard Station on the slipway or walk along the Cleveland Way to Ravenscar, a scenic spot rich in industrial history. 

Drive on to Whitby and visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, dedicated to the life, times and exploration of local boy and 18th century seafarer Captain James Cook, 

Overnight in Whitby.

High above the town stands Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Count Dracula stories. You’ll get spectacular views from the gothic ruins and explore its history at Mansion Visitor Centre.  If the weather is good, consider a dawn walk up to the Abbey ruins – you won’t be disappointed with the view of the sun rising over the North Sea.  

Then take a round trip on the heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway and steam through the heart of the beautiful North York Moors National Park. 

Whitby is famous for its fantastic fish and chips so try a takeaway by the harbour or sit down in one of the town’s excellent seafood restaurants.

Overnight in Whitby. 

Explore the quaint fishing village of Staithes where shrunken houses and cobbled streets are squeezed between the sea and high cliffs. Staithes is the artists’ capital of Yorkshire and home of the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre. Follow the Painted Illusion trail and wander through the art galleries and studios. At low tide the wave-cut platforms are fantastic for rock-pooling. 

A short climb uphill to the coast path offers superb views of the village with headlands to the south jutting their chins into the North Sea.

Enjoy a leisurely local lunch and then head south to Runswick Bay for some fossil hunting. Finish your journey where Yorkshire bumps into the Humber, with a stop at Beverley Minster, one of the best Gothic cathedrals in England.