The Delightful North Yorkshire Coast

Explore the North Yorkshire coast and you will find a delightful landscape. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, stunning cliffs, quaint smugglers’ villages and the larger towns of Whitby, Scarborough and Filey. Looking at the northern part of the Yorkshire coast, in this article, we can see that the area has something for everyone.

Staithes is a picturesque fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast. It was once one of the busiest fishing ports on the north east coast of England. It is also famous for its history of mineral production making it a fascinating destination for geologists, be they professional of amateur! Minerals that have been sourced here include jet (a hard form of coal that varies in colour from dark brown to black), iron stone, alum shale and potash. The area is also well known for its fossils and in the early nineties a rare fossil of a sea dinosaur was found on this coast. Port Mulgrave which is south of Staithes is one of the best places in the country to find fossils of ammonites. Staithes most famous resident is undoubtedly Captain James Cook who worked as a grocer’s apprentice in the village. It was here that he probably discovered his passion for the sea. Staithes is also well known for its art and has been home to many artists over the years.

The pretty coastal village of Runswick Bay is one of the prettiest in England. It is popular with both artists and holiday makers alike.

The fishing town of Whitby is also a much loved tourist destination. It is located at the mouth of the River Esk and is dominated by the ruins of Whitby Abbey. The abbey and St Mary’s Church are located on the East Cliff and can be reached by the one hundred and ninety nine steps that stretch from the harbour up to the top of the cliff. The West Cliff is not without its own landmark – the Whalebone Arch which symbolises Whitby’s history as a whaling port. Whitby also provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famed novel ‘Dracula’ and no visit to Whitby is complete without a visit to ‘The Dracula Experience’. Rent a holiday cottage in Whitby from the huge choice available.