Between Middlesbrough And Scarborough Is A National Park Escape With A Sandy Beach And Scenic Coastal Cliffs

Tucked away on the North Yorkshire Coast, the former fishing village of Runswick Bay is known for its sandy beach and dramatic coastal scenery. Much smaller and quieter than the nearby seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby, Runswick Bay is a peaceful beach escape on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. It makes a great base for exploring the local area, and for visitors looking for a classic English beach experience.

Runswick Bay has a timeless village vibe, but it was actually rebuilt in the 17th century after a landslide destroyed many of the buildings. Today, the picturesque settlement retains its historic appeal and has been named one of the prettiest coastal villages in the U.K. by the Northern Echo. The steep, narrow lanes beneath the cliffs are lined with red-roofed cottages, many of which once belonged to fishermen. Perhaps the most striking building is the former Coastguard cottage down on the harbor front, which is said to be one of the last remaining traditional thatched properties in Yorkshire.

The steep cliffside terrain around Runswick Bay means that the village is split in half, with an upper and a lower section. The latter has direct access to the beach, while the former sits beside the clifftop paths. To get a true feel for the place, you'll want to explore both. 

With its pristine golden sand and secluded location, Runswick Bay is known as one of the best beaches in Britain, per the North York Moors National Park Authority. This crescent-shaped beach is nearly a mile long, protected by cliffs at either end, giving the bay a scenic backdrop. The sheltered beach is gently shelving with calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and paddle boarding, but bathers should be aware that there's no lifeguard here.

The beach offers more than just sandy adventures — it's also home to a series of small caves known as "hob holes." According to local legend, these were once used by hobgoblins with supernatural healing powers. You'll find the caves halfway along the beach. Runswick Bay is renowned for its fossils too, with local tour operators like Yorkshire Coast Rocks offering guided fossil hunting trips on the beach. You'll learn about Jurassic sea dragons and discover how to split rocks to find ammonites. If you're into geology, combine your visit to Runswick Bay with a trip to the nearby coastal town of Whitby, which is known for its black fossilized driftwood called Whitby jet.

The headland cliffs at either side of Runswick Bay make for a scenic backdrop to your explorations. One past visitor on Tripadvisor notes that the cliffs "nestle a few large caves" along the beach, with "beautiful little paths and walkways that allow you to walk around the cottages and high up in to the hillside." Walk along the beach to Kettleness Point at the eastern end of the bay for dramatic cliff views and rock pooling at low tide. Check the tide times to work out the best time to go, and keep your eyes peeled for crabs and anemones. To extend the hike, continue up onto the headland where you'll see the old Kettleness Alum Works, before returning to the village via the Cleveland Way National Trail.

Runswick Bay is around 26 miles north of the beautiful coastal town of Scarborough, making for an easy excursion from this bustling seaside destination. For a longer day out, combine Runswick Bay with a visit to nearby Whitby, where boating excursions and a Gothic abbey said to have inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula" await. Or, to extend your beach adventures even further, the charming Victorian town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea is just 11 miles north of Runswick Bay, so it's easy to combine the two.

If you're driving to Runswick Bay, there's a small pay and display parking lot right beside the beach. It gets busy in summer, so if that one is full, there's also a large car park at the top of the village, with a steep walk down to the beach. Alternatively, you can get to Runswick Bay on the X4 or X4A Arriva North East bus from Whitby, or the X4 from Middlesborough.

Runswick Bay is a small village, but there are a few eateries for a light lunch or hearty evening meal, depending on how long you stay. Down by the beach with beautiful views over the bay, Tides Coffee Bar offers casual dining with a menu featuring paninis, bacon sandwiches, and ice creams. Meanwhile, The Royal Hotel has seafood favorites like fish and chips, steamed mussels, and breaded whitebait, along with sea views from the beer garden. Several hotels and vacation rentals can be found in the village, as well as a caravan and camping park.