Best Coastal Day Trips From York

Scarborough is what you make it. Lot different to Whitby but still has history, the castle, Peasholm Park. I love Scarborough but then I’m biased.

Scarborough is ok, whereas Whitby is lovely. The walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay doesn’t have a comparable walk from Scarborough, however there’s a decent walk just north of Scarborough, starting in Old Scalby Mill and following The Clevedon Way north beyond Long Nab, then head slightly inland and return via the old Scarborough - Whitby rail track known as the Cinder Track.

Personally, I would hire a car and go to Whitby.

I appreciate the advice. Based on my own research along with a couple friends who visited Whitney, I am not surprised that Whitney is the recommended town (although I appreciate Mae26679’s comments). Driving is not a an option as my goal is a lot of walking and a few real ales, so, not sure Whitney is in the cards on this trip. I did come across a few articles on the 10 mile hike to Filey from Scarborough. Any insight into that portion of the Cleveland Way? Does Filey warrant a quick visit before heading back to York? Thanks.

I have memories of Scarborough - from attending conferences in early winter, annually, about 15 years ago.

Not much to write home about - it seemed that in South Bay we always wound up with grotty guest houses or grottier self catering - had to feed the electricity meter to do anything. Food on the front pretty awful, but nice views especially with the tide out. I have heard that North Bay is a bit better. Filey is supposed to be better. It certainly couldn't be much worse.

There is a pair of ancient cliff lifts - when they are running and when they work there is a short but pleasant ride.

You aren't driving, but for those who might, there is a strictly enforced and quite complicated parking scheme involving different scratch cards.

If you weren't hooked on coastal walks but wanted a few beers in beautiful scenery I might have suggested the North York Moors scenic steam train railway. https://www.nymr.co.uk/

Whitney is in Herefordshire. Witney is near Oxford. Whitby is in Yorkshire. Don’t buy a train ticket to the wrong place!

Filey is a coastal resort popular with retirees as it’s a cheaper part of the coast. I have only been once as there are more exciting places to visit. I have been to the area south of Filey around Bempton Cliffs to see the puffins nesting on the cliffs, but I haven’t walked the section between Scarborough and Filey.

Filey is lovely. I live an hour way and spend lots of time along that stretch of coast but it easy for me to drive or catch a train and spend a few hours. It’s an area you either love or hate and both Filey and Scarborough are proper northern seaside towns. When I go, it’s to spend time on the beach and then have some fish and chips and maybe a stick of rock.
The website https://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com has a lot of useful information
I will say this. I find Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay boring but that’s just because I’ve seen and done it all but can see the appeal for people who aren’t lucky enough to live close by. If you asked me which one I’d choose to go to. I’d pick Scarborough over Whitby but that’s just a personal choice.

Thanks all. Appreciate your responses.