Robin Hood’s Bay: A Wonderful Coastal Town in Yorkshire

If you love pretty coastal towns and villages, Robin Hood’s Bay is the place for you.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming fishing town (that feels more like a village), located five miles south of Whitby on the coast of North Yorkshire. It might be small, but there’s something rather magical about it.

Cobbled streets snake down the cliffside, so steep you wonder if the town was designed by a drunk sailor. Fishermen’s cottages lean into one another like old men sharing secrets. And the sea? It doesn’t just sit there. It lunges, retreats, broods. Always watching.

Robin Hood’s Bay truly is one North England’s finest coastal retreats. Come for yourself and see. It certainly deserves to be included in any itinerary to Yorkshire.

Why the name Robin Hood’s Bay?

Legend has it, Robin Hood encountered French pirates who came to pillage the fisherman’s boats and the northeast coast. The pirates surrendered and Robin Hood returned the loot to the poor people in the village that is now called Robin Hood’s Bay. He was considered a man of the people, as they say.

Smuggling through a network of tunnels

The town’s layout and its close proximity to the sea made it a good place for smugglers in the 18th Century. The maze of cobbled streets and subterranean passageways linking the houses allowed contraband such as tea, gin, rum, brandy and tobacco to be easily smuggled into Yorkshire from the Netherlands and France.

The tunnels can see be found today so keep your eyes peeled. If you’re feeling really adventurous, bring a torch and take a look inside. 

The beach

Since I was a child I’ve been visiting Robin Hood’s Bay and have lots of fond childhood memories attached to playing on this beach.

It’s super pretty, but the last time I visited I found several dead fish shored up on the shore. My friends and I found it all rather curious. Like I said, the beach is actually very pretty, so don’t let these photos from my last exploration put you off!

Alex picking up the creepy dead fish. If the size is anything to go by, this might be a good place for fishing!

A closer examination! Hmmm, too curious, perhaps?

A jellyfish too. I made sure to watch out for them!

Back to more scenic shots of the pretty coastline. Along the beach you will find natural coves. They made me think about how in the past they were probably guarded by pirates and used to stash loots – or maybe not.

Be sure to walk up and along the cliffs. From this vantage point you might be able to spot seals. And during late spring and throughout summer, the cliffs are teeming with bird life. If you have a pair of binoculars, I recommend taking them on your trip.

Fossil hunting

As well as being a hotspot for weird fish remains and washed-up jelly fish, the beach is a hotspot for fossil hunters. I didn’t manage to find any fossils myself, but I don’t think I was concentrating enough. Patience is the name of the game.

I did spot a cute mouse though!

All in all, Robin Hood’s Bay gifted me with a gorgeous fun-filled day. It truly is home to some of the most enchanting views you can find across England.

If you’re planning a trip here you should also visit Whitby, another lovely seaside town only 5 km away and made popular by Bram Stoker in Dracula.

Enjoy coast walks? I recommend the 14-mile walk from Robin Hood’s Bay to Scarborough which is part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. Expect it to take up to 6 hours but the views along the way are worth it. 

Where to stay in Robin Hood’s Bay

Most of the accommodation options in Robin Hood’s Bay are small hotels and B&Bs. Victoria Hotel has a very good reputation and a location that is hard to beat, boasting stunning cliff-top views over Robin Hood’s Bay.

I would also suggest looking on Airbnb for more options, particularly during the summer when hotels and B&Bs fill-up fast. If accommodation in Robin Hoods Bay is full, the next best option would be staying around Whitby and from there it would take approximately 30-minutes by bus to reach RHB.

Alternatively, the medieval city of York is located one hour away by car. If you have not been before you’re in for a treat. It’s an excellent base from where to explore places like Robin Hood’s Bay, Harrogate, Brimham Rocks, Fountains Abbey and many more places.