Along the coastline of the North Yorkshire Coast, Whitby is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown. This busy seaside town with its bustling harbour and delightful beaches is a magnet for tourists both in this country and abroad.

Over the last century, and almost certainly from the introduction of the Steam Railway by George Stephenson and George Hudson in 1832, the coastal town of Whitby has been the destination for thousands of holidaymakers. In more recent times, however, the emphasis has shifted away from the ‘normal’ two weeks besides the seaside in the summer months, to a more relaxed week’s holiday, a ‘couple of days’ away, a weekend break or even day trips throughout the whole year.

Although there is an excellent history to the town and much to see and do, the beaches of Whitby are a magnet for families and those wishing to either relax or take bracing walks along the shoreline or even to the adjoining coastal village of Sandsend (tides permitting). There are, in fact, two beaches associated with Whitby. The larger West Cliff Beach and the smaller East side Tate Hill Beach.

Tate Hill beach on the East side of the town is between the Tate Hill Pier and the East Pier. This small sandy beach is quite sheltered and is ideal for families with young children wishing to paddle in the river as it is not tidal and therefore has a degree of calmness. Further along the beach towards the East Pier at low tide there are a few rock pools to explore and well as the discovery of fossils found all along the North East Coast but particularly prevalent in the Whitby area!

The West Cliff beach can be accessed from the slipway near the West Pier and the golden sands stretch all the way to Upgang and then beyond reaching as far as Sandsend. A walk from Whitby to Sandsend should only be undertaken with prior knowledge of the tides! There are other routes of access, mainly the paths from the West Cliff area that zig-zag down the cliffside, there is the cliff-lift opened in 1931 and operated during the peak summer months. This consists of a vertical shaft descending through boulder clay to a pedestrian tunnel (certainly an easier descent than the walk down and even easier on the ascent). There is vehicle access via Upgang making the launching of jet skis and speedboats a possibility. This area is also particularly popular with surfers.

West Cliff Beach itself is very popular all year round. In the summer months there is the availability of windbreak and deckchair hire close to the slipway and, of course, the ever popular donkey rides. From May until the beginning of September there are lifeguards in attendance offering both information, rescue and first aid services. Cafes and toilet facilities are within easy walking distance as are the ever welcome ice-cream vendors!

There are many iconic photographs taken from the beaches in Whitby, the stretch of brightly coloured beach huts lined up in a row standing to attention, the optical illusion of the sun setting in the sea but only during the months of June and July (in fact it sets further north behind Sunderland), the arms of the piers stretching out in the North Sea to welcome the ships coming safely into the harbour and a flotilla of yachts with sails displayed dipping in the waves against the backdrop of Sandsend on a Sunday afternoon.

In the wintertime, the beaches are fully open to dog walkers as in summertime there are restrictions at either end of the stretch of beach from Whitby to Sandsend. At various times of the year this beach plays host to many events. At Whitby Regatta in the summer, there are motorbike gymkhanas and sand races and at the same point on Boxing Day there is the charity Boxing Day Dip where hardy folk in all manner of fancy dress run into the sea up to their waists in order to raise funds for their particular charity. Whatever the weather Brrrrr!

For more information about the beaches close to Whitby visit Whitby Beach

For more information about the town of Whitby and the surrounding area, visit Whitby UK