This picturesque fishing village in Yorkshire offers a quieter seaside escape with beautiful beaches, caves and cliff-top cottages - and it's less than 20 minutes from Whitby
08:00, 14 Jan 2026Updated 08:19, 14 Jan 2026
Nestled peacefully along the Yorkshire coastline, mere moments from the bustling tourist hotspot of Whitby, lies a village boasting stunning beaches that remain largely undiscovered by visitors.
Those seeking a more peaceful seaside retreat might want to venture just a touch further, less than 20 minutes beyond Whitby, to the charming fishing village of Runswick Bay. The location provides a serene alternative to conventional tourist destinations and features a considerably quieter beach, offering equally breathtaking scenery.
The main attraction, naturally, is the beach itself, which serves as a favourite destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as seals are frequently seen, and there's ample opportunity for crabbing. When the tide recedes, rockpools emerge, creating miniature ecosystems teeming with marine creatures, whilst the gentler waters provide perfect conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking.
A recent guest documented their visit on TripAdvisor, describing it as both "tranquil" and "pretty". They wrote: "This is the third time visiting this beautiful bay, and once again I leave a piece of me behind! Runswick has become such a special place. It's not massively busy and has a vast beach that is enveloped by beautiful big cliffs that nestle a few large caves. The pretty little cottages are all stacked on top of one another down the left-hand side of the cliffs, with beautiful little paths and walkways that allow you to walk around the cottages and high up into the hillside, offering stunning views down to the bay."
Runswick Bay draws visitors seeking to connect with nature and enjoy some genuinely fresh coastal air. Among the most popular activities is the Cleveland Way National Trail, a walking route where the eastern stretch leads into the village as the trail meets the shoreline.
Completing the full trail typically takes between seven and 11 days, though many visitors tackle shorter sections, with Runswick Bay serving as a popular stopping point along the way. A common route starts at Runswick Bay itself, heading northwards past Sandsend and Whitby, whilst some walkers opt for the alternative coastal path towards Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
One hiker shared: "An incredible experience. From the hustle and bustle of Scarborough and Whitby to the remote outposts of Hayburn Wyke, Staithes and Runswick Bay. Amazing views all along the coastline. Plenty of places to rest and refuel, along with options of places to stay." The charming fishing village that visitors see today has a rather dramatic history, having been completely obliterated by a landslide in 1682. It was subsequently rebuilt and even relocated slightly to the south, nestled on the cliffside.
This transformation resulted in the idyllic village we recognise today, with quaint cottages nestled within the cliffs and offering panoramic views of the expansive shoreline. During the bustling summer season, the village's population swells to approximately 2,300 residents, as many of the cosy cottages are actually holiday rentals and typically remain vacant during the chillier months.