Best Campsites on the Yorkshire Coast
Discover camping near the beach in Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s landscape sees coastline and countryside collide, creating some of the most picturesque scenery in the UK. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, the Yorkshire coast is home to a range of campsites that offer the perfect base to explore the natural beauty of the region. Etched in the works of writers, poets and artists alike, Yorkshire is a place that inspires and uplifts; the perfect setting in which to enjoy an unforgettable coastal camping holiday. Below we’ve rounded up the best campsites on Yorkshire’s coastline, let you know about some of the best beaches and seaside resorts, and listed some of the top attractions so you can plan your perfect getaway in one of the UK's most stunning locations.
FAQs: camping on Yorkshire's coast
Are there any special offers on campsites along the Yorkshire coast?
Yes, during the summer months you can benefit from 30% off grass pitches at Scarborough. View our latest offers.
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
Which campsites on the Yorkshire coast are dog friendly?
Last Modified: 28 Apr 2023
What are some tips for camping by the coast in the UK?
To ensure you have a brilliant coastal camping trip with us, here’s some information to look at prior to setting off:
• Camping checklist
• Campsite arrival guide
• Advice and inspiration
• UK camping policies
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
Are there any adult only coastal campsites in Yorkshire?
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
Nine of the best beaches in Yorkshire
You'll find brilliant beaches all over Yorkshire's beautiful coast but here are a few of the most recommended:
Scarborough - South Bay
The popular seaside town of Scarborough has two wonderful beaches. South Bay Beach is a spotless stretch of gorgeous golden sand, with all the hustle and bustle you would expect from a popular seaside town. Fun for all the family, the beach invites you to wade in the water, build sandcastles, enjoy games and sunbathe to your heart’s content. This magnificent wide open space is backed by a pleasant promenade, with the shoreline bending round to a charming harbour, where you can enjoy a boat trip that will take you on a tour of the bay or the coast. In the background, the town centre and Scarborough Castle dominate the hillside landscape, while out to sea - at the very tip of the harbour – you will see a pretty little lighthouse. With a whole host of amenities on site, you can easily settle on South Bay Beach until sunset.
Scarborough - North Bay
The natural beauty of the North Bay Beach in Scarborough is unrivalled. Boasting beautiful flat sands and rocky outcrops, the beach is ripe with rock pools at low tide, which are just waiting to be explored. A hotspot for families and water sports enthusiasts, this stretch of coastline has something for everyone.
Sea at Marske Sands
Sandwiched between the towns of Redcar and Cleveland, the Sea at Marske Sands Beach is a huge stretch of coastline backed by high grass mounds and overlooked by the village of Marske itself. The vast terrain is perfect for enjoying a stroll by the sea or you can enjoy a choice of water activities including boating, fishing and surfing.
Cayton Bay
A 12-minute drive from our Scarborough Club Site is the captivating Cayton Bay. A peaceful haven, the beach boasts a fine spread of sand and is backed by dramatic cliffs. It’s rugged and wild appearance is softened by its calm aura, making it the perfect place to relax, unwind and listen to the sound of the waves trickling over the sand.
Home to one of the longest running surf schools in the UK, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a spot of boarding out on the water. It’s popular among surfers because the bay creates a good swell of waves thanks to its exposure to the full force of the North Sea.
Reighton
Serving up gorgeous golden sands that seemingly stretch for miles, Reighton Beach connects with the larger Filey Bay. The beach is a paradise for walkers, with miles of terrain to trek across in both directions, providing glorious views out across the North Sea. Backed by a jagged rise of rocks, there are coastal walks aplenty to enjoy including the Cleveland Way and Centenary Way paths. In the summer months, the beach is a hub of activity, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Filey
Merging with the beach at Reighton, Filey is a spectacular stretch of sand backed by a pretty promenade featuring stylish seafront chalets. It has an authentic and traditional English seaside aura that attracts a diverse range of visitors, including families and those who enjoy water sports, particularly surfers and sailors. It’s a great spot to enjoy the sun and the ever soothing sound of the waves crashing over the shore. Birdwatchers can benefit from this beauty spot too, taking in some of the local wildlife from the breathtaking Filey Brigg.
West Cliff Beach, Whitby
What can we say about Whitby? Famous worldwide, the town boasts an abundance of beaches, two of which sit either side of the River Esk. The hugely popular West Cliff Beach is a 2 mile stretch of glorious golden sand characterised by colourful beach huts. West Cliff Beach is a true British classic that’s overlooked by the majestic Whitby Abbey that sits high atop the surrounding cliffs, while the West Pier further adds to the traditional feel of this scenic spot. It’s perfect for families to enjoy a paddle, collect shells, do some sand sculpting or fly a kite, and more.
Tate Hill Beach, Whitby
Sitting on the east side of the River Esk. This small, soft sandy beach is a sheltered haven that sits between the Tate Hill Pier and the larger East Pier. Enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, the beach is a hotspot for picnics and barbecues.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Less than a 30-minute drive away from our Scarborough Club Site is the rip-roaring Robin Hood’s Bay, a goldmine of glorious beaches. This raw coastline region is characterised by tales of ancient myths and modern-day pirate tales, which reveal its past as a smuggler’s cove. Overlooked by towering cliffs and featuring a huge sweeping bay bursting with fossil treasures, the beaches here are an explorer’s paradise. Enjoy wondrous walks along the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ or delight in combing the sands for fossils.