Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay We found peace, tranquility and a picture-postcard view at this lovely little village on the Yorkshire coast. The 'Unofficial Guide' explores... and tells you more... Runswick Bay has now got to be one of my favourite spots along the Yorkshire coast - such a pretty and peaceful place!
We've visited twice before, but each time we never stayed long at all - we've previously parked at the top and been put off walking down to the main village and beach by the steep climb back up! This time we planned better though, and parked in the lower part of the village, from where it was an easy walk of just yards to the cafe, harbour, beach and village. Runswick Bay is a really lovely spot - a miniature version of Staithes or Robin Hood's Bay, with a lovely, long, sandy beach.
The village is nestled into the cliffside, with tiny paths meandering between picturesque cottages - and oh, what views! - stunning!
The cliffs here erode quite easily, and bits are often lost in winter storms. The whole village of Runswick Bay actually fell into the sea in 1682. Luckily, no lives were lost!
Only one house now remains from the original village - a 'chocolate-box', tiny, white, thatched cottage, right by the harbour's edge - totally idyllic! The villagers lived through fishing and smuggling - a few boats still wait to go out by the harbour, and up in the separate boat yard - but most are pleasure craft these days.
We whiled away many a tranquil hour, in beautiful Runswick Bay - we found it quite captivating!
There are plenty of benches to stop, relax and admire the views - explore the pretty harbour, and of course, wander down the tiny pathways between the lovely little higgledy-piggledy cottages...
...peeping into colourful gardens in bloom as you go - there's also many beautiful wild flowers here, too.
Lots of ups and downs, steps and steep bits - not really suitable for the infirm.
We thought that as long as you weren't opening a gate all the pathways seemed to be public. Walk down the trackway to the right of the harbour (facing the sea) to get to the lovely, long sandy beach.
You can see caves at the far end of the Bay - known as the 'Hob Holes' (created by erosion and jet mining). These were reputedly the homes of 'hobs' (Yorkshire's 'little people') who could cure whooping cough. Mothers used to bring their children here for a cure - and it is thought the fumes from burning jet could actually account fo the hobs' healing prowess!
FacilitiesWe had a lovely coffee and cake at the cafe, and ate lunch at the Royal Hotel. Parking in the beach car park cost £3 for 4 hours (correct at July 2010). There are public toilets (Free - open 24 hours) in the village, behind the cafe, near the harbour - just opposite the beach car park. There's a very steep road back up. Take care not to park in the separate residents' car park next door, or the boat store! There is also parking a the 'Bank Top' car park at the top of the village (same rates), with public toilets there too.
Where to StayTry this lovely looking holiday cottage, situated at the top part of the village, but within easy walking distance of beach, harbour and the old village. Click here for more info about the lovely Heathcliffe holiday cottage If Heathcliffe Cottage, above, interests you, please support my website by using the links on this page to book. The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to provide you with the information on this website, all for free. Thanks for your continued support :)
Runswick Bay on the MapThis map is interactive.
In total, we spent a wonderful three and a half hours here, and found it a lovely, relaxing spot, with such stunning views - an idyllic, serene and restful spot - the perfect place for a spot of peaceful contemplation. Such a wonderful tranquil little fishing village - we will return. Don't forget to visit the Royal Hotel ...and enjoy the wonderful views at the cafe Have you visited Runswick Bay? What did you think? Share your experiences here... More about nearby Whitby More about nearby Staithes More about the nearby North York Moors More ideas for days out and things to do Have you got your free subscription to 'Yorkshire Coast Lines' yet? Receive your free, monthly, e-mail newsletter, full of ideas for days out and excursions along the Yorkshire coast, and upcoming local events... straight to your inbox. Return from this Runswick Bay page to the Home Page Top of the Page Search my site for a word or phrase:  Custom Search Yorkshire East Coast Unofficial Guide Bringing you ideas and information for your British holidays, short breaks and days out in the UK... ...from Whitby to Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington, Hornsea, Withernsea, North York Moors and beyond… Discover and Enjoy Your Coastline… 
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