The Whitby Beaches, a fantastic Stretch of Coastline in North Yorkshire

Along the coastline of the North Yorkshire Coast, Whitby is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown. This busy seaside resort along with its vibrant harbour and wonderful beaches is a magnet for tourists both in this country and overseas.



Over the last 100 years, and almost definitely from the first appearance of the Steam Railway by George Stephenson and George Hudson in 1832, the seaside town of Whitby has become the destination for a huge number of travelers. In more recent years, however, the emphasis has moved away from the 'normal' 2 weeks besides the seashore in the summer months, to a more relaxed week's holiday, a 'couple of days' away, a weekend break or even day trips through the year.



Although there is a great history to the area and a lot to see and do, the beaches of Whitby certainly are a magnet for families and those wishing to either unwind or take bracing walks along the coastline 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 Whitby 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 kids 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 as well as the discovery of fossils found all along the North East Coast but particularly prevalent within the Whitby UK region!



The West Cliff beach may be accessed from the slipway close to the West Pier, and the gold colored 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 more 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 season. 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 especially well-liked by surfers.



West Cliff Beach is extremely popular all year round. In the summer months there is the availability of windbreak and deckchair hire near to the slipway and, of course, the 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 numerous iconic photographs taken from the beaches around 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 just through the months of June and July (in reality it sets further north behind Sunderland), the arms of the piers stretching out in the North Sea to greet the boats 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 summer season 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 a lot of events. At Whitby Regatta in the summer, you will find 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 outfits run into the sea up to their waists in order to raise funds for their particular charity. No matter the weather Brrrrr!