Sandsend, a seaside village near Whitby, has been named among the most charming destinations in the UK, securing third place on Hotels.com's list of 13 charming towns and villages in Yorkshire.
The village offers a peaceful alternative to its bustling neighbour Whitby, with comparable coastal views but a notably calmer atmosphere. It sits along the Cleveland Way, a 109-mile (175 km) long-distance trail in North Yorkshire, making it a popular resting point for walkers and cyclists.
Beach and coastal walks
Sandsend Beach is the centrepiece of the community, featuring a pristine sandy shore with small streams flowing into the sea on both sides. Visitors can explore rock pools, search for crabs and fossils, or take an extended coastal walk towards Whitby during low tide, which takes around 90 minutes.
A TripAdvisor reviewer described it as "A stunning location for a beach walk, a coffee in the café overlooking the beach and then a beer in the Hart Inn. Such a lovely morning spent just idling away the time and only an 8-minute drive from Whitby."
Parking is available at Sandsend Car Park, with additional kerbside spaces that fill quickly during busy periods. Dogs are restricted on the central beach between May 1 and September 30, but the ends are dog-friendly all year.
Dining options
Mary's Sandwich Shop, located on the promenade opposite the shore, is a popular spot for refuelling. One customer said: "Just the best sandwiches we've ever had! We tried the belly pork one and the chicken one the first day, so good we came back the following day and hope to go again! Amazing. Would 100% recommend."
For seafood, Fish Cottage sits just 20 yards from the shoreline, serving locally sourced sustainable fish and seafood. It is small but popular, with many guests recommending advance reservations to avoid queues for food described as "fantastic".
