Hotels.com has named Sandsend one of Yorkshire's most charming villages, placing it third on their list of must-visit locations in the region. The coastal village sits close to its more famous neighbour, Whitby, offering similar scenery in a much quieter setting.
A tranquil escape from Whitby's crowds
While thousands visit Whitby for fish and chips and holiday parks, Sandsend provides a peaceful alternative. The village's beach is at its heart, with clean sand and small rivers running into the sea on either side. It is ideal for rock pooling, and at low tide visitors can walk to Whitby in around an hour and a half.
One TripAdvisor review describes 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."
Local businesses and walking trails
The village is home to well-loved local businesses, including Mary's Sandwich Shop along the seafront and Fish Cottage, which serves locally caught sustainable fish and seafood. One recent customer said: "Just the best sandwiches we've ever had!"
Sandsend is also part of the Cleveland Way, a 109-mile long-distance trail, making it a good spot for walkers and cyclists seeking a serene coastal experience.
Other villages on the list
Other places named on the Hotels.com list include Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales, Haworth (home of the Brontes), Robin Hood's Bay, Richmond on the River Swale, and Hebden Bridge, described as 'one of the quirkiest towns in Yorkshire'.