Just a short drive from the popular tourist town of Whitby lies a picturesque coastal haven that offers a far more tranquil seaside experience. Runswick Bay, a charming fishing village nestled on the Yorkshire coastline, provides a serene alternative with its beautiful, often quiet beach, dramatic cliffs, and quaint cottages.
A Secluded Bay of Natural Beauty
The main draw for visitors is undoubtedly the stunning, mile-long beach. This sheltered bay is a favourite spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with seals frequently spotted along the coast. When the tide goes out, a fascinating world of rockpools is revealed, teeming with marine life. The calm waters also create ideal conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Recent visitors have praised the area's peaceful charm. One TripAdvisor reviewer, who has visited three times, called it "tranquil" and "pretty," noting the "vast beach" framed by large cliffs that house several caves. They also highlighted the unique layout of the village, with pretty cottages stacked on the cliffside, connected by paths offering stunning views down to the bay.
Walking the Dramatic Cleveland Way
For those wanting to explore further, Runswick Bay is a key stopping point on the renowned Cleveland Way National Trail. This long-distance footpath runs along the coast, with its eastern stretch descending directly into the village. While completing the entire trail can take between seven and 11 days, many walkers enjoy shorter sections.
Popular routes include walking northwards from Runswick Bay past Sandsend and into Whitby, or heading south along the coastal path towards Saltburn-by-the-Sea. One hiker described the experience as "incredible," moving from the hustle of Scarborough and Whitby to the remote beauty of spots like Runswick Bay and Staithes.
A Village with a Dramatic Past
The idyllic scene visitors enjoy today belies a dramatic history. The original village was completely destroyed by a landslide in 1682. It was subsequently rebuilt slightly to the south, nestled into the cliffside for protection, creating the unique, tiered appearance it has now.
This history has shaped the Runswick Bay of today, with its cosy cottages offering panoramic views of the shoreline. The village sees its population swell to around 2,300 residents during the busy summer months, as many of the properties are holiday lets that stand empty during the quieter winter period.
Located just nine miles north of Whitby—a journey of less than 20 minutes by car—Runswick Bay remains a perfect destination for travellers seeking a quieter, more connected coastal experience, rich in natural beauty and history.
