One of ‘the best secret beaches in the UK’ is a haven for those in search of tranquillity with its picture postcard perfect bay hidden behind a hill and a long sandy beach
If you stay in one of the pretty cottages nestled in the hill at one of the country’s best bays, you can literally step out the front door and feel the sand between your toes.
With the summer holidays upon us the search is on for new and exciting places to visit during breaks or weekends. The most popular tourist destinations can become overcrowded and at times unpleasant for those wanting to relax and escape the chaos of modern living. If you’re someone who doesn’t relish the idea of queuing for an age to get an ice cream or hunting for a gap to lay your towel on a packed beach when you just want some peace and quiet, there are places along the UK coastline that are waiting for you to discover them. Going slightly off the beaten track and away from the heaving main tourist spots are numerous, little known havens of tranquillity.
One of those is Runswick Bay, which is nine miles north of the very popular Whitby in North Yorkshire. This secluded spot is hidden behind a hill and has a long stretch of sandy beach which at low tide is great for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools or simply laying back and chilling.
Part of the Jurassic Coast, there are fossils to be found for those inclined to search and it was named as one of the best ‘secret beaches in the UK’ by the Independent. One of its unique features is the quaint little village that is nestled into the hill and overlooks the shore.
“Its rounded coastline is dotted with holiday cottages and whitewashed houses, with immediate access to a sandy beach,” the paper said. “Plus, there are water sports to enjoy, as well as nearby caves to explore. Keep an eye on the tide times though, as the beach can disappear when the sea comes in.” When the tide is in, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a spot of crabbing from the jetty. It’s also an ideal place for fishing cod and mackerel and seals and dolphins have been spotted in the clear waters.
The village is largely car free but there is parking in the lower village and more at the top of the bank. If you fancy staying in the bay to really soak up its atmosphere there are guest cottages and hotels, which are also a “brilliant base” for exploring North Yorkshire. For those who fancy admiring the coast in all its glory, you can walk along the clifftop which is on the Cleveland Way route where you can take in the breathtaking views.
Runswick Bay has a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor where visitors have shared their experiences. One wrote: “We took the children here as we’d heard it was good for fossil hunting. We made sure we went as the tide was going out and had a great time. We came away with a handful of fossil finds. Great fun!!”
Another said: “Incredible little bay with magnificent views out to sea, and of the dramatic Yorkshire coastline. Good parking and plenty of seating to sit and watch the world go by. Really enjoyed visiting here each evening when staying nearby. Highly recommended!!” A third commented: “A Lovely quiet place to visit, we enjoyed a peaceful short walk around the sandy bay. Would recommend anyone passing to take a short break around this scenic bay.”
What’s your favourite UK beach to visit? Let us know in the comments below.
