Holiday rentals in Runswick Bay

With its mile-long golden sweep of sand, safe swimming, and a pretty village of old stone fishermen’s houses clinging to the wooded cliffs behind it, Runswick Bay is one of the North’s loveliest beach communities. However, its neighbouring resorts of Whitby, 10 miles south, and the arty fishing harbour of Staithes to the north get all the attention, leaving Runswick comparatively undiscovered. All are part of the North York Moors National Park, a heather moorland rich in heritage sites and foodie villages, which rolls back from the cliffs and beaches of the dramatic coastline.

Other resorts may have more seaside amusements, galleries, and shops, but Runswick Bay is appealingly authentic and little-developed. Beach pursuits here mean hiring a paddleboard or kayak, poking around in rock pools, and fossil hunting, while its steep alleyways and streets of red-roofed cottages hide only a couple of places to buy a cup of tea or a pint.

Like most British beaches, Runswick Bay is wonderful under a warm summer sun. But there are good reasons to stay in one of the area’s cottages all year round, including the area’s varied wildlife. From June to November, minke, fin, pilot, and humpback whales are often spied during boat trips in the area. Migrating seabirds breed on this coast’s massive cliffs, especially at Bempton, between April and August. Common seal pups can be seen in June and July, and grey seal pups in November. Fishing for cod can be excellent here in winter. And the year-round events are always a good draw, from trail-running races such as the Hardmoors series in various moorland locations to August folk festivals in Saltburn and Whitby, and Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage in September.

Fossil Hunting

This area of the Yorkshire coast consists of Jurassic-age shales that are constantly being eroded, leaving fossils such as ammonites, belemnites, and those of rare marine animals — and even dinosaurs — to be discovered on the beaches.

Cleveland Way National Trail

This 109-mile footpath skirts the coastline along the top of the cliffs above Runswick Bay, passing many lively coastal towns and fishing villages on its way to Helmsley, an attractive moorland market town famed for its food stores. A manageable shorter section follows the path north to the next bay, Port Mulgrave, then Staithes.

Hob Hole

In the cliffs above Runswick Bay are several caves. According to local folktales, the largest, Hob Hole, is named after a type of mischievous spirit called a hob, also known as a boggart or boggle, similar to a bogeyman or goblin. Legend has it that parents used to take children with whooping cough there to be cured.