The Ultimate Yorkshire Coast Road Trip: Iconic Stops & Epic Views
Thank you for clicking on the Yorkshire Insider website. This website offers all kinds of advice for you to enjoy beautiful Yorkshire. You’ve clicked the pin because you’re dreaming of the open road, salt air, and horizon-spanning vistas. The Yorkshire coastline is over 100 miles of dramatic chalk cliffs, secret coves, and historic fishing villages. While many head for the big resorts, the real magic lies in the journey between them.
Buckle up—here is your year-round guide to the most breathtaking stops and viewpoints along the Yorkshire coast.
1. The Gateway: Spurn Point
Start your journey at Yorkshire’s "Land’s End." This narrow spit of sand and shingle curves into the Humber Estuary and feels like the edge of the world.
The View: Climb the Spurn Lighthouse for a 360-degree panorama of the North Sea and the estuary. It’s a wild, desolate beauty that changes with every tide.
The Drive: Access is via Kilnsea; the area is a renowned nature reserve, perfect for spotting migratory birds and grey seals. You can't now drive your own vehicle down to Spurn Point, but you can walk or join a Safari Tour.
2. The Towering Giants: Flamborough Head & Bempton Cliffs
This is where the coast gets dramatic. Expect 400-foot-high white chalk cliffs that glow bright even on a cloudy day.
Drinking Giant: At Flamborough, look for the "Drinking Giant" rock formation at Selwicks Bay. The coastal path here offers some of the most exhilarating cliff-top walking in the UK.
The View: Head to RSPB Bempton Cliffs. While famous for puffins in the spring, the sheer scale of the cliffs and the crashing waves below make it a powerful stop in any season.
3. The Red-Roofed Gem: Robin Hood’s Bay
As you drive north from Scarborough, the road twists through the North York Moors before dropping sharply into this legendary smugglers' haunt.
The View: Before heading down the steep bank, stop at the top near the Victoria Hotel. The view across the sweeping curve of the bay toward the "Raven Hall" cliffs is arguably the most photographed spot in the county.
The Stop: Park at the top and walk down the narrow, winding alleyways. It’s a maze of 18th-century cottages that feels completely untouched by time.
4. The High Point: Boulby Cliffs
Located just north of Staithes, these are the highest cliffs on the east coast of England, standing at an impressive 660 feet above sea level.
The View: From the coastal path, you can look down onto the tiny, colourful village of Staithes nestled in the ravine below. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the industrial skyline of Teesside in the north and Whitby to the south.
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic spot for "Big Sky" photography, especially during the golden hour.
5. The Victorian Elegance: Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Finish your road trip at this charming Victorian resort that perfectly blends heritage with a modern, creative vibe.
The View: Take a ride on the Saltburn Cliff Tramway—the oldest water-balanced cliff lift in the UK. As you descend, you get a perfect view of the 600-foot Victorian pier jutting out into the blue.
The Stop: Walk along the lower promenade to watch the surfers. Saltburn is the surfing capital of the North, and watching them catch waves against the backdrop of Hunt Cliff is a great way to end your trip.
Road Trip Snapshot: Best Stops
Spurn Point
Known For: Wild Isolation
Best Viewpoint: Top of the Lighthouse
Flamborough
Known For: White Chalk Cliffs
Best Viewpoint: Selwicks Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay
Known For: Smugglers' History
Best Viewpoint: The Bay Overlook
Boulby Cliffs
Known For: Incredible Height
Best Viewpoint: The Cleveland Way Path
Saltburn
Known For: Victorian Heritage
Best Viewpoint: The Cliff Lift / Pier
Tips for the Perfect Coastal Drive
The Cleveland Way: Much of the best scenery is accessible via short walks from the car parks along the Cleveland Way National Trail. Bring sturdy boots!
Check the Tides: If you plan on walking between bays (like Whitby to Sandsend), always check the tide times to ensure you don’t get cut off.
The Slow Road: Avoid the main A-roads where possible. The smaller coastal lanes between Bridlington and Whitby offer much better views and hidden lay-bys for photos.
Ready to hit the road? Pin this guide to your "UK Travel" board and start mapping out your coastal adventure.
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