THE BEACH
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Runswick Bay, about 9 miles north of Whitby, is widely regarded as one of the prettiest spots on the Yorkshire coast. Come here in the summer months for sandcastles, beach games, rock pooling and maybe even a dip in the waters. Come here out of season for hearty cliff-top walks along the Cleveland Way or maybe a little fossil hunting. You may be lucky enough to spot seals at any time of year.
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The former fishing village of Runswick nestling under the cliffs at the top end of the beach is picture-postcard pretty, with its whitewashed or natural honey-hued stone cottages topped with red roofs. It’s not surprising that the place has been a hotspot for artists since Victorian times.
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The beach itself is a mix of sand, with scattered rocks and stony areas. It’s probably the best stretch of sand that can be found along this part of the coast. When the tide is out, the rocks which are exposed near the shoreline are frequently found to contain interesting fossils.
