Nestled dramatically on the cliffs of the North York Moors National Park, Robin Hood’s Bay is a labyrinth of red-roofed cottages and narrow, winding "ginnels" that tumble down to a rocky shore. Whether you're a fossil hunter, a serious hiker, or a history enthusiast, this former smuggling haven offers a timeless escape.
In the 18th century, the village was one of the busiest smuggling communities on the Yorkshire coast. Legend says a bale of silk could travel from the harbour to the clifftop through a network of interconnected cellars without ever seeing the light of day.
Wander the maze of alleyways where smugglers once outwitted excise men.
Ghost Walks: Join a lantern-lit Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk to hear tales of local folklore and spirits.
The beach is part of Yorkshire's "Dinosaur Coast and is great for fossil hunting." At low tide, you can find ammonites and belemnites among the rock pools. It is advisable to keep away from the base of cliffs, as rock falls are common. Walk a mile south along the beach (at low tide only) to reach Boggle Hole, a secluded cove, home to a friendly YHA café.
The village marks the official end of Alfred Wainwright’s 192-mile Coast To Coast Walk from Cumbria.
Old Coastguard Station:
Now a National Trust visitor centre, it features a rock pool tank and interactive smuggling exhibits.
Robin Hood’s Bay Museum:
Housed in an old mortuary, this museum displays relics of shipwrecks, fishing heritage, and local geology.
Old St Stephen’s Church:
Perched high above the village, this church features a rare Georgian interior with original box pews.
The lower village is car-free. Use the Bank Top or Station Road car parks in the upper village.
The tide comes right up to the sea wall. Always check tide times before walking to Boggle Hole or Ravenscar to avoid being cut off.
The hill between the upper and lower village is extremely steep (1:3 gradient). Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Scarborough is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Yorkshire Coast. From dramatic cliffs towering over 600ft above the North Sea, to coastal villages where houses cling to the cliff, between which you can get lost in a maze of narrow streets filled with the echoes of smuggling. Busy resorts like Whitby & Bridlington, wide sweeping bays like Filey Bay, dramatic chalk cliffs at Bempton and Flamborough all await to be discovered. Here's some ideas to get you started...
Get Your Scarborough Fix In '26!
Welcome to Scarborough on the stunning Yorkshire Coast. Award winning sandy beaches, breath-taking coastline, wonderful family attractions and some of the best events in the country.
Scarborough has a huge variety of Accommodation. We have hotels, guest houses, cottages, apartments, holiday parks and much more.
Scarborough has world-class attractions including Scarborough Castle, Alpamare Waterpark, Sealife Scarborough, North Yorkshire Waterpark and many more...
Scarborough has a huge range of events from Armed Forces Day, to Scarborough Open Air Theatre concerts, welcoming the world's biggest acts to the Yorkshire Coast...
