News Beat
North York Moors village with views to die for is hidden gem
Ravenscar is a “hidden gem” in the North York Moors, said to offer dramatic clifftop views and rocky beach coves.
The first thing you notice about the peaceful area, positioned on a 600-foot-high point, are the “exhilarating” views that go on for miles, as your gaze follows the sweep of shoreline towards Robin Hood’s Bay, reveals the North York Moors National Park (NYMNP) website.
It’s even described as the perfect place for hikers and is a “magnet” for fossil hunters.
When to see seals at Ravenscar?
Plus, if you’re lucky enough, you might spot the grey seal colony at the foot of Ravenscar’s beach, in June, July and November.
Someone who was able to catch a glimpse of the seals recently, wrote about their “incredible” experience on Tripadvisor.
In a review, they shared: “Incredible to see the seals so close and basking in the sun, there were so many that at first I thought they were rocks but then realised they were all seals, such beautiful creatures and I felt lucky to have seen them.”
Another posted: “Went to see the Seals at Ravenscar. Lots of pups and adult seals. Went at low tide so great views. Steep walk to the rocky beach. Sturdy shoes needed. There is a bus from Scarborough. Really lovely.”
Although Ravenscar’s beach can be accessed from the cliff trail or by walking along the beach from Robin Hood’s Bay, it is a steep climb down.
But visitors who choose to adventure sensibly when the tide is out can expect “views to die for”.
If you fancy a gentler way to explore Ravenscar, try strolling along part of the Cinder Track which passes through – the former Scarborough to Whitby railway line that closed in 1965 is now a 21-mile walking and cycling track.
Or check out the easy and short circular walking route (with additional loops if you want to extend your adventure – one goes around the old Peak Alum Works and the other passes by an abandoned brickworks and disused Victorian railway bridge). See the full map via the National Trust website.
For those looking to grab a bite to eat while visiting the impressive village and to take a well-deserved rest from exploring, the “first-class” Ravenscar Tearooms serves soups, sandwiches, pastries and a wide variety of cakes (there are also vegan and gluten-free options available).
One happy customer recently posted in a review on Tripadvisor: “The area is brilliant for it’s countryside, it’s views, it’s footpaths etc, and the icing on it all is the Ravenscar tearooms which are fantastic. It’s well laid out, tidy, and the food and drink on offer are first class. There is plenty of places in the area to stop over so it can be a base for exploring the North Yorks moors.”
A second guest put: “Had a lovely cuppa and one of the best scones ever there today. Their vegan pasties are delish too and packed full of flavour. Served by lovely friendly people who never stop smiling. Definitely worth a visit. The location is awesome too.”
Additionally, Ravenscar is a “fascinating” destination for history enthusiasts.
Visit Yorkshire explains: “The Romans once used it as one of their signalling stations along this stretch of the Yorkshire Coast.
The Largest National Parks in the UK
“A stone’s throw from the cliffs lies the famous alum works, an important site in Britain’s fabric dyeing industry.”
Why was Ravenscar town never built?
It continued: “In the late Victorian period, ambitious plans were made for Ravenscar to become a holiday resort to rival Scarborough and Whitby.
“Roads were laid, a handful of houses were built, and sewers were installed. However, ‘Peak,’ as it was to be named, didn’t quite catch on.”
Since then, the village has been known as ‘the town that never was’, writes the NYMNP website.
Fun fact – Ravenscar got its name during the Victorian period. “Scar” means “cliff’ or “rocky outcrop” in Old Norse.
You can see these “scars” (hard layers of rock stretching out to sea) from the top of the moorland.
Will you be visiting Ravenscar anytime soon? Let us know in the comments.
