North Yorkshire beach named UK hidden gem to visit in spring

The beach at Runswick Bay is nestled between Sandsend and Staithes, and has just been highlighted by outdoor experts.

Runswick Bay itself is known as being a “picture postcard” village situated along the North Yorkshire coast near Whitby, with its mile of “secluded bay and gorgeous beach,” and quaint fishermen’s cottages.

It comes as the team at GO Outdoors analysed average spring temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, and reviews of beaches with fewer than 500 reviews on Google to reveal the handful of “hidden gem” spring beaches across the UK, which include the likes of Druridge Bay and Bamburgh in Northumberland.

The ‘hidden gem’ North Yorkshire beach you need to visit this spring

Many visitors seem to agree that Runswick Bay is a secret spot in general, as the coastal location has recently been described as the county’s “best hidden coastal village” and one of Yorkshire’s “prettiest little villages” in several videos by travel enthusiasts on TikTok.

Others have said Runswick Bay is their “happy place” and somewhere they like to go to “prioritise their peace”.

Meanwhile, on Tripadvisor, the village and beach currently have a “very good” 4.5/5 rating based on 431 reviews – 291 of which are rated as “excellent”.

Additionally, over on Google, Runswick Bay only has 56 reviews, but an impressive 4.8/5-star rating.

Someone who is quite the fan of the area shared: “This is the third time visiting this beautiful bay, and once again I leave a piece of me behind!

“Runswick has become such a special place. It’s not massively busy, has a vast beach that is enveloped by beautiful big cliffs that nestle a few large caves.

“The pretty little cottages are all stacked on top of one another down the left hand side of the cliffs, with beautiful little paths and walkways that allow you to walk around the cottages and high up in to the hillside, offering stunning views down to the bay.

“Other places may boast gift shops, amusements and lots of other establishments that bring out the rowdier crowd, but the fact that the bay itself has but one coffee/gift shop and one pub tells you that the place is pretty tranquil.

“The pub is lovely, and the cafe sells amazing ice cream.”

They added: “Other than that, young fossil hunters will enjoy themselves here as we found a couple of fossils.

Visitors have said Runswick Bay is ‘pretty tranquil’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“All in all, a gem of a location, and one which I hope to visit many more times in the near future.”

Another wrote: “We walked here from Staithes, lovely walk with amazing views (steep in places).

“Well worth the walk! Cafe at Runswick Bay was lovely, great coffee and cakes, lovely place to sit and relax before walking back.

“We had our dog in tow and she was made welcome at the cafe.”

This person commented: “Absolutely stunning! Well worth a walk along the beach and doing a bit of fossil hunting, glass spotting, shell collecting. Lovely ice cream.”

One happy visitor said: “We are here for easter weekend, we visited the lovely modern cafe just on the beachfront, delicious cakes and light bites and beverages.

“Lovely staff and plenty of seats although we imagine it will get busy.

“Will definitely be back as its [sic] perfectly positioned to sit eat a slice of yummy cakes and a cuppa tea while u admire the views.

“The beach was great so happy to see so many dogs enjoying themselves and not a poo bag in sight as mentioned previously.

“We found so [sic] lovely fossils so interesting.”

A popular foodie spot in Runswick Bay is The Royal Hotel, which is “a traditional British pub overlooking the stunning bay and cliffs”.

North Yorkshire travel content creator @adventures.in.yorkshire posted as part of a TikTok video: “It’s the kind of place that feels cosy in every season – roaring fires and hearty food in winter, or a cold pint in the beer garden with those incredible sea views in summer.

“The menu is packed with local favourites, think crispy fish and chips, Whitby scampi, homemade pies, sandwiches and salads, plus a selection of changing specials that make the most of fresh, local ingredients.

“There’s even an extensive children’s menu and locally sourced desserts (definitely worth saving room for!).

“Expect generous portions, great value, and a warm Yorkshire welcome.”

The pub is also dog-friendly and family-friendly before 9pm.

To help you stay safe when visiting Runswick Bay’s beach this spring. Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors advises: “When planning your spring beach trip, keep in mind that British weather can still be unpredictable.

“Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry in case of sudden showers, choose supportive, waterproof footwear for any slippery sand or rocks, and layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.”

Are there any other “hidden gem” beaches you want to rave about in North Yorkshire, or do you want to keep them a secret? Let us know in the comments below.