The Top Thirteen Things To Do in Robin Hood's Bay

Do you love the coast?

Do you love coastal villages?

Do you love Robin Hood’s Bay?

Have you wondered what the best things there are to do here?

Read on to find out the Top Thirteen Things To Do in Robin Hood’s Bay.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Perched on the coast between the surrounding cliffs of Scarborough and Whitby sits a Bay. The backdrop of the Bay is an old Yorkshire fishing village. This is Robin Hood’s Bay, the gem on the picturesque coastal edge of the North York Moors National.

Built on a steep hill the old 17th Century village heads down to the Bay. Winding streets, steep steps and cobbled alleyways make up what was once called Baytown. A maze of a village it’s easy to get lost here in Robin Hood’s Bay. Just all part of the magic of what makes it so special.

Robin Hood’s Bay harbours a deep rooted history of smuggling. The Kings Beck, cottage cellars, secret passages and snickets all helped with the illicit activities. Smuggling of Rum, Tea, Silk and Tobacco. There wasn't a person in the village that didn't participate in the illegal activities. Be it the smuggling, hiding, transporting or protecting of the secret goings on.

Legend has it that contraband could leave the Bay and reach the top of the village without ever seeing daylight.You can still see evidence of Robin Hood’s Bay’s smuggling past to this day and you can learn more at the local museum.

Robin Hood’s Bay Beach

For a short walk head to Boggle Hole. Recognisable by the slight jutting out of the cliff and the fast-flowing beck. Between the slipway and Bogglehole there are lots of rock pools and tons of seaweed.

Head further on to Stoupe Beck, a clue in the name you’ll know you are here by the running beck. The little footbridge is part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. You will find lots of pebbles and a sandy stretch of beach here. It is possible to pick up the Cleveland Way from Stoupe Beck and Boggle Hole.

Up for a beach hike? Carry on to the Ravenscar headland at the far end of the Bay. It can be slippy here and you may have to do a bit of rock scrambling.

Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is dog friendly all year round with no restrictions imposed.

Robin Hood’s Bay Museum

You will find the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum situated on Fisherhead in Robin Hood’s Bay. The Museum is housed in the Old Coroners Room and Mortuary.

Delve into Robin Hood’s Bay’s sinister past of smuggling. Learn about what was smuggled and how smuggling took place in Robin Hood’s Bay. See how the houses lent themselves well to the activities. Find the hidden contraband on the old Fisherwife.

You will also find displays of Robin Hood’s Bay’s fishing heritage and the sailing ships. There are old maps and old village artifacts from over the years.

Run entirely by volunteers Entry is Free however, donations are welcome.

Opening Times vary but the Museum is generally open throughout the Summer Months.

See A Thousand Stars

What can be more stunning than looking up at the night sky and seeing a thousand stars. Head down to the Quarterdeck, blankets in hand and a flask of hot chocolate. Lie down on the benches, let your eyes adjust and marvel at the twinkling dots gazing back at you.

You may think stars are well just stars but here they are extra special. The North York Moors National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve. Here it’s possible to see meteorites, the Milky Way, Planets and shooting stars.

The Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk

Rose Rylands otherwise known as The Whitby Storyteller is the wonderful lady behind The Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk. An absolute must do when in Robin Hood’s Bay. A fabulous storyteller there’s not much that Rose doesn't know of the folklore and legends of these parts.

Let Rose take you on a walking tour through the cobbled alleyways of Robin Hood’s Bay. Discover secret histories and take a journey back in time. Listen as Rose recounts tales of legends, villains, ghosts and stories of smuggling.

Fossil Hunting

Take a stroll along the Dinosaur Coast on Robin Hood’s Bay Beach. Walk in their very footsteps. Look for Ammonites, Belemnites and Devil’s Toenails (Gryphaea). Fossils common to Bay beach but not too common you will not have to look for them. What is more exciting than finding something Jurassic and millions of years old. The keen eye might also spot a bit of Jet too.

There are also Fossil Finding trips held here in Robin Hood’s Bay by Hidden Horizons. Learn how to identify potential fossils and safely hunt for Fossils.

Robin Hood’s Bay is also home to the Yorkshire Coast Dinosaur and Fossil Museum. So, if all else fails, head there to look at and purchase fossils.

The kind of fossils you are likely to find here on Robin Hood’s Bay Beach are Ammonites mostly but keep a close eye as there are others to be found along with Jet.

Eat Fish & Chips 

There's no better seaside feast than good old Fish & Chips. Especially on the Yorkshire Coast. Although, everyday's a weekend day when you're on vacation or staycation.

It's no secret that here on the Yorkshire Coast we're famous for serving award winning Fish & Chips. You will find not one but two Fish & Chip shops here in Robin Hood’s Bay. Whether at the top or bottom of Bay Bank just follow your nose. You can’t beat the delightful smell of fish & chips carried along in the sea air.

Get out and about and eat your Fish & Chips in the fresh sea air. So, whether you decide to walk with your supper or find a quiet little spot to watch the world go by, Enjoy. Don't forget the scraps.

 
Rock Pooling

You don't need anything to go rock pooling here other than arming your feet with a good set of wellies.

You could spend hours rock pooling here in Robin Hood’s Bay.

What rock pool creatures you might find here in our rock pools:

Small Fish

Crabs

Hermit Crabs

Starfish

Limpets

Barnacles

Periwinkles

Anemones

You will also find many varieties of Seaweed which are plentiful here. If you're lucky you might just find a Shrimp or Lobster.

Check under rocks as rock pool residents like to hide in seaweed and nooks and crevices. Do be careful when placing rocks back so as not to crush any of the rock pool residents.

Hire A Bike & Cycle The Cinder Track

No need to bring your own, Bay Hire offers a cycle hire service by appointment. Situated close to Scarborough's North Bay and Peasholm Park.

Bay Hire are happy to provide information on The Cinder Track or an alternative circular route. 

The old railway line The Cinder Track runs from Whitby to Scarborough. Relatively flat you will find some steeper inclines occasionally. The track spans 21.5 miles in total so there is plenty to explore. You will also find a selection of Pubs and Cafes along the way too.

Collection slots for cycle hire are available at 9:30am/10am/10:30am

Morning Hire: 2.5 hours

​Full Day Bike Hire: Return by 6pm

E-bike Hire up to 60 miles battery : Day Hire Only

All Cycle Hire include Free Parking, Helmet, Lock, Bell, Maintenance Kit & Bike Pump.

Children's Bikes, Tag Along Bikes, Trailers, Gel Seat Cover Hire are Available and more

Shopping in Robin Hood’s Bay

We have a wonderful little high street here in Robin Hood’s Bay full of independent shops. All stocked full of gifts, souvenirs, art, books, treats, toys to the bits you forgot to bring.You will also find Fashion items, upcycled furniture, vinyl records as well as a selection of food & drink items.

Opening times will vary throughout the year and are at the discretion of each individual shop. Check individual websites or social media for up to date information on opening times.

Walk The Cleveland Way

Spanning 109 miles in total taking in moorland and coastline, villages and towns and historical landmarks. The Cleveland Way will not disappoint.

Robin Hood’s Bay sits about halfway along the coastal stretch of the Cleveland Way. With options to head towards Whitby or Scarborough.

The walk to Whitby is an 8-mile hike. The views are breathtaking and when you reach Whitby you will be greeted by the stunning Whitby Abbey and St. Mary’s Church. Head down the 199 steps into the old town. Treat yourself to world famous fish & chips. Rest your weary feet whilst taking a pew on the Whitby Pier.

Alternatively head to Ravenscar, Hayburnn Wyke, Cloughton, Burniston, Scalby or Scarborough.

Catch the X93 Bus back to Robin Hood’s Bay from Scarborough or Whitby.

Go Off Roading

North Yorkshire Off Road Centre. A unique experience. A day out with a difference and a jaw dropping, breath taking back drop. If you love driving, enjoy being a bit daring or maybe you just love Robin Hood's Bay. This is Robin Hood's Bay from a whole different vantage point.

The North Yorkshire Off Road Centre has its own private quarry. Perched on a hillside in Robin Hood's Bay the centre offers tuition and a chance to experience their terrain. All whilst driving a modern LandRover Defender 110 TDCi*. There's mud, water, rocky terrain, hills, ruts and more. The tricky part will be keeping eyes on the track because the view is spectacular.

Experience's Available to Book Only** are:

Half Day 4x4 Experience

Junior Driving Experience

4x4 Experience Day

Tour Tuition & Tour Experience

Satisfy the thrill seeker in you, your family or friends and Book a 4x4 Robin Hood's Bay adventure today.

*Other vehicles may be available

**Please do not just turn up on the day

Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Weekend

Deep rooted in a heritage of folk music Robin Hood's Bay hosts its own annual Folk Weekend. Every year in June Robin Hood's Bay comes alive with medleys of folk songs. The streets and the pubs, cafes and tearooms all brimming with happy people and music. You will find the modern take on folk music, traditional sea shanty music and everything in-between.

The majority of Folk Weekend is free and jam-packed full of events including:

• Morris Dancers
• Music Sessions
• Concerts
• Sing Arounds
• Workshops
• Raffles

And the Annual Favourites:

• Friday Night Folk Club
• Saturday Night Concert(s)
• Acoustic Cafe Dash
• Dance and Drumming Displays

Starting on Friday evening Folk Weekend will have you singing, jigging and dancing through till Sunday night. Let your curiosity take you on a musical adventure in this mystical old fishing village. Lose yourself in the heritage of Robin Hood's Bay and Folk Music.

Robin Hood’s Victorian Weekend

Each Year Robin Hood’s Bay host’s its very own Victorian Weekend. Usually taking place the first full weekend of December starting Friday afternoon through to Sunday evening. There are lots of ways to get into the spirit of things. Why not dig out your Victorian best and dress up for the occasion.

Robin Hood's Bay Victorian Weekend is a family friendly, couple friendly, dog friendly, group friendly event. Everyone is welcome. Spanning across 3 decades, Victorian Weekend just keeps getting better. You will find the classic events of festive fun past and new events of festive fun present.

The festive event will be packed full of old and new activities including:

Welly Wanging

Face Painting

The Duck Race

Carols in the Dock

Arts & Craft Fair and much more

New activities change yearly

There will also be lot's of:

Festive Fun

Food

Drinks

Live Music & More

Why not take a bit of time out for a little festive fun to get more in the spirit. Relax by the sea enjoying the last of the Autumn air.

Stay

Relaxing Coastal Escapes in Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire.

Sam and Sian have been helping you make memories and relax on the coast since April 2017.

Baytown Holiday Cottages is a small North Yorkshire Booking Agency specialising in the Robin Hood’s Bay area of the North York Moors National Park.

Two locals who know the area and the cottages inside Out. Their home, their workplace and their playground. Helping you find your escape by the sea.

So, why not stay for a while in one of the Best Robin Hood’s Bay Holiday Cottages.

Smaller properties are available from 2 nights and the larger properties from 3 nights. All dependent on the time of year. All of our cottages are priced accordingly throughout the year. All of our properties feature in size order. Largest to smallest as you scroll down the Accommodation Page.

For a quick look at our availability at any given time you can use our All Availability feature. Just click the green and yellow Check Availability button on the Home page of our website.