The Best Dog friendly Beaches Near Robin Hood’s Bay & Whitby

Do you love to holiday in Robin Hood’s Bay? And do you love to spend time with your dog(s) at the beach?

Would you love to visit more Dog Friendly beaches near Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby? But, maybe you're not sure where you can and can’t go? Or, have you ever wondered how accessible they are?

All along the Yorkshire Coast you will find an abundance of dog friendly beaches. We have a stunning coast just waiting for you to discover.

Some of our beaches do have restrictions throughout the year and you can find out more here:

Yorkshire Dog Friendly Beaches

Seasonal Beach Restrictions for Dogs - Scarborough Borough Council

On the Yorkshire Coast the tide tends to come all the way in on our beaches. Always check the Tide Times before heading out on to the beach. You can look them up here.

Here is our guide to the Best Fifteen Dog Friendly Beaches all within 25 miles and a 50 minute drive from Robin Hood’s Bay. Traveling time and miles are from Robin Hood’s Bay.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Dog Friendly all year round you won’t find a single restriction here. There's lots to explore for both the pooch and the humans. There are rock pools galore here, tons of seaweed, sand, boulders and the scaurs. Everyone will love exploring Robin Hood’s Bay Beach.

You can pick up walks along The Cleveland Way and The Cinder Track (the old Railway Line) towards Whitby or Scarborough here in Robin Hood’s Bay.

Food & Drink:

The Grosvenor Hotel - Food & Drink - Inside & Outside

North Ings Tearoom & Garden - Food & Drink - Outside

The Victoria Hotel - Food & Drink - Inside & Outside

The Fish Box - Food & Drink - Outside & Takeaway

The Laurel Inn - Drinks - Inside & Outside Bench

Bay Fisheries - Food & Drink - Takeaway

The Cove - Food & Drink - Inside & Outside

Brown’s - Snacks & Drinks - Takeaway

Elle Estelles Café - Food & drink - Outside & Takeaway

Morwen Le Faye Tearooms - Food & drink - Inside & Outside

The Toy Shop - Drinks - Takeaway

Smugglers Top Bar & Restaurant - Food & Drink - Outside

Dollies Sweet Shop & Van - Snacks & Drinks - Takeaway

Maid Marions Fisheries - Food & Drink - Takeaway

The Bramblewick - Food & Drink - Outside

The Bay Hotel - Food & Drink - Inside & Outside

Tea Toast & Post - Food & Drink - Inside & Out

Ye Dolphin - Food & Drink - Inside & Out

The Galley on the Quarterdeck - Food & Drink - Takeaway

Quarterdeck Café and Bar at Boggle Hole - Food & Drink - Inside & Out

The Fylingdales Inn in Fylingthorpe* - Food & Drink - Inside & Outside

Barnards in Fylingthorpe* - Food & Drink - Takeaway

The Hare & Hounds in Hawsker** - Food & Drink - Inside & Outside

Falling Foss Tea Garden*** in Sneaton Forest - Food & Drink - Outside & Takeaway

Please Note:

*Fylingthorpe is the first village to the left of Robin Hood’s Bay

**Hawsker is the first village above Robin Hood’s Bay

*** Falling Foss Tea Garden is open seasonally usually from Easter to October weather depending. Sneaton Forest is a 5-mile walk from Robin Hood’s Bay or a 5 minute or so drive.

Some establishments seating with dogs may be restricted to outside seating only. Please check with each establishment first. Many if not all will be happy to accommodate with a dish of cold water for your pooch. You will also find some establishments will have complimentary dog treats or dog snacks for sale.

Some establishments may be under closure or operate only on a seasonal basis.

Access: Down the cobbled slipway from the Dock, down steps to and from the quarterdeck or down the steep slipway (ramp) on Rocky Foreshore from the seawall path

Parking: Public paid parking at the top of Bay Bank or across from The Grosvenor Hotel

Boggle Hole

Walking along the beach from Robin Hood’s Bay the cliff juts out slightly, you will need to cross the Beck water as it hits the beach. Waterproof footwear is always good here. The Beck can be fast flowing and well over ankle height here.

Boggle hole is great for rockpooling, you’ll find heaps of seaweed and it's a great spot for fossil hunting. There's a Boggle Cave and you can pick up The Cleveland Way towards Whitby or Ravenscar here. It is also possible to walk to the Cinder Track from here back up the steep road.

The Beck fills the large opening between the cliffs and it's fun to step on stones to get to the cafe. One of our favourites.

Food & Drink: Quarterdeck Café and Bar at Boggle Hole, the cake and coffee combo and the Nachos come highly recommended

Access: Along Robin Hood’s Bay beach, down steep steps from The Cleveland Way or down the steep road from The Cinder Track

Parking: Public paid parking at the top of the steep road to Boggle Hole

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 3 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 12 minutes

Stoupe Beck Sands

Here is the sandiest stretch of beach from Robin Hood’s Bay beach. You will know you are here by the foot bridge over the deep Beck. The Beck flows onto the beach amongst lots of pebbles.

Stoupe Beck sands is a really lovely spot to sit for the day, enjoy a picnic, paddle in the North Sea. This sandy stretch of beach lends itself well to beach games. You will find it a lot quieter here than Boggle Hole and Robin Hoods Bay Beach.

You can pick up The Cleveland Way towards Whitby or Ravenscar here. Heading to Ravenscar you will find the old Alum Works site.

The nearest facilities are at Boggle Hole.

Food & Drink: It's not too far to walk to Boggle Hole and the Quarterdeck Café and Bar from here

Access: Along Robin Hood’s Bay beach, from the Cleveland Way down steep paths and steps

Parking: Park at Boggle Hole public paid car park and pick up the Cleveland Way or The Cinder Track

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 3 miles to Boggle Hole public paid parking

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 12 minutes

Hayburn Wyke

A secluded spot this is by no means a sandy beach. However, this spot more than makes up for what it does not have in sand in beauty.

Don’t let the fact this beach is rocky put you off. There is a beautiful waterfall here and more often than not you’ll find this spot to be very quiet and peaceful.

Food & Drink: The Hayburn Wyke Pub serves traditional pub fare

Access: From The Cinder Track & The Cleveland Way down a steep uneven path that can occasionally be muddy and rocky steps

Parking: Public paid parking close to the Hayburn Wyke Pub & at the Pub if a patron

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 12 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 20 minutes

Runswick Bay

If you love sandy beaches or just want to walk without having to scramble rocks, dodge rock pools or walk on pebbles this is the beach for you.

Everyone can have fun here, set up for the day, tides permitting. Enjoy beach games, have a picnic, sunbathe or just sit back and relax.

You can pick up The Cleveland Way towards Staithes or Kettleness.

Food & Drink: The Runswick Bay Hotel, the Royal Hotel and Sandside Cafe

Access: From The Cleveland Way down steep steps on the south side or the path down into the lower village accessed close to the Runswick Bay Hotel. Also accessible down the steep bank, the main road down into the lower village

Parking: Public paid parking in the lower village at the bottom of the steep bank or in the upper village adjacent to the Runswick Bay Hotel

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 14 Miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 30 minutes

Staithes

A small sandy secluded Bay you’ll enjoy exploring the village with your pooch as much as you will the beach.

A great beach for fossil hunting.

You can pick up The Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay or to Skinningrove.

Food & Drink: Barn Owl Cafe, Excelsior Fisheries, The Royal George, Dotty's Vintage Tea Room, Cod & Lobster, Captain Cook Inn, The Endeavor Restaurant, Sea Drift Tea Shop, Welcome 2 Staithes Coffee Shop

Access: Down the steep bank from the car park

Parking: Public paid parking at the top of the village

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 16 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 30 minutes 

Sandsend

Fun can be had by all here. The beach is both sandy and pebbly here and is the best spot for searching for Sea Glass. The Beck runs down to the sea and creates a great pool, fun for splashing around in.

There are plenty of eateries here and it is a firm favourite with families, dog walkers, couples and groups alike. It’s very easy to spend the day here.

You can pick up the Cleveland Way here towards Whitby where you will head up to the famous Whitby Abbey. Or you can pick it up at the far end of Sandsend where you will find the old Quarry and the old Railway Tunnel.

Mulgrave Woods are also nearby where you will find the old Mulgrave Castle Ruins. The Woods are open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and close throughout May. Dogs must be kept on leads as these are working Wood’s and a breeding ground for Game Birds.

Sandsend Beach is popular with sea swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders.

Food & Drink: The Wits End Cafe, Tides Cafe, The Fish Cottage Seafood Kitchen, The Hart Inn, Sandside Cafe, Mad Mary’s Burger Van

Access: Down the steep slipway, stone steps or wooden staircases

Parking: Public paid parking along the main road, The Mulgrave Estate also offer overflow paid parking at peak times of the year in Mulgrave Woods

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 8 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 20 minutes

Beach Restrictions: There are restrictions here from 1st May to 30th September areas off limits for dogs are clearly signposted. There is a large stretch of beach between the Sandsend and West Cliff Beach in Whitby that can be enjoyed by dogs all year round

West Cliff Beach in Whitby

A sandy beach that stretches for miles to Sandsend it is possible at low tide to walk from one end to the other. If the tide comes in just pick up the main road and follow it straight all the way back into Whitby. Alternatively after the Whitby Golf Club take the left down the Ravine where you can pick up the sea wall at the bottom. 

Food & Drink: There are lots of eateries close by to the West Cliff area of Whitby. Claras is highly recommended for hot drinks, and you won’t go far wrong with any of the Fish & Chip restaurants and takeaways

Access: Down the slipway next to the pier or the sea wall from the top of West Cliff

Parking: There are a number of public paid car parks on West Cliff and also public paid parking bays. There is also blue disc parking nearby and discs are free from the Tourist Information Centre in the center of Whitby

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 6 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 15 minutes

Beach Restrictions: There are restrictions here from 1st May to 30th September areas off limits for dogs are clearly signposted. There is a large stretch of beach between West Cliff Beach and Sandsend that can be enjoyed by dogs all year round

Tate Hill Sands in Whitby

A small sandy beach within Whitby’s Harbour and accessible from Whitby’s Old Town. You’ll find lots of Mussel shells and driftwood here. Enjoy a stroll or sit while the Dog(s) play and enjoy watching as the boats pass by on their way in and out of the Harbour.

Close to the famous 199 Steps you can pick up The Cleveland Way towards Robin Hood’s Bay from here.

Food & Drink: There are lots of eateries close by on the East Side area of Whitby. Crumbs & Cobbles Cafe, The Black Horse Inn, and The White Horse & Griffin come highly recommended.

Access: Down stone steps from the cobbled part of Church Street, down stone steps past the Duke of York Pub or via the steep path that leads to East Pier and down the slipway

Parking: There is parking along Church Street and a public paid car park. You will also find more public paid parking across the swing bridge in the center of Whitby a short 5 to ten minute walk from Tate Hill Sands

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 6 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 15 minutes

Saltwick Bay in Whitby

A sandy stretch of beach to start beyond this you will find a rocky beach and lots of scaurs. A great spot for Fossil hunting.

Much quieter than Whitby’s West Cliff Beach and Sandsend, Saltwick Bay provides a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Whitby Town.

Enjoy a walk along the beach back to Whitby at low tide to Saltwick Nab, the large protruding mounds of rock. It can be slippy along here so good sturdy footwear is advisable. Just past here you will find the shipwreck of the Admiral Von Tromp.

Food & Drink: Saltwick Bay Cafe at the nearby Whitby Holiday Park or walk down the 199 Steps at Whitby Abbey in to the Old Town where there are lots of eateries

Access: Steep steps down to the bay from the Cleveland Way or along the beach (scaurs) from Whitby’s East Pier at low tide

Parking: Public paid parking at Whitby Abbey

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 5 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 10 minutes

Saltburn

Saltburn Beach sits at the bottom of the cliff below Saltburn’s Victorian Seaside Town. The beach is both sandy and pebbly and stretches for miles.

Don’t fancy the climb up the hill to the Town take the dog friendly Victorian Cliff Lift Tramway

Nearby to the car park and the beach are the Valley Gardens. Here there are flat and very steep areas that include woodland and the old Italian Garden.

Saltburn Beach is popular with sea swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders.

Food & Drink: There are many eateries in Saltburn. Highly recommended is The Seaview Restaurant or The Fish Shop at The Seaview Restaurant

Access: Down the slipway or ramp

Parking: Public paid parking close to the beach

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 27 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 45 minutes

Beach Restrictions: There are some beach restrictions here with some beach areas off limits for dogs which will be clearly signposted

Cattersty Sands in Skinningrove

A real hidden gem, cattersty sands are at Skinningrove not far from Loftus. Much quieter than all the other beaches it is a very popular spot with Dog Walkers, Families and Walkers.

A long sandy beach surrounded by cliffs there’s also a sea wall. You can pick up The Cleveland Way here to Staithes or Saltburn.

Food & Drink: Kaskane Cafe & Covells Bar and Skinningrove

Access: From the sea wall

Parking: Free parking in the village close to the beach

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 23 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 40 minutes

North Bay in Scarborough

Sandy North Bay beach is popular with many including dog walkers, sea swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders. Overlooked by Scarborough Castle you can enjoy walks from here up to the Castle. It is also possible to walk down Marine Drive when the tide is in all the way to South Bay.

North Bay is close to Peasholm Park, another lovely walk to do with the dog(s).

Food & Drink: There are a number of cafes and takeaways nearby

Access: Down steps or ramps

Parking: Public paid parking along Marine Drive

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 16 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 25 minutes

Beach Restrictions: There are restrictions here from 1st May to 30th September areas off limits for dogs are clearly signposted

South Bay in Scarborough

South Bay beach is also popular with Dog Walkers and close to the Italian Gardens. The Gardens are steep so if you prefer head to the top of the cliff. Descend down to the beach through the Gardens taking in the views out to sea and across to the Old Town and Harbour.

Food & Drink: There are a number of eateries nearby

Access: Down steps or ramps

Parking: Public paid parking at South Bay Underground Car Park

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 17 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 35 minutes

Beach Restrictions: There are restrictions here from 1st May to 30th September areas off limits for dogs are clearly signposted

Cayton Bay near Scarborough

Cayton Bay is popular amongst families and dog walkers, with sea swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders. A sandy Bay it is a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal towns.

Cayton Bay is a really lovely spot to relax, unwind and enjoy a picnic.

Food & Drink: Lucy’s Beach Shack

Access: Down steep paths

Parking: Public paid parking at Cayton Bay Beach Car Park

Approximate Traveling Distance by Car: 20 miles

Approximate Traveling Time by Car: 35 minutes

Food & Drink

Please note that at some establishments seating with dogs may be restricted to outside seating only. Please check with each establishment first.

Some establishments may run shorter hours of opening or close completely for a short period during the winter months.

Parking

During the late Autumn and Winter months Scarborough Borough Council offers free parking in many of their paid car parks and parking bays. Free parking usually runs from 1st November to 28th/29th February.

This can be subject to change as at the Council's discretion.

Safety Tips

Check Tide Times

Read Safety Boards

Wear Sturdy Footwear when on Rocky Beaches

Keep a Safe Distance from Cliff Faces as they are Prone to Rock Falls and Slips

Always take a Fully Charged Mobile Phone

Walking on The Cleveland Way a short dog lead is advisable due to sheer drops and steep paths

A Dog Friendly Stay in Robin Hood’s Bay

So why not treat the Pooch(es) to a holiday in Robin Hood’s Bay and stay a while? Spend your time exploring all the Dog Friendly Beaches nearby to Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby. And enjoy refueling along the way on delicious local food and drink.

Smaller Dog Friendly 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.

Each cottage's facilities vary. You will find detailed descriptions and full accurate amenities lists on each individual cottage listing.

There are some cottages and instances where a maximum number of dogs may be negotiated. Please do get in touch if you have multiple pets and we’ll advise you on cottages suitable for your stay.