I’m not sure where I even begin talking about our little Robin Hood’s Bay.
It is a magical little jewel on North East coast of England, in England’s largest county of Yorkshire.
Just a few miles from Whitby, it’s highly underrated for tourists from outside of the UK, though it’s very popular when it comes to the good ol’ English weekend away.
Origin of the Name
It seems an obvious question, especially for such an evocative name — But, No! The origin of the name is uncertain and it is unlikely, that (legendary – and not proven to have existed) Robin Hood ever got near the village.
An English ballad and legend tells the story of Robin Hood encountering French pirates who arrived to raid the fishermen’s boats and northeast coast. The pirates surrendered, and Robin Hood gave the loot back to the poor folk in the village that is now called Robin Hood’s Bay… or so the story goes.
What we know for sure, is the village is now named after it.
Exploring the Charms of Robin Hood’s Bay
All About Robin Hood’s Bay
Let’s start with the fact this bay was used by smugglers in the 1700’s! How cool is that? The village with its maze of alleys, winding roads, and subterranean alleys was the perfect place to escape.
So what, exactly, were they smuggling? Alcohol, tea and tobacco will be sold on the black market.
Robin Hood’s Bay is bustling at low tide with ice cream trucks and horses ambling around and families laying out beach chairs with a cooler beside them.
It is quite apparent that this is the only time you can get to experience the bay without being in a boat because once the high tide comes in, the bay reaches right up to sea wall.
So what is there to do in Robin Hood’s Bay? Or “Baytown,” as the locals call it?
Well, you can duck into a cute little cafe and get a cup of tea or you can duck into a pub on the water front and enjoy a local brew whilst you watch the tide roll in, you can take the kids down to the bay at low tide to run about the sand and go rock pooling or you can do what I like to do…. walk around and explore!
How to Reach Robin Hood’s Bay
By Car: No lie, this is the easiest way to get to here. The best way to see this part of England’s magical county of Yorkshire is to rent a car and hit the road.
The parking lots at the top of the hill and there are two large pay and display lots, you can’t drive down to the very bottom so be prepared for a steep climb on the way back.
By Train: Whitby is the nearest train station. It is a 3-hour, one-change journey from York. From Manchester, just over 4 hours with one change. From London, just under 5 hours with two changes.
You cannot day trip here by train (from the bigger cities), so you’ll need to spend the night.
To get there, you’ll take a taxi or bus at this train station every hours. From the station, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the bay.
By NYMR: Or the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This is a heritage railway that pulls straight into the main Whitby station. The coolest part? IT’S A STEAM TRAIN!! (…most of the time. They do have occasional running diesel engines … (check the website for engine updates).
You can go as far south as Pickering, some 20 miles from Whitby, but this is more for experience than convenience.
And by Bus: These are the bus you should be taken X93 bus It stretches between Middlesbrough and Scarborough, but takes in Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay.
This is an affordable and accessible option. If it’s closer to Middlesbrough or Scarborough for you, then definitely the first choice!
Reaching the Bottom of the Robin Hoods Bay
When you get there (by bus, taxi or self-drive) you will reach them at the top of the hill.
You can walk down the street on the right and that will lead down straight to the bay in the bottom or you can walk down the dirt road on the left side, just after the fence. (You can’t miss it!).
This is my favourite option, because then you can walk down the maze of little streets that winds its way in between the cute cottages and bungalows.
As long as you are walking on the right path, you will find your way to bay, don’t fear getting lost. (Trust me!) And isn’t it fun to be a little lost sometimes?
You can walk round the museum and the old coastguard station, both of which are free entry and learn a little bit of about the history of the town and all the shipwrecks and the smuggling that took place.
When bay is low tide, there is much to be done. Be aware of tide times, especially if you have limited time here If it’s a decent day then at least one ice cream truck drives out onto the bay making it that much easier to indulge your sweet tooth whilst sunbathing!
I loved walking…the entire length of the bay, taking in the sites. If you perch yourself at one of the larger rocks with a picnic and simply watch the sea battering against the cliffs in the distance, you will feel like the only person there. Trust me. Just be careful of the puddles of water that settle in the rocks all around the bay… if you are as clumsy as me, your shoes (and the bottom of your jeans) will be completely soaked!
It’s also good for a family day out as rock pooling or a pony ride around the bay (kids and adults alike) is on the menu.
After getting yourself lost in the streets of the city, exploring that little bits of the bay, or a pint or two at the pub that marks the conclusion of the coast to coast walk, it’s time to leave.
You can walk the main street to the top or walk the stairs to the right of the old coastguard station and you’ll arrive at a viewing platform that has some benches and you chill out here and watch the tide rolling in.
It’s usually a peaceful place to escape those bustling summer days.
If you would still like to explore more ahead, there (potentially) hidden stairs can be found directly behind you that disappear into the hill. Climb up the stairs for nice views of the bay and a back way to the main road.
Keep in mind, this only takes you so far up. Upon reaching a road, you can walk right to take the main road, or you can keep going through the maze of houses.
Robin Hood’s Bay Fact Pack
- Robin Hood’s Bay — A small fishing village on the North Sea coastline in North Yorkshire, England.
- The village was named after the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood, who supposedly hid in the nearby woods.
- Robin Hood’s Bay has about 1,200 residents.
- One of the popular tourist destinations is the village, where narrow streets, historic buildings, and spectacular coastal scenery can be found.
- Robin Hood’s Bay sits in the North York Moors National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- The village has a rich maritime heritage dating back to times of fishing and smuggling and shipbuilding.
- Robin Hood’s Bay features several historic buildings and landmarks, including the 15th-century St. Stephen’s Church and the 17th-century Bay Hotel.
- It has a lively arts and culture community, full of art galleries, craft shops, and music festivals organized during the year.
- Robin Hood’s Bay has a variety of accommodation from bed & breakfasts to luxury holiday cottages and apartments.
- The village has numerous pubs and restaurants offering traditional Yorkshire dishes, fresh seafood and international fare.
- Robin Hood’s Bay is famous for its stunning coastal walks, with paths running along the clifftops and down to the beach.
- Puffins, seals, and dolphins are among the village’s species of birds and marine life.
- Robin Hood’s Bay is a place with an incredible history, with signs of human occupation from as early as the Bronze Age.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, the village was a significant centre for smuggling, with tunnels and secret passages leading to hidden warehouses and storage areas.
- 19th and early 20th-century artists and writers flocked to Robin Hood’s Bay, among them the painter John Atkinson Grimshaw and the novelist Bram Stoker.
- There is also a variety of attractions in the village, including Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, which covers the village’s history, and a National Trust visitor center, which is based in the Old Coastguard Station.
- Robin Hood’s Bay has an active community spirit, with several local clubs and societies, including a choir, a drama group and a gardening club.
- The village is perfect for family friendly activities, you can go rock pooling, fossil hunting and crabbing from the beach.
- Robin Hood’s Bay has served as a filming location for several television shows and movies, including the BBC series “All Creatures Great and Small” and the movie “Phantom Thread.”
- Robin Hood’s Bay also hosts several annual events and festivals such as Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Weekend and the Baytown Beer Festival
- Kayaking and canoe day trips are a popular attraction at Robin Hoods Bay, with many local firms offering guided tours and equipment rental.
- It is well connected by roads and public transport, with regular bus services linking it to neighboring towns and cities.
- Robin Hood’s Bay is an attractive, idyllic village, with a special personality and warm locals.
- The village is a good starting point for exploring (and beyond) the North York Moors, with several hiking and cycling routes passing through the area.
- A Hidden Gem: Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire Robin Hood’s Bay is a hidden gem of North Yorkshire that everybody should visit.
FAQs about Robin Hood’s Bay
What is Robin Hood’s Bay famous for?
Robin Hood’s Bay is famous for its beautiful fishing village, breathtaking coastal views, and history as a smuggler’s den.
What is there to do in Robin Hood’s Bay?
Things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay include walking around the village’s narrow streets and alleys, walking the coastal paths, visiting local museums and galleries, and eating fish and chips at one of the many restaurants and pubs.
Is Robin Hood’s Bay suitable for visiting with children?
Yes, Robin Hood’s Bay is a nice place to visit with kids. And there are many family-friendly things to do, including rock pooling, crabbing and fossil hunting on the beach, as well as a playground and a children’s trail through the village.
Is there any accommodation in Robin Hood’s Bay?
Yes, you can find some different types of accommodation in Robin Hood’s Bay, with hotel, B&B, holiday cottages and campsites. In peak season, it is advised to book directly.
Where to Next After Robin Hood’s Bay
If you want to know how many there are, you can check out the Crowns of the Red Rose County · More…After visiting Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, there are many more delightful coastal towns to explore in the area. Whitby, a short drive north of there, is a favorite destination, with its historic abbey, yacht-filled harbor and renowned fish and chips. Further up the coast, Staithes is another picturesque fishing village with its narrow streets and brightly colored cottages.
If you want to head inland, the North York Moors National Park is a highlight. The park’s landscapes include rolling hills, moors of purple heather and ancient forests. You can hike or bike among the park’s many trails, or take a scenic drive winding through its roads. The park is also home to some quaint villages, including Helmsley and Pickering, where you can wander local shops and restaurants.
Hi, I’m Linda Milone, a travel enthusiast and safety advocate. I created Safe Travel Quest to share my passion for exploring new destinations while staying safe and informed. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you can find me researching the latest travel trends and tips. Follow safetravelquest along for practical advice and inspiring stories to help you travel with confidence.