Exploring Whitby Fish & Ships Festival from Runswick Bay
There’s something about the Yorkshire coast that feels even more special when the harbour is busy and the smell of fish & chips drifts through the sea air.
Every year, Whitby Fish & Ships Festival brings visitors to the coast for one of the tastiest weekends of the season, celebrating everything people love about the British seaside. From award-winning fish & chips to local seafood, harbour views and a brilliant atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it has become such a popular Yorkshire coast event.
Whitby itself is always worth visiting, but festival weekend brings an extra buzz to the town. Families stroll along the harbour with trays of fish & chips in hand and the whole town feels full of energy.
Festival weekend offers far more than just incredible fish & chips too. Along the harbour, visitors can explore stalls from local exhibitors selling artisan goods, local produce and coastal-inspired gifts, while live music from local bands creates a brilliant atmosphere throughout the town.
The Fish Craft Marquee is always a popular stop, with cooking demonstrations, live fish filleting, traditional net mending and pot sewing giving visitors a glimpse into Whitby’s long standing fishing heritage.
There’s also the chance to visit Whitby RNLI and learn more about the important work carried out by the volunteer crews who help keep the coastline safe year round, something that feels especially fitting in a town so closely connected to the sea.
One of the best things about staying in Runswick during festival weekend is being able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
You can spend the day exploring Whitby and soaking up the atmosphere, then return to the quieter side of the coastline afterwards. With a regular bus service running from almost right outside the front door of both cottages, there’s no need to worry about busy car parks or traffic queues, making for a far more relaxed day out.
Back in Runswick Bay, life moves at a gentler pace. Evening walks along the beach, sea views, a cosy pub and peaceful surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
If you’re visiting for the festival, it’s also worth exploring some of the other beautiful coastal spots nearby. Staithes offers winding cobbled streets and historic fishing village charm, while Saltburn is perfect for long beach walks, coffee stops or maybe a spot of surfing!
Whether you’re planning a last-minute coastal escape or simply looking for an excuse to spend a weekend by the sea, Whitby Fish & Ships Festival is one of our favourite times to experience the Yorkshire coast at its very best.
Planning Your Own Yorkshire Coast Escape?
Explore our family and dog-friendly cottages in the Runswick Bay area, perfectly placed for visiting Whitby, Staithes and the wider Yorkshire coastline.