Family Days Out on the Yorkshire Coast Without Spending a Fortune
Family days out on the Yorkshire coast don’t need to involve expensive attractions or packed itineraries. In fact, some of the best memories are often the simplest ones; sandy shoes, sea air, picnics on the beach and children happily exploring rock pools for hours.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay in the area, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coastline without spending a fortune.
Fossil Hunting Along the Coast
The Yorkshire coastline is famous for its fossils, making it a brilliant low-cost activity for curious children (and adults too). Runswick Bay, Kettleness and Port Mulgrave are full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, especially after the tide has gone out.
Children love searching along the shoreline for unusual stones, shells and fossils, turning a simple beach walk into an adventure.
Rock Pooling and Crabbing in Runswick Bay
Few things keep children entertained quite like rock pooling. At low tide, Runswick Bay reveals pools full of tiny sea creatures, shells and crabs, making it one of the best places on the Yorkshire coast for a classic seaside afternoon.
Crabbing is always popular too, with crab lines and buckets available from the local café before heading down onto the beach.
Best of all, it’s simple, affordable family fun that usually ends with happy, tired children after hours spent exploring the shoreline.
A bucket, sturdy shoes and a little patience are often all you need but remember to check tide times before heading off exploring.
A Family Day Out in Saltburn
Saltburn is perfect for an easy-going family day by the sea.
With its wide sandy beach, colourful beach huts and relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for traditional seaside days that don’t need lots of planning or expense. Families can hire a beach hut for the day and set up a picnic overlooking the sea and spend hours simply enjoying the beach together.
The huge stretch of sand is perfect for beach cricket, rounders, frisbee or flying a kite when the sea breeze picks up. On warmer days, children can paddle in the sea, build sandcastles or try bodyboarding in the waves.
Saltburn is also one of the best spots on the Yorkshire coast for surfing, with surf schools and board & wetsuit hire available for beginners wanting to try something new.
The historic Saltburn Funicular is always popular with younger visitors too and offers fantastic views across the coastline as it travels between the town and beach below.
Afterwards, the promenade, pier and nearby cafés make it easy to end the day with an ice cream, fish & chips or coffee overlooking the sea.
Exploring Falling Foss Waterfall
For a change from the beach, Falling Foss is a beautiful woodland waterfall hidden within Sneaton Forest near Whitby.
The walk through the forest feels like a real adventure for children, with winding woodland paths, streams and plenty to explore along the way before reaching the waterfall itself.
It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic or a quieter afternoon surrounded by nature, especially on warmer days when the woodland offers welcome shade from the sun.
The nearby Falling Foss Tea Garden is also a favourite stop for coffee, cakes and light lunches after exploring the trails.
Exploring Guisborough Forest & Walkway Trails
For families wanting to swap the beach for woodland adventures, Guisborough Forest offers miles of walking and cycling trails surrounded by beautiful countryside.
The forest trails are ideal for children to explore, with wide pathways perfect for bikes, scooters and family walks through the trees. There are picnic spots, viewpoints and plenty of space for children to burn off energy outdoors without needing expensive attractions or activities.
The nearby walkway trails also make for a brilliant low-cost afternoon, especially during warmer weather when families can take their time exploring at a leisurely pace.
Climbing Roseberry Topping
For families with older children or anyone wanting a little more adventure, Roseberry Topping is one of the most iconic walks in North Yorkshire.
Known for its distinctive shape and panoramic views across the countryside and coastline, the climb is rewarding without needing a full day of hiking experience. Children often love the challenge of reaching the top, while the views make the effort worthwhile for adults too.
Combined with beach days, woodland walks and coastal exploring, it’s another reminder that some of the best experiences in Yorkshire are often the simplest ones.
________________________________________
Planning a Family Escape to the Yorkshire Coast?
Our family and dog-friendly cottages are perfectly placed for exploring Whitby, Staithes, Saltburn and the wider area.