Staying at Bugthorpe Grange offers more than just a peaceful countryside escape—it’s also the perfect base for day trips to some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Whether you’re after sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, wildlife spotting, or quaint seaside towns, a day trip to the coast is full of variety and adventure. Here’s a guide to the best coastal spots to visit from Bugthorpe Grange, all within easy reach for a memorable family outing.
Watching out for wildlife
For nature lovers and keen photographers, RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head are must-visit destinations. Just 45 minutes from Bugthorpe Grange, these spots offer spectacular views of towering cliffs and the North Sea.
Bempton Cliffs is famous for its incredible seabird colonies, with puffins, gannets, and razorbills making their homes here from spring through summer. The dedicated viewing platforms provide stunning vantage points for both birdwatching and photography, offering the chance to capture images of the birds in flight, against the dramatic backdrop of the cliffs and the sea. Nearby, Flamborough Head boasts impressive white chalk cliffs, rocky coves, and a lighthouse, making it perfect for coastal walks. The scenery here is photogenic in every season, with the rugged coastline offering plenty of opportunities for landscape photography and a large seal population that can often be spotted on the shores at the base of the cliffs, especially between November and May during their breeding season.
Seaside family fun
For a more traditional seaside experience, the towns of Filey, Bridlington, and Scarborough are ideal choices, all within an hour’s drive of Bugthorpe Grange.
Filey offers a quieter, family-friendly vibe, with its sweeping five-mile sandy beach and gentle waters perfect for paddling and sandcastle building. A stroll along Filey Brigg will give you stunning views of the coastline and offer plenty of opportunities for rock-pooling!
Bridlington is perfect for families who enjoy a little more hustle and bustle. The town offers golden sands, a bustling promenade, and traditional seaside attractions, such as amusement arcades and funfair rides.
Scarborough is Yorkshire’s most famous seaside town, with two beautiful bays—North Bay and South Bay—offering everything from water sports to donkey rides. Explore the historic Scarborough Castle for fantastic views over the town or take the family to the Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary.
Hidden gems
As you can imagine, these beaches can get very busy, especially during summer! As ‘locals’ there are a couple of quieter spots we like to enjoy to escape the crowds, Fraisthorpe Beach and Hunmanby Gap are 2 of our personal favourites.
Fraisthorpe Beach is a peaceful stretch of sand located just south of Bridlington. The beach is perfect for a long walk or a quick paddle, and a visit to The Cow Shed café for a hot drink or a bacon roll rounds off the experience nicely. It’s a lovely spot to recharge while soaking in the calming coastal atmosphere. Further north, Hunmanby Gap is another hidden gem, with a secluded beach ideal for families and dog walkers. The beach is backed by grassy dunes and offers plenty of space to spread out. Be sure to stop by the Beach Café, which serves up hearty snacks and drinks, making it a perfect place to refuel after a day of exploring. Both beaches are served by private car parks (pay and display).
Further afield
If you’re up for venturing a little further afield, Whitby—just over an hour’s drive from Bugthorpe Grange—is well worth the journey. This historic fishing town is famous for its dramatic abbey ruins, cobbled streets, and connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula! The scenic drive will take you across the stunning North Yorkshire Moors to the coast. After exploring the town’s maritime history and perhaps taking a boat trip, a visit to Trenchers for some of the best fish and chips in the country is a must. Trenchers has won numerous awards for its fresh, perfectly battered fish, making it the ideal way to end a day by the sea.
With such a range of coastal destinations within easy reach of Bugthorpe Grange, your stay can easily be filled with day trips to discover the beauty of the Yorkshire coast. Whether you’re photographing wildlife at Bempton Cliffs, enjoying the classic charm of Filey or Scarborough, or sampling award-winning fish and chips in Whitby, the coast offers something for every type of traveller. After a fun-filled day, return to Bugthorpe Grange to relax and recount the day's adventures under the open skies.
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