Robin Hood's Bay North Yorkshire

If you have never visited Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire the name alone may evoke ideas of smuggling and bandits of old but this pretty coastal village of North Yorkshire has so much to offer visitors and most bears no relation to Robin Hood and his Merrymen.

First perhaps we should put readers straight on Mr Hood.

Robin Hood is a legendary figure but who could not love the tale of this fallen knight who with his merry band of followers robbed from the rich to give to the poor.

Robin may have been a middle ages pioneer of socialism but he was not a real person.

Rumour here in Yorkshire is that Nottingham Forest was vast centuries ago reaching as far as North Yorkshire which adds another link between folklore and this village and legends are often so much more interesting than reality, aren't they?

An old English ballad tells a tale about French pirates raiding this coastal village but they had not taken Robin Hood into account. Ultimately they surrendered to Robin who as expected gave all the stolen loot back to the locals.

The truth is the reason this coastal village is called Robin Hood's Bay is not clear.

Robin Hood's Bay is in the county of Yorkshire and in Fylingdales which is a civil parish in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire.

It is an area of outstanding beauty set in the North York Moors National Park.

We have visited Robin Hood's Bay on many occasions down the years and never been disappointed.

Mist visitors arrive at the top, walk down the main street and then back up. That may sound rather boring and tiring when you consider how steep the road is for the walk back.

However there are quirky shops dotted along the side of this road, along with houses, cafes and at least one pub.

Visitors can walk away from the main road and wander around tiny old quaint streets which have some really unusual houses.

We usually arrive via public transport but the bus services vary according to the time of year. Out of season the timetable is drastically cut.

There is parking available if you prefer to drive to this Bay but although you could probably drive down to the sea it is not advisable.

The best way to explore Robin Hood's Bay is on foot

Our first port of call is a lovely hotel with great views and outdoor seating. Here we get the first refreshment of our visit either tea or coffee, or a pint of beer and a glass of wine.

Like so many establishments in the area it is dog friendly and there are bowls of water for any four legged visitors.

We then meander along until sooner or later we reach the sea and the beach. Close to the beach is a lovely old pub which serves lunch indoors and outdoors, and again it is dog friendly.

On a sunny day the seating area outside of this pub is packed. Parents sit here drinking in the sun and a favorite tipple while their children enjoy the beach.

The beach is not a sun-lounger type of beach but rather a working one. It has rock pools when the tide is out that just beg kids to explore.

Fossil finding is pretty lucrative here too.

Walk up some steps on the right hand side, away from this pub, and you cross over to the south beach area.

Places of interest

Robin Hood's Bay and Fylingdales Museum

Situated in the old Coroner's Room and Mortuary along one of these streets you will find a Museum . This museum is the Robin Hood's Bay and Fylingdales Museum.

This free to enter museum is well worth a visit. Check its website for current opening times.

Location and Access:

This museum situated on Fisherhead on the south side of the village can only be approached via narrow cobbled pathways which means it is not suitable for visitors with mobility issues.

The Old Coastguard Station

The Old Coastguard Station which is down toward the sea on the right hand side is now an exhibition and education centre which has a free entry policy also. According to its website it does allow dogs.

The Old Coastguard Station address is:-

The Dock,
Robin Hoods Bay,
Whitby,
North Yorkshire,
YO22 4SJ

Walking to Robin Hood's Bay From Whitby

We have walked to Robin Hood's Bay from Whitby in our younger days. The walk takes in part of the Cleveland Way, a series of North Yorkshire walks.

The Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay walk is roughly 7 miles or 12 km. It takes in some stunning views but a word or two of caution.

• Wear sensible walking shoes and clothes
• After you have walked some distance it is a long way back if you give up
• There are no cafes or easy ways to get to the road or transport
• Check the weather forecast before you set off and remember to take water with you
• If hot weather is forecast you will need some shade and sun protection
• If you are not very fit and rarely walk for the sake of walking take care

Robin Hood's Bay is a perfect vacation destination for families but a range of people spend time here.

It is a great area for walkers, bird watchers and those who love a less commercial vibe.

Spend a long weekend or a week or just one day and I dare you not to fall in love with the area.

A campsite close to Robin Hood's Bay offers superb views over the bay and Fylingdales.

However there is more than one campsite including one offering Glamping.

There are also Hotels offering Bed and Breakfast or full dining and cottages for hire.

• Ideally visit in good weather
• Although most places are dog friendly ask first
• Take a packed lunch or picnic with you for a cheaper visit
• There is no pharmacist or chemist shop in Robin Hood's Bay but there is a Post Office which also acts like a general store
• Refreshments are a little cheaper away from the main road
• Most establishments accept credit or debit cards