Runswick Bay

Bay in Yorkshire

England

Runswick Bay

Lingrow Cliffs Looking east on Lingrow Cliffs.
Lingrow Cliffs Credit: T Eyre

Runswick Bay is a picturesque village and bay located on the North Yorkshire coast, England. Situated approximately 9 miles north of Whitby, the bay is nestled between the cliffs of Kettleness and the village of Staithes. It is part of the North York Moors National Park, renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

The bay is characterized by its sandy beach, flanked by towering cliffs on either side. The rugged cliffs are composed of Jurassic-era rocks, creating a dramatic backdrop to the bay. At low tide, the expansive sandy beach provides ample space for leisure activities such as sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.

Runswick Bay is a popular destination for fossil hunters, as the bay is rich in fossils dating back millions of years. Fossils of ammonites, belemnites, and other prehistoric marine creatures can often be found embedded in the rocks and cliffs.

The village of Runswick Bay itself is a charming and well-preserved fishing community. It is home to a cluster of traditional red-roofed cottages, many of which date back to the 17th century. The narrow, winding streets and whitewashed buildings give the village a quaint and timeless feel.

Visitors to Runswick Bay can also enjoy breathtaking coastal walks on the Cleveland Way National Trail, which passes through the bay. The trail offers magnificent views of the surrounding coastline, making it a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Overall, Runswick Bay is a beautiful and tranquil destination, perfect for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat or a chance to explore the wonders of nature.

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Runswick Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.532592/-0.73165061 or Grid Reference NZ8215. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lingrow Cliffs Looking east on Lingrow Cliffs.
Lingrow Cliffs
Looking east on Lingrow Cliffs.
Looking towards Kettleness From the Cleveland Way near Runswick Bay.
Looking towards Kettleness
From the Cleveland Way near Runswick Bay.
Runswick Bay Sailing Club Next to Calais Beck.
Runswick Bay Sailing Club
Next to Calais Beck.
Runswick Bay Public Comveniences The Car Park in Bank Top Lane.
Runswick Bay Public Comveniences
The Car Park in Bank Top Lane.
Lane up from the beach at Runswick Bay The lane becomes steep as it heads for the upper part of the village. The entrance to a public car park (pay and display in summer, free in winter) can be seen on the left; this is the only facility for visitors but there are also car parks for residents and members of the sailing club. Parking is not allowed on the road, enforced with double yellow lines.
Lane up from the beach at Runswick Bay
The lane becomes steep as it heads for the upper part of the village. The entrance to a public car park (pay and display in summer, free in winter) can be seen on the left; this is the only facility for visitors but there are also car parks for residents and members of the sailing club. Parking is not allowed on the road, enforced with double yellow lines.
Runswick Bay A former fishing village, now very much a holiday destination (many of the properties here are holiday lets), the village at Runswick Bay huddles around the north end of the beach. It was in fact relocated to this site in 1682 after the original village was destroyed in a landslip. This is one of the best-loved locations on the Yorkshire coast.
Runswick Bay
A former fishing village, now very much a holiday destination (many of the properties here are holiday lets), the village at Runswick Bay huddles around the north end of the beach. It was in fact relocated to this site in 1682 after the original village was destroyed in a landslip. This is one of the best-loved locations on the Yorkshire coast.
Runswick Bay This narrow lane passes through the lower village above the beach. The Royal Hotel, actually the village pub, is just ahead on the left (but out of shot).
Runswick Bay
This narrow lane passes through the lower village above the beach. The Royal Hotel, actually the village pub, is just ahead on the left (but out of shot).
Runswick Bay: Kayaks and Rescue Boat Station A number of colourful kayaks are stored here just above the beach and behind them is the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat Station. This inshore facility operates independently of the RNLI and was established in 1982 after the lifeboat was moved to Staithes.
Runswick Bay: Kayaks and Rescue Boat Station
A number of colourful kayaks are stored here just above the beach and behind them is the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat Station. This inshore facility operates independently of the RNLI and was established in 1982 after the lifeboat was moved to Staithes.
Runswick Bay Showing the north end of the beach where the village tumbles down to the sea.
Runswick Bay
Showing the north end of the beach where the village tumbles down to the sea.
Runswick Bay Beach The tide is out making it easy to walk the full length of the beach. Runswick Bay village can be seen in the background.
Runswick Bay Beach
The tide is out making it easy to walk the full length of the beach. Runswick Bay village can be seen in the background.
Runswick Bay Beach and Sailing Club Runswick Bay Sailing Club was formed in 1953, becoming the Beach and Sailing Club in 1998. This is the clubhouse, at the back of the beach about half a mile from the village.
Runswick Bay Beach and Sailing Club
Runswick Bay Sailing Club was formed in 1953, becoming the Beach and Sailing Club in 1998. This is the clubhouse, at the back of the beach about half a mile from the village.
Runswick Bay Beach The water in the foreground comes from the Calais Beck which empties into Runswick Bay here. To the right of that a small horse and a very large dog enjoy themselves on the sand.
Runswick Bay Beach
The water in the foreground comes from the Calais Beck which empties into Runswick Bay here. To the right of that a small horse and a very large dog enjoy themselves on the sand.
Runswick Bay Beach Horses, dogs and people are out and about just after Christmas on this fine beach.
Runswick Bay Beach
Horses, dogs and people are out and about just after Christmas on this fine beach.
Runswick Bay Beach Runswick Bay was named by the Sunday Times as its beach of the year for 2020, describing it as close to perfection. Plenty of people are blowing the Christmas cobwebs off in this view taken the day after Boxing Day. In the background is Runswick Bay village.
Runswick Bay Beach
Runswick Bay was named by the Sunday Times as its beach of the year for 2020, describing it as close to perfection. Plenty of people are blowing the Christmas cobwebs off in this view taken the day after Boxing Day. In the background is Runswick Bay village.
Runswick Bay Beach The sand runs out towards the south-eastern end of the beach, giving way to flat rocks as the coastline heads round towards Kettle Ness.
Runswick Bay Beach
The sand runs out towards the south-eastern end of the beach, giving way to flat rocks as the coastline heads round towards Kettle Ness.
Runswick Bay Light is rapidly fading on a December afternoon but the glow of the street lamp opposite the Royal Hotel seems comforting. The building below the road is the Rescue Boat Station.
Runswick Bay
Light is rapidly fading on a December afternoon but the glow of the street lamp opposite the Royal Hotel seems comforting. The building below the road is the Rescue Boat Station.
Galleon House, Runswick Bay Galleon House is used as a holiday cottage occupying an enviable position adjacent to the Royal Hotel pub and with a panoramic sea view.
Galleon House, Runswick Bay
Galleon House is used as a holiday cottage occupying an enviable position adjacent to the Royal Hotel pub and with a panoramic sea view.
The Cleveland Way at Lingrow Cliffs The Cleveland Way runs 110 miles (177 km) between Helmsley and the Brigg at Filey, skirting the North York Moors National Park. Its highest point is at Urra Moor, 1,489 ft (454 m).
The Cleveland Way at Lingrow Cliffs
The Cleveland Way runs 110 miles (177 km) between Helmsley and the Brigg at Filey, skirting the North York Moors National Park. Its highest point is at Urra Moor, 1,489 ft (454 m).
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Runswick Bay is located at Grid Ref: NZ8215 (Lat: 54.532592, Lng: -0.73165061)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

Police Authority: North Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///secondly.sprinting.duck. Near Whitby, North Yorkshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.532592,-0.73165061
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.5305634/-0.7251015
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.5306362/-0.7259378
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Lat/Long: 54.5305366/-0.7271394
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Lat/Long: 54.5302875/-0.7279977
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Lat/Long: 54.5289895/-0.729618
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.5282735/-0.7303473
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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