Smugglers' Hole

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Yorkshire Scarborough

England

Smugglers' Hole

Whitby-Abbey Farm Perched high above the town.
Whitby-Abbey Farm Credit: Ian Rob

Smugglers' Hole, located in Yorkshire, is a captivating coastal feature perched on a headland that juts out into the North Sea. This prominent point is renowned for its historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty.

Situated near the picturesque village of Robin Hood's Bay, Smugglers' Hole offers visitors a glimpse into the region's intriguing past. The name itself alludes to the area's notorious smuggling activities during the 18th and 19th centuries. The cliffside location provided a perfect hideout for smugglers, who took advantage of the rugged terrain and secluded caves to bring in contraband goods unnoticed by authorities.

Today, Smugglers' Hole is a popular destination for hikers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea, with its crashing waves and dramatic cliffs. The rugged coastal path leading to the hole is a favorite among walkers, providing a chance to explore the area's diverse flora and fauna.

The hole itself is a small, natural cave carved into the cliffside, accessible during low tide. Its dark and mysterious interior, combined with the sound of crashing waves, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that sparks the imagination. Visitors can explore the cave's nooks and crannies, marveling at its unique rock formations and the interplay of light and shadows.

Smugglers' Hole is a place where history, nature, and adventure converge. Its rich past, stunning coastal scenery, and hidden caves make it a must-visit location for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience on the Yorkshire coast.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Smugglers' Hole Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.482863/-0.57961983 or Grid Reference NZ9210. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Whitby-Abbey Farm Perched high above the town.
Whitby-Abbey Farm
Perched high above the town.
Whitby-Church Street A view across the River Esk.
Whitby-Church Street
A view across the River Esk.
Whitby Abbey from the pond
Whitby Abbey from the pond
Whitby Abbey Whitby Abbey was a 7th century monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey and its possessions were confiscated by the crown during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The abbey church was situated overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The substantial ruins of the church are designated as a Grade I Listed building (List entry Number: 1316347 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1316347" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1316347">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Historic England) and are in the care of English Heritage <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  .
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey was a 7th century monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey and its possessions were confiscated by the crown during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The abbey church was situated overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The substantial ruins of the church are designated as a Grade I Listed building (List entry Number: 1316347 LinkExternal link Historic England) and are in the care of English Heritage LinkExternal link .
Looking east towards Saltwick Nab from the Cleveland Way 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).
Looking east towards Saltwick Nab from the Cleveland Way
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).
Angler, Saltwick Nab
Angler, Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Looking towards Whitby from Saltwick Nab
Looking towards Whitby from Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Saltwick Nab
Whitby Coastguard Station Seen from the Cleveland Way as it enters Whitby from the east.
Whitby Coastguard Station
Seen from the Cleveland Way as it enters Whitby from the east.
Whitby Abbey A view looking over the wall in Abbey Lane, on a day of brilliant sunshine in April.
Whitby Abbey
A view looking over the wall in Abbey Lane, on a day of brilliant sunshine in April.
Whitby Abbey Whitby Abbey was a 7th century monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey and its possessions were confiscated by the crown during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The abbey church was situated overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The substantial ruins of the church are designated as a Grade I Listed building (List entry Number: 1316347 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1316347" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1316347">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Historic England) and are in the care of English Heritage <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  .
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey was a 7th century monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey and its possessions were confiscated by the crown during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The abbey church was situated overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The substantial ruins of the church are designated as a Grade I Listed building (List entry Number: 1316347 LinkExternal link Historic England) and are in the care of English Heritage LinkExternal link .
Whitby Abbey Visitor Centre With cobbled courtyard at the centre of which there is a copy of the Borghese Gladiator
Whitby Abbey Visitor Centre
With cobbled courtyard at the centre of which there is a copy of the Borghese Gladiator
The ruins of Whitby Abbey Seen from the courtyard in front of the visitor centre
The ruins of Whitby Abbey
Seen from the courtyard in front of the visitor centre
View to Saltwick Nab
View to Saltwick Nab
Farmland east of Whitby Abbey
Farmland east of Whitby Abbey
Show me another place!

Smugglers' Hole is located at Grid Ref: NZ9210 (Lat: 54.482863, Lng: -0.57961983)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Scarborough

Police Authority: North Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///lions.hypnotist.hotspot. Near Whitby, North Yorkshire

Related Wikis

Saltwick Bay

Saltwick Bay is a north-east facing bay approximately one mile (1.6 km) to the east of Whitby, on the east coast of North Yorkshire, England. The bay contains...

Whitby Lighthouse

Whitby Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by Trinity House. It is on Ling Hill, on the coast to the south-east of Whitby, beyond Saltwick Bay. To distinguish...

Cholmley House

Cholmley House or Whitby Hall is a banqueting house sited next to the ruins of Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire, England. It was built in 1672 by Sir Hugh...

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey was a 7th-century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey church was situated overlooking the North Sea on the...

St Mary's Church, Whitby

The Church of Saint Mary is an Anglican parish church serving the town of Whitby in North Yorkshire England. It was founded around 1110, although its interior...

Eskdale School

Eskdale School is a coeducational secondary school located in Whitby, North Yorkshire, England. The school is named after Eskdale, a valley that runs from...

Port of Whitby

The Port of Whitby is an ancient and historic seaport on the North Yorkshire coast of England. The port lies at the mouth of the River Esk, where it enters...

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Captain Cook Memorial Museum is a history museum in Whitby, North Yorkshire, England. The museum building, Walker's House, belonged to Captain John Walker...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.482863,-0.57961983
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.48131/-0.5731146
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4816125/-0.57409
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4819162/-0.5751228
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4821474/-0.5759058
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4824902/-0.5771988
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4831076/-0.5787686
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4833232/-0.5788209
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4833133/-0.5798248
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4830476/-0.5800783
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4830596/-0.5806929
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4834015/-0.5827816
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4834155/-0.5833324
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4833132/-0.5837727
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.483509/-0.5843868
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4839303/-0.5853027
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4842416/-0.5859479
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.4845408/-0.5863771
Saltwick Bay
Natural: bay
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 54.4853586/-0.5817424
Barrier: kissing_gate
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 54.4817459/-0.5758024
Barrier: kissing_gate
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 54.4829141/-0.5849079
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Smugglers' Hole?

Leave your review of Smugglers' Hole below (or comments, questions and feedback).