The genteel seaside town of Filey is unique: the only place in the country where three National Trails – the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way and England Coast Path – meet. Not that Filey makes a fuss about it. Despite its glorious golden beach, charming Victorian streets and surrounding scenic drama, it remains pleasingly low-key; picturesque, peaceful, relaxed.
Filey is also a great base for a three-day break, combining the best of North Yorkshire’s shores with the peaceful wolds inland. Pick any one of the town’s hospitable B&Bs, tuck into good old Yorkshire breakfasts and then strike out. Walk along the east coast’s highest cliffs and visit headlands busy with half a million birds. Drive across untamed moors and gaze from the battlements of ancient castles. Sail out to search for whales and join a twilight safari to look for creatures of the night. And stop off at a ream of country pubs, chocolatiers, tap rooms and teashops for a varied taste of the region – not least a dram of Yorkshire whisky, a slab of homemade cake and some of the best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted.
The icons below highlight the distance, difficulty and theme of this itinerary.
3
Walks from 4km to 6.5km
Easy
High Hills & Moorland / By Water
History / Food & Drink / Wildlife / Coastal
Walking / Water Fun / Heritage / Hands On
Here’s everything you need to help you plan your very own active break on the North Yorkshire coast. Click on the blue arrow tabs below for more information. To save this itinerary to view later, use the Save to My Rucksack button at the top of the page.
Base yourself by the beautiful beach in Filey for a varied three-day stay. From the seaside town, it’s easy to explore the coast, with its mighty cliffs, wheeling birds and fossil-littered shores, as well as North Yorkshire’s rugged interior.
Breathe in the sea air and relax: Filey is a gentle antidote to the modern world. Start by walking up onto Filey Brigg, the long, narrow peninsula that stretches out to sea, about a mile north of town; a carved stone seat here marks the finish (or start) of both the Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trails. Then stroll back, along beautiful Filey Bay, with its golden sand – once voted Best Beach in Britain by The Times. Wander along the Promenade, following the Sculpture Trail, a series of artworks inspired by Filey’s natural heritage.
The Lighthouse Tea Room is a lovely choice for lunch, perhaps followed by a treat or two from Sterchi’s chocolatiers, which has been crafting high-quality chocolates since 1919 (don’t miss the champagne truffles). Then take a drive out across the gentle wolds – the heaving, rich-hued countryside that so inspired David Hockney – to Sledmere House. Roam the corridors of this handsome Georgian stately home (the Long Library is considered one of the finest rooms in England) and explore the grounds – the walled rose garden, the sculpture court, the expansive deer park – originally designed by Capability Brown.
Return to Filey via the Spirit of Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s only whisky distillery. Join a tour to find out how they craft their fine single malt, sample a wee dram, and then grab a coffee overlooking the stills at the on-site cafe. Just be sure to leave room for dinner: perhaps proper fish and chips from Inghams – eat them inside or get them wrapped, to eat round the corner, in sight of the sea.
Overnight in Filey. Rutland Street has several lovely guesthouses, but there are many options – see Accommodation, left.
Ravenscar, a 40-minute drive north of Filey – or, if you’re feeling very energetic, a 30km hike along the Cleveland Way – is a mysterious and spectacular spot. A bunch of Victorian entrepreneurs dreamed of creating a resort to rival Scarborough here, but it never happened. Now, you can take a short loop walk along the clifftops, through the ‘town that never was’ and down to the now-peaceful remains of the old alum works, home of the world’s first chemical industry. Eat lunch at Ravenscar’s Raven Hall Country House Hotel, with views down the coast to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Next, how about a walk with an alpaca? Veer just inland, to Thorny Beck Alpacas in Cloughton, to stroll across the woodland, hills and pasture of the North York Moors, leading your own animal – they make the most calming companions. Afterwards, the Blacksmiths Arms is the place for a pint – even The Queen has had a drink here.
Alternatively, drive south to Scarborough, the classic Yorkshire coast resort. The ruins of Scarborough Castle loom on the rocky promontory – from up here you have matchless views of both the north and south bays, and can soak up 3,000 years of history. For a different perspective, head to the top of Oliver’s Mount, the wooded rise behind the town; it’s home to England’s only street circuit motorbike racing track as well as Oliver’s on the Mount café, where you can refuel with huge sea views.
Overnight in Filey – see Accommodation, left.
It’s only a 20-minute drive from Filey to Flamborough Head (or a bracing hike of about 20km, once the England Coast Path is complete). A short walk here rewards with two historic lighthouses – including the oldest still standing in Britain, dating from 1669 – and a stretch of dramatic chalk cliffs, soaring to 120m. Take binoculars: this is one of Europe’s most important seabird colonies and, in summer, the cliffs are raucous with auks, puffins, gannets and gulls.
Once you’ve blown away the cobwebs, grab lunch at the Seabird Inn or the Thornwick Bay Café, then backtrack to RSPB Bempton Cliffs, another major breeding site. The cacophony, the aroma, the vision of half a million seabirds whirling above the waves – it’s one of Britain’s greatest wildlife spectacles. For a more expert introduction to the local wildlife, take a tour, boat trip or workshop with Yorkshire Coast Nature.
Finish back in Filey – maybe good pub grub at the Star Inn or proper pasta at Bella Italia – followed by a real ale at The Cobbler’s Arms, Filey’s own micro-pub.
Overnight in Filey – see Accommodation, left.
Filey has a variety of welcoming hotels and B&Bs, all well located for the beach. Rutland Street could be renamed ‘Guest House Street’, with numerous good options.
Find more accommodation at Discover Yorkshire Coast
You won’t go hungry on the North Yorkshire coast. Cafes, pubs and tea rooms pop up just where you need them, often in scenic locations – perfect after a little stroll. The fish and chips are usually excellent.
There’s so much adventure potential in the North York Moors, from long-distance trails to short, accessible strolls and a variety of other activities.
For further walking inspiration visit The Outdoor Guide.
Whether you’re feeling crafty or cultural, outdoorsy or just plain thirsty, the North Yorkshire coast has something to suit.
Fancy a short ride? Hire a bike for a few hours at Bike about Filey. For ideas on local rides, check out Filey Tourism.
For further information on cycling visit Cycle England.
The Cleveland Way follows the Yorkshire coast for around half its length, between Saltburn-on-Sea and Filey. The England Coast path is soon to be extended southwards from Filey Brigg.
For further coastal walks visit England’s Coast.
Elements of the itinerary could be carried out using public transport, but a car is necessary to access all of the available options.
Northern Rail services the region.
No specialist walking equipment necessary. The walks should take around one to two hours and are fairly gentle – suitable for all abilities.
We advise that you check opening times and booking restrictions before travelling.
Please check out these links for latest advice when in the countryside
Click here to access the interactive map
The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the National Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.