Runswick Bay

Runswick Bay is about 10 miles north of Whitby and is a popular beach in the area.

We parked in the upper parking lot and headed down the hill which is over 200 feet high. Naturally, I was thinking about the climb back up when we returned. The bay itself is about a mile and a half with about a mile of sand that you can walk on.

The small village at the northern end has a hotel, a couple of eating places and oodles of cottages that are rented out to holiday makers. The white cottage on the right by the sea was apparently used in the series "All creatures great and small".

From the beach you could think you were looking at a small village in Cornwall, but the sand is better up here in Yorkshire.

Erosion is a problem and the old fishing shacks are gradually falling into the sea. Next year, this one may be gone.

Apparently these shacks have been handed down for generations but no new ones can be erected. There are very few left.

Caves in the cliffs and for the moment there were no children running in and out of them.

The cliffs at the southern end were mined for alum many years ago and the alum was hawled up the cliffs on inclined planes.

The sand disappeared to be replaced by rocks and seaweed.

A stone buried into a rock.

This was a fascinating beach to wander around with much to see.

This beach is absolutely wonderful for kids and no doubt some of these kids will remember these moments for the rest of their lives. Well, I hope so.

The old rescue boat shed which is now unused. It's a wonder it hasn't been turned into a holiday cottage.

Lobster pots. Commercial fishing is still a big industry in the area.

There are only narrow laneways leading to most of the cottages and it is quite pleasant to walk around them. All the cottages have names rather than addresses.

I liked the blue paint on this cottage.

I really enjoyed Runswick Bay and would happily go back for another visit. It's easy to see why it would be a favourite for families who would go back year after year for their holidays.