North Yorkshire Coastal Drive
The North Yorkshire Moors and coast offer glorious countryside, stunning scenery and plenty to do for all the family. Drive along the A171 towards the seaside town of Whitby and you might spot the Hole of Horcum, just outside the town. This deep valley is a surreal landscape, a great place to explore, entertain the kids and see wildlife!
Continue into Whitby town centre, where Whitby Abbey dominates the skyline. The town features in the original Dracula story – Bram Stoker stayed at the Royal Hotel when he was writing his classic tale. Whitby is famous for its delicious fish and chips, and it’s also known for its connections to Captain Cook, whose statue stands on the clifftop near the Whalebone
Arch, overlooking the bay. The Captain Cook Museum takes you through the life of the Captain, who was an apprentice seaman at Whitby, and you can take a cruise on a 40% scale replica of his ship, the HM Bark Endeavour.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs from Whitby to Grosmont, Goathland, Newtondale, Levisham and Pickering. Head south to visit the picturesque streets of Robin Hood’s Bay, or stunning scenery at Ravenscar, known for its seal colony.
Scarborough boasts long, sandy beaches, a boating lake, a Sea Life Centre, watersports and crazy golf. Visit the Scarborough Fair Collection to try out beautiful
Victorian fairground rides.
Continue south to Flamborough, characterised by rugged white cliffs, sandy beaches and a quaint village. It’s great for bird watching, hiking and canoeing. There’s a scenic nature reserve here, and two historic lighthouses. It’s a Special Area of Conservation, unspoilt and less commercial than Whitby or Scarborough, but they each have their special charms.