Holiday cottages on the Yorkshire coast

Self-catering coastal cottages in Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Coast

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The Yorkshire Coast varies from interesting to spectacular, and aside from the numerous fishing villages dotted along it, there are perhaps some of the most famous resorts in the UK, the best known of which are Scarborough, Bridlington, Whitby and Filey.

In particular, Whitby is perhaps best known for its association with both Captain Cook and Bram Stoker, who brought the world his popular and often fearsome character Dracula. Here you can climb up the steps from the harbour to St. Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey which both feature in the original novel. The town also hosts a twice-yearly Gothic-themed weekend in honour of the writer.

The great thing about visiting the coast is the varied selection of self-catering accommodation available, from the most basic, yet comfortable, to the most exquisite lodges and houses. You’ll also find plenty of apartments and flats to choose from, and even boutique ‘aparthotels’ are now becoming increasingly popular, where self-catering is combined with the support of full-servicing.

You’ll find accommodation located in the centre or beside some of the most popular attractions, while you’ll find other accommodation located a little off the beaten track, where your hideaway retreat will truly become your castle, and you’ll awake in the morning to be greeted by the local wildlife preparing for the day.

Whether you want a quiet romantic off-season weekend, or a fun-filled summer holiday, you’ll be able to enjoy all the home-from-home comforts in your own time and at your own pace. Seafood lovers will be able to purchase freshly caught fish and seafood from many of the waterside fishmongers in most of the coastal towns. Or you may prefer to abandon the kitchen range and eat in one of the many speciality fish restaurants dotted throughout the area, all serving fresh and locally-sourced produce. And nearly every town features a restaurant of note where the ten-minute queue to be seated is well worth the wait!

The Yorkshire Coast has some excellent attractions for both young and old alike. Those seeking a quieter holiday may want to explore the Yorkshire Coast’s ancient heritage through the many impressive Abbeys, Castles, stately homes and country houses dotted throughout the region, many with magnificent gardens open to viewing. Or maybe you have a young family and want to keep them full-entertained at many of the pleasure parks, leisure beaches, adventure playgrounds and simple, safe wide open spaces.

The more active can always get in a round of golf, take to horseback, get on their bikes or just simply pull on a pair of hiking boots and head off for a full day’s walking. There are many trails to follow, all supported by facilities for comfort and refreshment along the way.

Robin Hood's Bay and Staithes, are well worth a visit, as are the Bempton Cliffs on Flamborough Head. A little inland you’ll find the village of Goathland, famous as the fictional "Aidensfield", setting for the long-running TV series “Heartbeat” (which also regularly featured Whitby), and of course Scarborough, setting for Heartbeat’s sister hospital drama “The Royal”. You’ll also be within easy reach of the North York Moors Railway, Beck Hole Mallyan Spout and the valley of Wheeldale.

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Holiday cottages on the Yorkshire coast

On the coast of Yorkshire are the towns of Whitby and Scarborough. Whitby is famous for that dark villain Count Dracula and the production of the black jewel, Jet; Scarborough, as a holiday destination for over 300 years. The Magpie Café sells the best fish and chips in the world - it is in Whitby. What better reason to visit this town than to eat the best. Well, whilst eating out of your newspaper, you can visit the Captain Cook Museum, he was born here, stroll through the ruins of the abbey, Bram Stoker's inspiration for the most evil person yet imagined, or stroll along the quayside watching tomorrows meal being landed.

Scarborough, by contrast, is the home of Jimmy Saville, but this doesn't mean that you have to wear a tracksuit to get in. It is, though, the quintessential holiday resort - great for a house party or a weekend break. Lots of arcades, bingo halls, and seaside kitsch, burgers, Yorkshire's finest fish and chips and buckets on the beach. For the more cerebral visitor the town has a castle, the Sea Life Centre (lots of interactive stuff here), the beautiful Pre-Raphaelite interior of the church of St Martin-on-the-Hill, and in the evening the Stephen Joseph Theatre, which previews all Alan Ayckbourn plays. Virtually every house offers some form of self-catering accommodation or bed and breakfast, and competition on price is fierce, so shop around if you have to. Alternatively, go out into the countryside and find a secluded cottage to rent, there are plenty in the area, and quite a few within striking distance of the Cleveland Way, a lovely walk along the coast, or to the south is the Wolds Way, which will take you all the way south to Hull.

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Holiday cottages in East Yorkshire, self-catering near Hull

Hull is the largest port in Yorkshire and has a long history of fishing and trade, with the town retaining a rather rough exterior, although this has been softened in recent years. The historical link with the fishing industry is retained with various chunks of whalebone dotted about the town, and the huge and very impressive aquarium, The Deep. In addition to a vast tank, containing over half a million gallons of water, with an internal lift, there are computer-generated and interactive displays that run you through the creation of the seas. The council runs most of the other museums in the town and they are all free, and run displays from art galleries to fishing in the Arctic. One of the most unusual is the rare Art Nouveau Gents toilet, perhaps the place to finish up after you have done the Hull Ale Trail.

To the north of Hull is thoroughly unspoilt Beverley, a perfect place from which to explore the area, which is relatively flat, and ideal for a cycling holiday in Yorkshire. There is the fantastic minster in the centre of town, and its architecture and features would not look out of place in a cathedral. To go with the amazing stone carvings, there is a rebuilt treadwheel crane, where medieval labourers would trudge along like human hamsters. Beverley has lots of other interesting buildings, from Georgian to Victorian, including an elegant coaching inn, and a restored Dominican Friary, which is mentioned in the Canterbury Tales.

On the east coast of Yorkshire are miles and miles of unspoilt beaches, holiday towns, like Hornsea and Filey, and the picturesque Bridlington, very popular with the Victorians. Out of town is a lovely country house, Sewerby Hall and gardens, and the short walk back to Bridlington along the coast is a delight.