The charming UK fishing village by beaches and waterfalls that most tourists overlook
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Brits thinking about a UK staycation might want to look at a former fishing village that still goes unnoticed, even though it sits right next to stunning beaches, peaceful woods and hidden waterfalls.
This hidden gem in North Yorkshire looks like something straight off a postcard, with its red-roofed houses, sandy shore and green hills all around, yet many visitors skip past it in favour of busy nearby spots like Whitby.
Even so, this small village has plenty for anyone wanting a relaxed UK break, from cosy B&Bs and friendly tea rooms close by, to a calm beach where you can stop and enjoy the sea views.
You might even spot dolphins, seals or, on rare occasions, whales in the water. The beach may not be huge, but when the tide goes out it becomes a fun place for families to explore rock pools together.
Many visitors love how quiet and uncrowded the shoreline feels once they find it.
One TripAdvisor user shared: "A beautiful little coastal bay, great for fossil hunting, with no noisy amusements or rides around. Just a calm and peaceful day by the sea."
Another visitor said: "Absolutely stunning. Perfect for a walk along the beach while looking for fossils, sea glass and shells. And the ice cream was lovely too."
People who enjoy walking and exploring will not be disappointed thanks to the scenic coastal paths nearby.
The Cleveland Way National Trail runs through the village, and the North York Moors National Park also suggests an easy 1.3-mile walk with amazing coastal views. History fans will enjoy knowing the area sits on the Jurassic coast, making fossil hunting a real highlight.
Those feeling adventurous can also visit nearby Hayburn Wyke, a magical spot where thick woodland hides a wooden walkway leading to a beautiful waterfall.
With so much to see and do, it is easy to understand why Simply Sea Views named it one of the UK’s top 10 hidden gems worth discovering.
They said: "Runswick Bay is a charming former fishing village with red-roof cottages and a quiet curved beach, just a short drive from Whitby.
It is popular for fossil hunting and rockpooling, yet it still stays under the radar. For a more wild adventure, travel further along the coast to Hayburn Wyke, where a woodland waterfall flows straight into the sea."
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
