8 places to switch off in North Yorkshire

Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming fishing harbour wedged between Whitby and Staithes and is the most visited stretch of the Yorkshire coast. Drop your car at the top of the hill and descend onto its twisting cobbled streets and pink cottages that spill onto the bay. Completely walkable, with history around every corner and spectacular views of the coast, we can see why this is on everyone’s bucket list.

Adored for its inherent charm, Whitby isn’t just a sleepy fishing town. Go whale-watching, sink your teeth into the atmospheric ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and eat maybe the best fish ‘n’ chips in the country at The Magpie Cafe. The gothic ruins of its 7th-century cliff-top abbey stand eerie and illuminated at night, and by day, you’ll get cracking views of the big blue. A must-do.

With cute cottages and winding streets, Staithes is a fishing village on the far edge of North Yorkshire that’s managed to keep its secretive appeal. What was once one of the largest fishing ports on the North East coast is now a well-loved base for cliff top walks, rock pooling and fossil hunting.

Jump out of your comfort zone and ride the waves because the Yorkshire coast has some great surf spots. Scarborough's North and South Bays are gentle enough for beginners. The best time for newbies and intermediate surfers is summer and autumn when the waves are steadier and the water is milder. Fancy a challenge? If you're a seasoned surfer, you might prefer the winter months when the waves are usually at their biggest.

Not many people know this, but you can go whale watching in Whitby. For those who do know, it’s a treasured activity in this part of the country. September is by far the best time to go for a chance to see these glorious mammals. Is it something you’ve always wanted to do? Then discover the Yorkshire Coast’s biggest secret.

If you want to explore Yorkshire’s wild side without sacrificing home comforts then Humble Bee’s wigwam camp could be just the tonic. Choose from yurts to deluxe wigwams that are warm, spacious and furnished,  so you’ll wake up snug and refreshed in the countryside. Dalby Forest – a 30-min drive north from the site – is a great spot for stargazing.

This 100-mile-long national trail captures two gorgeous landscapes. From Helmsley to Saltburn a is the North York Moors National Park, and from Saltburn to Filey is the coast, with Staithes, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay along the route. With castles, ancient stone crosses and fishing villages tucked into tiny coves, this Yorkshire walk has the lot.

Picture the moors. Rolling heather-covered hills, pine forests, and shimmering coastline, all home to glorious wildlife that make it one of the country’s finest national parks. Now picture them whilst sitting in style on a classic steam train with a glass of wine in your hand and uninterrupted views. This is what the North Yorkshire Moors railway will give you.