Yorkshire Coast Road Trip Weekend Itinerary + Map 🚗
There’s just something about the Yorkshire Coast that hits differently. Maybe it’s the mix of wild cliffs and cosy seaside towns, or the way the sea breeze smells like childhood holidays and fresh chips. Whether you’re into gothic ruins, secret waterfalls, or just want to potter through colourful villages with an ice cream in hand, this stretch of coastline delivers, and then some.
In this road trip, we’re doing things a little differently by starting up north in Saltburn-by-the-Sea and working our way down the coast to Bridlington. It’s the kind of journey where every stop has its own charm, every view begs for a photo, and every café seems to serve the “best scone in Yorkshire” (you’ll just have to try them all, obviously).
Yorkshire Coast Road Trip
Roll down the windows and breathe in that salty sea air — this road trip takes you from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Bridlington, cruising past clifftop views, cobbled fishing villages, and hidden waterfall trails. Expect windswept beaches, dramatic coastlines, and more charm than you can shake a stick of rock at.
📍 Saltburn-by-the-Sea – Kick things off in this character-packed Victorian resort, complete with a traditional pier, elegant cliff tramway, and a wide sandy beach that’s perfect for a barefoot wander.
📍 Staithes – Just down the coast is this ridiculously pretty fishing village, where colourful cottages cling to the cliffs and narrow alleys lead to the sea. Great for art lovers and lovers of quirky cafés.
📍 Whitby – A gothic gem, known for its haunting abbey ruins, tasty fish and chips, and Dracula lore. Wander the 199 Steps, explore the old town, and soak up the spooky seaside vibes.
📍 Robin Hood’s Bay – Tumble down through steep cobbled lanes to this charming, time-frozen fishing village. It’s tiny, but full of personality — and great spots for a pint with a sea view.
📍 Ravenscar – A wilder, more rugged stop, known for epic coastal views and seal-spotting. Bring your boots — it’s a haven for walkers.
📍 Hayburn Wyke Waterfall – Hidden away in the woods between Ravenscar and Scarborough, this mini waterfall drops right onto a rocky beach. Peaceful, magical, and a proper off-the-beaten-path moment.
📍 Scarborough – Yorkshire’s OG seaside resort. Expect two sweeping bays, donkeys on the beach, a dramatic castle on the cliffs, and more ice cream stands than you could ever need.
📍 Filey – A more chilled coastal town with a retro promenade, a cracking beach, and a slower pace — perfect for a seaside breather or a paddle in the shallows.
📍 Flamborough – Swing by for chalky cliffs, seabirds galore, and some of the best coastal walks in the country. Flamborough Head is seriously underrated — bring your binoculars if it’s puffin season.
📍 Bridlington – Wrap up your coastal adventure in Brid. A proper British seaside classic with a working harbour, arcades, candyfloss, and the nearby Bempton Cliffs, where the seabird colonies will blow your mind (and maybe your hat off too).
🚗 Total Distance: Approx. 80 miles
🕰️ Recommended Time: One or two days depending on how many chips you plan to eat
📸 Perfect For: Seaside lovers, coastal walkers, wildlife watchers, and anyone who fancies hopping from quaint village to cliffside views with plenty of snack stops
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
Additional Information & Highlights
Staithes
A ridiculously charming fishing village where narrow cobbled lanes lead to a tiny harbour and colourful cottages hug the cliffs.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Wander the winding streets and discover hidden art galleries
- Visit the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre
- Walk the cliff-top trail for dramatic sea views
- Chill out with a coffee at one of the village cafés
💡 My Top Tip: Staithes gets super busy in peak months and parking is up the hill, wear comfy shoes and arrive early if you want to avoid a long trek down with your beach bag.
Robin Hood’s Bay
A steep, storybook village that tumbles down to the sea, full of smugglers’ tales, coastal charm, and proper old-school vibes.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Stroll down the cobbled streets to the beach
- Go fossil hunting at low tide
- Pop into the tiny local museum
- Grab a drink with a sea view at one of the pubs
💡 My Top Tip: Time your visit with the tide, when it’s out, you’ve got loads of space to explore the rock pools and shoreline. When it’s in… not so much!
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
Whitby
A gothic seaside town where Dracula lore meets epic fish and chips, quirky, atmospheric, and full of character.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Climb the 199 Steps to Whitby Abbey
- Explore the Dracula connections (spooky but fun!)
- Grab fish & chips from Magpie Café or Trenchers
- Wander through the old town for indie shops and antiques
💡 My Top Tip: Whitby gets busy — especially during school holidays. If you’re driving, try the park & ride just outside town to save yourself a headache.
🔥 Recommended Tour: Whitby Abbey Ticket
Flamborough
A coastal headland with dramatic white cliffs and one of the best seabird-watching spots in the UK. Nature lovers, this one’s for you.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Walk the coastal trail around Flamborough Head
- Visit the iconic old and new lighthouses
- Spot puffins and other seabirds at Bempton Cliffs (nearby!)
- Grab a crab sandwich or ice cream from a local shack
💡 My Top Tip: If puffins are your thing, aim to visit between May and July — it’s peak puffin season and Bempton Cliffs is one of the best places in England to spot them up close.
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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