Beach Type: Sand & Rock | Lifeguards: No | Dog-Friendly: Yes

Saltwick Bay is a northeast-facing bay about 1 mile east of Whitby. Access to the beach is via a footpath that starts near the Whitby Holiday Park on the cliff above the bay. The path has suffered erosion damage over the years and is quite steep in places. Its stairs are also very slippery when wet. The path leads down to the sandy beach, and while swimming isn’t recommended in this area, it is a great place to search for fossils such as ammonites and belemnites. Whitby Jet can be found amongst the rocks and shale at either end of the beach. The bay is also a popular fishing spot and dogs are permitted here ― just make sure they don’t disturb any of the wildlife that calls this secluded cove home.

Beach Type: Sand and Rock | Lifeguard: No | Dog Friendly: Yes

Visitors to Robin Hoods Bay will first be awestruck by the view. The glistening golden sand that stretches out all the way to Ravenscar is a joy to behold. You’ll be well inside your ‘Comfort Zone' stepping out onto the sandy beach of the ‘Bay, as locals call this beautiful part of the world. Passport magazine – an online travel blog – said: “There’s no evidence to indicate that Robin Hood ever visited Robin Hood’s Bay. In fact, no one seems to know where this lovely Yorkshire village and the surrounding beach got their name.”

Myth and legend aside, the beach at the ‘bay is dog-friendly so be sure to take a ball or find a decent stick for your four-legged friend to make the most of the low tide as the beach stretches all the way to Ravenscar for a brisk and rewarding stroll.