Although we’re pretty land locked here in Harrogate, we have loads of great beaches a short drive away – in fact we’ve got some of the best beaches in the UK within a two hour drive! So why not pack the car up and head off to one of these brilliant beaches for the day, or even treat yourself to an overnight stay! We know car journeys can be a pain with littles ones but we’ve got that covered too, just check out our blog here.
Blackpool
The ultimate seaside destination. I spent many a happy holiday here growing up! I went back there a couple of years ago and it still retains that sea side charm. Its fantastic for families – Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower are a must plus its the only British beach to have three fabulous piers – all worth a visit.
The whole family will love relaxing in the sun, taking a dip in the sea and enjoying an ice cream along the promenade in Blackpool. There is plenty of space for sandcastles, sunbathing and family games, so you really can make a day of it.
Approx 1 hours 40 mins from Harrogate, 75 miles
Druridge Bay (South)
Set between Amble and Creswell this is a gorgeous seven mile long stretch of coastline. Golden sands, low tide and flat rocks make it a great place for kids to explore! Its dog friendly too!
St. Anne’s Beach – Lytham
Another frequently visited beach of my childhood. We have friends that live there now, who gave us this brilliant review – thanks Barkers!
“It’s on the Fylde coast of Lancashire on the estuary (River Ribble). It’s the kind of place our Grandparents would have visited for honest old fashioned family fun. There’s an old Victorian pier, Donkey rides, Fish and Chips and soft sand for miles. St Annes town centre is a short walk from the pier, and has lots of cafe and restaurant options. The sea was out both times on our recent visits and there was tons of room for ball games and kite flying without getting in anyone’s way. You can also hire a beach hut (pre-booking only) – they look fantastic. They are located on the prom overlooking the beach, and are well equipped with mains electricity, a kitchen, fresh water and table & chairs. They have toilet facilities near the Island Cinema – perfect for a full day of beach fun (stannesbeachhuts.co.uk). You can stay until midnight too so can enjoy the sun set whilst eating your fish and chips. Our little boy found plenty of little rocks and shells to bring home as well as having a walk to the sea itself but was quite happy splashing in the big puddles left by the tide. There is also a ‘splash park zone’ close to the beach huts, for the little ones to play in (age 3-12).”
When planning your visit, its definitely worth checking the tide times, especially if having a paddle is high on the priority list! The beach is very flat and at low tide it would be a very long walk to get to the sea. Regardless of the tide times though, it’s best to aim for an early start as it does get very busy.
*Lytham Splash park is currently closed due to Covid-19. You can follow their facebook page for more updates.
Approx 1 hours 40 minutes from Harrogate, 75 miles
Morecambe Bay
Morecambe Bay stretches from Fleetwood in Lancashire to the south Lakelands in Cumbria. There are lots of hidden coves and beaches to explore, the bay takes in a number of coastal towns such as Grange Over Sands, Morecambe and Heysham. A great day out by the sea and the perfect coastal spot to watch the sun go down. Don’t forget your winkle pickers!
Approx 1 hours 50 minutes from Harrogate, 65 miles
Newbiggin, South Beach.
The sandy beach is backed by rocky sea defences and a promenade. The bay features a number of rocky breakwaters and a significant sea wall. The bay is a good place to hunt for marine wildlife in the rockpools which are exposed at low tide.
Approx 1 hours 50 minutes from Harrogate, 95 miles
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay has just been taken the converted top spot in The Times’ prestigious Britain’s 50 Best Beaches for 2020, and we are in totally agreement! The views are stunning and the huge, shelted bay offers a sandy beach dotted with rock pools. Take a hammer with you to split the rocks up for fossils! The beach doesn’t tend to get over crowded but you need to arrive early to ensure you get a spot in the car park!
Approx 1hour 30 mins from Harrogate, 68 miles.
Sandsend
Just a few miles up the coast from Whitby is a Mumbler favourite Sandsend. Its a lot quieter then neighbouring Whitby and Runswick Bay. We went here last week when we couldn’t get parked at Runswick Bay. Its a great beach for families – theres surf and fossils to hunt for, with fabulous views of Whitby Abbey.
Approx 1 hour 40 mins from Harrogate, 70 miles.
Saltburn
Saltburn-by-the-Sea was a popular resort for Victorians and the town retains much of its historic charm. The beach is sand and shingle. We’d advise you to check the tides – when its in the beach is tiny. We didn’t check – but got there at the right time – the tide was out and the beach went on for miles. We had a brilliant but blustery day when we went a couple of weeks ago. Public toilets were great, we had no problem parking and the fish and chips and ice cream were just ????????. Lovely walk along the pier too!
Approx 1 hour 30 mins from Harrogate, 57 miles.
Scarborough
We went camping to Scarborough last year and I fell in love with the place! Theres the quieter North Bay Beach with the eye catching colourful beach huts, but on the other side of Scarborough Castle is the busy and more traditional sea side town South Bay. I love it here – a long sandy beach on one side of the road, and lots of arcades, fish and chip shops and ice cream shops on the other! It reminds me so much of my childhood memories of the sea side! The arcades are great for when its getting too hot, its amazing how long a handful of 2ps will entertain a child for! And no trip to the sea side is complete without a stick of rock!
Approx 1 hour 40 mins from Harrogate, 62 miles.
Whitby Bay
Just round the corner from Runsick Bay is the well known Whitby. The town has two beaches either side of the Rive Esk. On the East is a sheltered sandy beach and to the West a large, sandy beach with some instagramable beach huts and donkey rides. And some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted!
Approx 1hour 45 mins from Harrogate, 68 miles.
