Forget Cornwall – try Yorkshire’s ‘warmest’ beach that’s beautifully …
One of the reasons Cornwall is such a popular destination is its climate[1].
By Mediterranean standards it's brass monkeys but by British standards, Cornwall has among the mildest climate on these shores. It's scenic too with craggy cliffs, sandy beaches and azure seas.
But it's 350 miles away which means it's not exactly ideal for a daytrip from Yorkshire. For that you can try the next best thing in God's Own County: Sandsend.
Sandsend, just north of Whitby[3], is reputed to have its own microclimate which makes it the mildest place on the Yorkshire coast.[4] This wide, natural harbour is a sheltered as it is scenic.
It's also quiet, especially compared to Whitby which you can see from Sandsend. Unless it's foggy you can see Whitby's famous abbey and pier from Sandsend smug in the knowledge you have more elbow room than they do.
The coastal village of Sandsend, North Yorkshire (Image: Ellie Shorttle-Kent)
As well as golden sands – the clue is in the name – Sandsend is known for its rock pools where you can find crabs, starfish and other molluscs and crustaceans. If you're lucky you'll see seals, porpoises, dolphins and even whales.
While Sandsend attracts visitors with its landscape and wildlife, it's not just a beach[5]. There's a pub (The Hart Inn) and a couple of restaurants (Fish Cottage and Estbek House).
There are several cafes (Sandside, Tides and Wits End) and a general shop on the seafront (Sandsend Stores). If you like Sandsend enough to stay for more than a day – and why wouldn't you? – there are a couple of hotels (The Woodlands, The Beach and the luxurious Raithwaite), guesthouses and self-catering cottages.
If you're staying for a couple of nights head inland to the North York Moors[6], a vast plateau capped with purple heather. As well as Whitby, the picture postcard fishing villages of Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay are within an easy drive.
References
- ^ climate (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Yorkshire Dales luxury home with glamping site for sale (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Whitby (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Yorkshire coast. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ beach (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ North York Moors (www.examinerlive.co.uk)