A weekend in Robin Hood's Bay
A smugglers' village tumbling down a steep cliff
- Independent UK guide
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- Updated October 2026
Robin Hood's Bay is one of the most photogenic villages on the Yorkshire coast, a jumble of red-roofed cottages and narrow lanes tumbling steeply to the sea. Local stories say smugglers once moved contraband through the houses via secret passages.
At low tide a wide beach of rock pools and scars opens up, and it is a famous place to hunt for fossils. It is also the traditional finish of the Coast to Coast Walk.
Check prices for a weekend in Robin Hood's Bay
Top attractions in Robin Hood's Bay
The old village
Wander the steep, cobbled lanes between the cottages down to the slipway.
The beach at low tide
Rock pools, fossils and wide sands, but always check tide times first.
The Coast to Coast finish
Walkers traditionally dip their boots in the sea here after crossing England.
Boggle Hole
A small cove a short walk along the shore, with a mill and a hostel.
Ravenscar
A clifftop village a few miles south, with views and the remains of an old alum works.
Best things to do in Robin Hood's Bay
Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay coastal walk
A coastal path section of the Cleveland Way links Whitby with Robin Hood's Bay, a distance of about seven miles. Allow 3 to 4 hours one way.
Whitby Abbey visit
The ruins of Whitby Abbey sit on the headland above the harbour, a Gothic skeleton against the sky. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and heritage trains for about 24 miles through the national park between Pickering and Whitby. Allow a half day to a full day.
Best areas to stay in Robin Hood's Bay
The old village
The most atmospheric spot, though rooms and cottages are small and parking is far away.
The top of the village
More parking and easier access, with a longer walk down to the bay.
Whitby or Scarborough
Both are less than 25 minutes away by car, with more choice for food and rooms.
Best hotels in Robin Hood's Bay
Prices for a double room in Robin Hood's Bay typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.
Best time to visit Robin Hood's Bay
Spring to autumn for beach and cliff walking. Low tides in any season are the best time for rock pools and fossils.
Seasons that suit Robin Hood's Bay well: spring, summer, autumn.
Estimated budget for a weekend in Robin Hood's Bay
| Hotel or B&B, per night for two | £90–£150 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink, per day for two | £55–£85 |
| Activities and extras for the weekend | £30–£90 |
| Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel | £320–£560 |
Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.
Getting to Robin Hood's Bay
- From York: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- From Manchester: About 3 hours by car.
- From Whitby: About 20 minutes by car, or by bus along the coast.
Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.
A sample weekend in Robin Hood's Bay
- Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The old village.
- Saturday: Start with The old village, then The beach at low tide. In the afternoon, head to The Coast to Coast finish.
- Sunday: Visit Boggle Hole or Ravenscar, then head home.
Packing list for Robin Hood's Bay
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear
Good to know
- The lane down to the bay is very steep, and it is a real climb back up.
- Use the car parks at the top of the village and walk down.
- Tides cover the beach, so check times and do not get cut off.
Robin Hood's Bay weekend FAQs
Is Robin Hood's Bay worth a weekend?
Yes, especially combined with Whitby and the Cleveland Way. It is small, so it suits a night or two.
Can I walk between Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby?
Yes. The cliff path is about seven miles and is one of the best short coastal walks in the north.
More weekend ideas
A dramatic harbour town with a clifftop abbey
StaithesNorth YorkshireA cliff-hugging fishing village with a tiny harbour
North York MoorsNorth YorkshireHeather moorland, steam trains and a dramatic coast
ScarboroughNorth YorkshireBritain's oldest seaside resort, with two bays and a castle
Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK
Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.
Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.