Tiny, pantiled cottages, honeycombed with narrow courtyards, tumble down a narrow gully to the sea. Front doors look over neighbours’ roofs and vertiginous stone steps link the different levels.  Down at the shore of Robin Hood’s Bay, boats are still drawn up on the rocks of Landing Scar, a reminder of the village’s smuggling days.

With a gorgeous, kid-friendly sandy beachfront, rocky pools to enjoy, and prehistoric fossils to find, it’s a fantastic location for adults and kids. Visitors can readily see the seafarers, fishermen, pirates, and press gangs who strolled these alleys centuries ago as they meander through its tiny, winding cobbled lanes and alleyways. Now, it is a bustling community with a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants, small stores, and interesting places to discover. There are also numerous beautiful country and coastal trails, bike routes, and bridleways just outside the door.

Food & Drink

Our recommended pubs:

Three great pubs: The Laurel and The Bay Hotel.
Both open every day, have the same great Yorkshire pub feel, good real ale and charming staff. Prices are a bit tourist led, but who cares, you’re on holiday.

The Laurel has a kids room which enables the bar to remain child free. Dogs will always get a hearty greeting here. Owners will find great beer but no food. A wonderful place to relax in front of a roaring fire. It is supported by CAMRA and the Good Beer Guide.

Our recommended restaurants

Bramblewick is fabulous, a great team run this cosy quality restaurant. It serves great coffee and lunches too.

Smugglers Ale House is candle lit with open fires, just meters from the beach, offering delicious stone baked pizza, nibbles, cask and keg ales, lagers, ciders and fine wine (no children).

Best Coffee in the bay is also at Cove Cafe which also serves up great bacon cobs. Breakfast can also be found in a number of restaurants at the top of the hill. The Victoria Hotel is a great place for dinner or breakfast.

Fish Box  (Eat in)or Mariondale (takeaway) for beautiful Fish and Chips