Robin Hood's Bay and Boggle Hole

The Dock, Robin Hood's Bay by Mike Kipling

The old fishing and smuggling village of Robin Hood’s Bay has a reputation far wider than its size suggests, and if you spend some time here you’ll soon see why. Stupendous views from the top of the village, atmospheric alleys down by the quayside, and a sweeping bay and soaring cliffs beyond – there’s a sense of history and grandeur that impresses every visitor.

Please note: there is no access by car down into the old village. There are car parks at the top of the bank, and it is a steep walk down... and up!

Things to see and do

Find out more at the National Park mobile display unit in the station car park. It is staffed by our Voluntary Rangers throughout the summer and on many weekends during the rest of the year, depending on the weather.

The National Trust runs the Old Coastguard Station, a visitor centre by the quayside with fun displays about the bay and seashore.

For more about the local history – including the connection with England's most famous outlaw – visit Robin Hood's Bay Museum, which has exhibits about local geology, shipping, fishing and smuggling.

Owned by The Churches Conservation Trust, Old St Stephen's Church is well worth a visit to see its interior, which hasn't changed since it was built in 1822. There are also exhibitions, concerts, churchyard walks and special services such as Gansey Sunday.

Going on the beach? Always check the times of the tides, so that you don’t get cut off. It's fantastic here for rock-pooling, beach-combing, exploring and playing.

Boggle Hole is easily reached at low tide along the shore (for three hours either side of high tide, Boggle Hole is not accessible via the beach) or by the cliff path at other times. The old mill there is now a youth hostel, and has a dog-friendly walkers' café.

Walks and cycle rides

The 'Robin Hood's Bay' walk leaflet - available in local shops and at the National Park mobile information unit - features 3 easy-to-follow local walks, complete with maps and information.

You can also walk to Whitby (7 miles) on the clifftop coastal path that forms part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. The path and trail also runs south of Robin Hood's Bay towards Scarborough.

Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast Walk ends its journey from St Bees in Cumbria at Robin Hood's Bay. A plaque by the quayside marks the end of the walk.

Walk or cycle along the 'Cinder Track', the disused Scarborough to Whitby Railway line, which passes through the upper part of Robin Hood's Bay. The views of the local coast are stunning. Bike hire is available at Hawsker above Robin Hood's Bay from Trailways.

Activities

Explore the Jurassic coastline on one of Hidden Horizons fossil hunting trips around Boggle Hole held during school holidays (they do rock pooling and dinosaur trips too), just bring your wellies.

Discover the village's smuggling heritage, explore secret passages and hiding places, before rounding off with a taste of one of the local beers on one of Baytown's guided walks.

Uncover Bay's ghostly side on a walk with Rose, the Whitby Storyteller, listening to stories of the strange and supernatural, combined with historical anecdotes. Suitable for all ages.

Farsyde Riding Centre, call 01947 880249 for further details.

Eating and drinking

Robin Hood's Bay has an upper village (where the car parks are) and a lower, older village (by the coast), and there are pubs, cafés and restaurants in both.

Look out for local real ale Baytown and artisan coffee roasters Baytown Coffee Company in shops too.

Festivals and events

Folk music legends from the Waterson and Carthy families hail from Robin Hood's Bay. Get a taste of the local folk scene at the Bay Folk Weekend in June, a free weekend of relaxed music sessions and singarounds.

Traditional Victorian costume is de rigueur for December's Victorian Weekend and incorporates the Baytown Beer Festival hosted by the Victoria Hotel and Baytown Beers, with plenty of local ales on offer.

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Insider tips

Stay in The Pigsty, the Landmark Trust's restored 19th Century Mediterranean inspired temple originally for pigs and now a classy hideaway with breathtaking views over Robin Hood's Bay.

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