Discover Robin Hood’s Bay, a storybook fishing village on dramatic cliffs
Hotels in Robin Hood’s Bay offer coastal charm and Yorkshire character, from fisherman’s cottages in the old village to clifftop guesthouses overlooking the North Sea and traditional inns near the slipway. You’ll find everything from historic cottages with sea views to family-run B&Bs, all positioned in this vertical village where narrow streets tumble down to the beach, smuggling tales echo through ancient passages, and the Coast to Coast Walk reaches the sea after 192 miles. Whether you’re here for fossil hunting, exploring North York Moors, or simply enjoying England’s prettiest fishing village, there’s a stay to match your visit.
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Robin Hood’s Bay slipway
Where to Stay in Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay divides between the old village (Bay Town) tumbling down the cliff and the modern village (Bay Bank Top) on the clifftop. Your choice shapes whether you wake to sea views or easier parking access.
Bay Town (Old Village) – The historic heart with narrow streets, cottages, slipway, and car-free atmosphere. Perfect for romantics and photographers wanting quintessential fishing village charm though steep hills and car restrictions apply.
Bay Bank Top (Upper Village) – The modern clifftop village with shops, pubs, parking, and easy access. Ideal for drivers and those wanting convenience while avoiding the old village’s steep gradients.
The Dock and Slipway Area – Properties near the beach with sea views, fossil hunting access, and maritime atmosphere. Appeals to beach lovers and those wanting waterfront proximity.
Mount Pleasant and Cliff Areas – Elevated streets with sea views, clifftop walks, and slightly removed from village bustle. Suits those wanting vistas with peaceful surroundings.
Fylingthorpe and Nearby – The neighbouring village with additional accommodation and clifftop location. Great for those wanting proximity without old village intensity.
Robin Hood’s Bay old village
Best Hotels in Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay’s hotel scene celebrates fishing village heritage with clifftop guesthouses, traditional inns, and cottage conversions. Whether you’re after sea-view character, old village atmosphere, or simply a warm Yorkshire base near coastal paths, there’s a stay to suit every traveller and budget.
Best Old Village Hotels
The Laurel Inn (3-star) – A traditional inn in the heart of Bay Town with character rooms, pub atmosphere, and old village location. Perfect for those wanting authentic fishing village immersion despite car restrictions.
Boggle Hole YHA (hostel) – A converted mill in a dramatic cove setting with dorms, private rooms, and clifftop coastal path access. Ideal for walkers and budget travellers wanting unique coastal location.
Best Clifftop Hotels
Victoria Hotel (3-star) – A clifftop property with sea views, restaurant, and elevated position overlooking the bay. Great for families and those wanting comprehensive facilities with parking.
Grosvenor Hotel (3-star) – A traditional hotel on the clifftop with sea-view rooms, restaurant, and convenient upper village location. Perfect for drivers and Coast to Coast walkers.
Best Guesthouse Hotels
Bramblewick (3-star) – A charming guesthouse with sea views, comfortable rooms, and warm Yorkshire hospitality. Appeals to couples and fossil hunters wanting coastal character.
The Cottage (3-star) – A traditional B&B with period features, breakfast, and village location. Great for walkers and those seeking authentic accommodation.
Bay View (3-star) – A guesthouse with sea-facing rooms, clifftop position, and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for Coast to Coast finishers and romantic breaks.
Best Family Hotels
Victoria Hotel (3-star) – Family-friendly with restaurant, parking, and easy beach access via the old village’s steep streets. Great for families wanting facilities and convenience.
Grosvenor Hotel (3-star) – Welcomes families with comfortable rooms, dining options, and clifftop location avoiding old village car restrictions.
Best Budget Hotels
Boggle Hole YHA (hostel) – A spectacular coastal hostel with dorms, private rooms, and dramatic cove setting. Perfect for budget walkers and young travellers.
Local B&Bs – Numerous family-run bed and breakfasts throughout both villages offer budget-friendly stays with Yorkshire breakfasts and North Yorkshire hospitality.
Nearby Whitby accommodation – Whitby 10 kilometres north offers additional budget options with Robin Hood’s Bay day trip access.
Top Things to Do in Robin Hood’s Bay
Bay Town Old Village – A labyrinth of narrow streets, fisherman’s cottages, smuggling passages, and steep slopes tumbling to the slipway. A must for all visitors and photographers seeking quintessential English fishing village.
Fossil Hunting on the Beach – Search for ammonites, belemnites, and Jurassic fossils on the rocky beach at low tide. Perfect for families and amateur palaeontologists exploring Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast.
Coast to Coast Walk Finish – The end point of Wainwright’s 192-mile trail from St Bees with dipping ceremony and celebratory atmosphere. Great for walkers and achievement seekers.
Cleveland Way Coastal Path – Access the national trail with dramatic clifftop sections, coastal walks to Whitby and Scarborough, and North Sea views. Ideal for hikers and coastal explorers.
Robin Hood’s Bay Museum – A small museum exploring fishing heritage, smuggling history, and village life with local artefacts. Appeals to history buffs and rainy-day visitors.
Ravenscar and Peak Alum Works – Clifftop village and industrial ruins 3 miles south with spectacular views and heritage walks. Perfect for history and vista enthusiasts.
Ravenscar coast, looking out towards Robin Hood’s Bay in the distance
Getting to and Around Robin Hood’s Bay
By Car: Robin Hood’s Bay sits off the A171 between Whitby and Scarborough with parking at Bay Bank Top. The old village is car-free with steep narrow streets requiring walking.
By Bus: Regular buses connect Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby, Scarborough, and Middlesbrough with the X93 coastal service running throughout the year.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Whitby (10km) and Scarborough (20km) with bus connections to Robin Hood’s Bay from both stations.
Getting Around: Bay Bank Top is compact and walkable, while the old village requires walking down steep cobbled streets. Cars must park at the top with no vehicle access to Bay Town.
When to Visit Robin Hood’s Bay
Spring (April to May) – Warming weather, blooming clifftop flowers, and moderate crowds make this ideal for exploring. Hotel prices are reasonable with comfortable fossil hunting at low tide.
Summer (June to August) – Peak season with warmest weather, busiest old village, Coast to Coast walkers finishing, and highest hotel rates. Expect crowds but classic Yorkshire coast atmosphere and best beach conditions.
Autumn (September to October) – Comfortable temperatures, dramatic storm light, thinning crowds, and atmospheric coastal walks. Mid-range hotel prices with beautiful North Sea light.
Winter (November to February) – Cold, quiet months with storm-watching, lowest hotel rates, peaceful village, and dramatic winter coastal scenery. Perfect for budget travellers and those embracing Yorkshire winter character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive into the old village of Robin Hood’s Bay?
No, Bay Town (old village) is car-free with extremely narrow streets and steep gradients. You must park at Bay Bank Top car parks and walk down, which takes 10-15 minutes.
Is Robin Hood’s Bay suitable for mobility-impaired visitors?
The old village’s steep cobbled streets make it challenging for wheelchairs and limited mobility. Bay Bank Top offers easier access with flatter terrain and some clifftop views accessible.
What fossils can you find at Robin Hood’s Bay?
The beach reveals Jurassic fossils including ammonites, belemnites, and occasionally dinosaur remains at low tide, making it part of Yorkshire’s famous Dinosaur Coast.
How steep is the walk down to the old village?
The descent from Bay Bank Top to the slipway drops approximately 60 metres over 400 metres with steep cobbled streets requiring reasonable fitness for the return climb.
Do Robin Hood’s Bay hotels have parking?
Bay Bank Top hotels typically offer parking or direct guests to nearby car parks. Old village properties have no parking with guests needing to use top village car parks.
Can I book Robin Hood’s Bay hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Robin Hood’s Bay Today
From clifftop character to old village charm, hotels in Robin Hood’s Bay put you in Yorkshire’s most photogenic fishing village. Whether you’re chasing fossil discoveries, Coast to Coast celebrations, or simply enjoying smuggling heritage, there’s a perfect coastal base waiting.
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