Why September is the perfect time for a Yorkshire Coast break
Think the Yorkshire Coast is only at its best in July and August? Think again.
September is one of the best times of year to enjoy a Yorkshire Coast break, combining those last lovely days of summer with quieter beaches, comfortable temperatures and plenty of things to see and do.
The schools are back, the biggest summer crowds have gone and the coast starts to feel a little more relaxed – but there’s still plenty of sunshine, fresh sea air and the chance to enjoy a traditional seaside day.
From Filey, Scarborough and Bridlington to Cayton, Flamborough and Hunmanby Gap, September is a wonderful time to explore the Yorkshire Coast.
And with a great choice of short breaks and last-minute availability at Anchor Bay Holidays, you don’t necessarily need to plan months ahead.
Enjoy the last of the late-summer sunshine
September can still deliver some beautiful seaside weather.
While nobody can promise sunshine every day on the Yorkshire Coast, the start of September can often feel like an extension of summer – with bright days and temperatures that are comfortable enough for enjoying the beach without the height-of-summer heat.
It’s the perfect weather for a morning walk along Filey Beach, exploring the promenade in Scarborough, enjoying fish and chips overlooking the sea or simply sitting outside with a coffee and watching the world go by.
And if the weather does turn a little cooler? That’s when a cosy holiday cottage, a good pub lunch or a walk followed by a hot chocolate becomes part of the experience.
Quieter beaches without losing the seaside feeling
One of the biggest advantages of a September break is simply having more space.
Once the school summer holidays are over, the beaches and coastal towns become noticeably quieter. You can enjoy a stroll along the sand without navigating the crowds, find a good spot for a picnic and take your time exploring the coastline.
Hunmanby Gap is particularly lovely at this time of year. Just outside Filey, it offers a wonderful stretch of Yorkshire coastline where you can enjoy the beach, sea air and spectacular views.
And there’s no need to give up your essential seaside coffee just because summer is winding down. The beach café at Hunmanby Gap stays open until the end of October, making it a great place to stop during an early autumn coastal walk.
Warm-ish days are perfect for exploring
September is a brilliant month for getting out and about.
It’s often warm enough to spend plenty of time outdoors, but without the intense heat you can sometimes experience during the height of summer.
That makes it ideal for exploring more of the Yorkshire Coast.
Spend one day discovering Filey, another exploring Scarborough, head to Bridlington for a traditional seaside day, or make your way towards Flamborough Head for dramatic cliffs and coastal views.
You can also venture inland and discover the villages, countryside and landscapes surrounding the coast.
September is made for walking – and where better than the Yorkshire Coast
If you enjoy walking, September could be your perfect month.
The North York Moors National Park highlights September and October as excellent months for walking and cycling, making this a great time to get out and explore without the heat of midsummer.
From easy coastal strolls to longer walks, there are routes to suit all abilities.
Walk along Filey Brigg, explore the coastline around Flamborough, follow sections of the Cleveland Way or head inland towards the North York Moors.
There’s also something particularly enjoyable about a September coastal walk. The beaches are quieter, the air feels fresh and invigorating, and you can finish your walk with a warm drink, lunch or a welcoming pub.
Take to the water
September is also a great time to see the Yorkshire Coast from a completely different perspective.
Look out for boat trips from Scarborough and along the Yorkshire Coast, taking you past the dramatic cliffs, bays and rock formations that you simply can’t appreciate in quite the same way from land.
Some trips head towards the coastline around Flamborough Head and Bempton, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the cliffs and look out for the incredible variety of seabirds and other marine wildlife.
For something a little different, look out for RSPB seabird cruises, on the Yorkshire Belle, which offer the chance to experience the coastline from the water while learning more about the incredible wildlife that lives along this stretch of coast. RSPB Bempton Cliffs also runs seabird cruises and wildlife experiences.
And don’t forget to explore the coastline around the Pirate Caves near Flamborough. Seeing the caves, arches and cliffs from the sea gives you an entirely different appreciation of this spectacular part of Yorkshire.
Visit RSPB Bempton Cliffs
If you’re staying around Filey, Bridlington or Flamborough, make time for RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
The towering chalk cliffs provide spectacular views across the North Sea and are home to one of the UK’s most impressive seabird colonies.
The main breeding seabird spectacle is at its peak earlier in the year, but the cliffs themselves are impressive at any time, while autumn brings its own opportunities for wildlife watching and coastal walks. RSPB also runs events and seabird cruises from the reserve.
It’s a wonderful place to combine a walk with some of Yorkshire’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
There’s still plenty happening in September along the Yorkshire Coast
September may be quieter, but it certainly isn’t boring.
One of the great things about staying on the Yorkshire Coast is the sheer variety of events taking place throughout the year.
🎶 Large Concert Highlights – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Scarborough Open Air Theatre has become one of the biggest attractions on the Yorkshire Coast summer calendar, welcoming major live music acts and high-profile performers.
The 2026 season has been the venue’s biggest yet, with 28 headline performances, featuring major names including Michael Bublé, Tom Jones, The Kooks, Paul Weller, Madness, Scissor Sisters and Nile Rodgers & CHIC.
Even if you’re visiting outside the main summer concert programme, it’s worth checking what’s happening at the venue during your stay, as Scarborough has a busy calendar of entertainment and events.
Make Time for Filey’s Food Festival
Food lovers have another great reason to visit the area.
The Filey Food Festival takes place four times a year, bringing food, drink, local producers and international flavours to the beautiful seaside setting around the Evron Centre and Crescent Gardens.
The 2026 dates are:
- 4–5 April
- 6–7 June
- 8–9 August
- 10–11 October
Entry is free, and the festival combines independent food producers, street food and plenty of delicious treats with fantastic views across Filey Bay.
So if you’re planning an autumn stay, you could stay with us early October and combine a relaxing coastal escape with the autumn Filey Food Festival on 10–11 October 2026.
Cosy evenings back at your holiday home
One of the lovely things about a September break is that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Spend the day walking along the coast, exploring Filey or Scarborough, taking a boat trip or simply relaxing on the beach, then head back to your holiday home as the evening gets cooler.
Many of our properties at The Bay, Filey feature cosy log burners, making them particularly inviting as the evenings start to draw in.
Imagine coming back from a bracing coastal walk, putting the kettle on, settling down in front of the fire and enjoying a cosy evening together.
That’s the beauty of a September break. You still get the seaside during the day, but you can start enjoying those cosy evenings too.
September Is Perfect for a Short Break
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to choose September is that you don’t need a full week’s holiday to enjoy it.
A long weekend or four-night Yorkshire Coast break can be enough to recharge your batteries, get some fresh sea air and enjoy a proper change of scenery.
Take Friday off and make a long weekend of it.
Arrive on Monday and enjoy a few peaceful days away.
Or simply keep an eye on last-minute availability and take advantage when the right Yorkshire Coast escape becomes available.
With the coast much quieter than during the peak summer holidays, September can feel like you’ve got more time to yourself – without having to travel miles to find it.
Why not make September your seaside month?
There’s something rather special about the Yorkshire Coast in September.
You still get the seaside atmosphere and possibility of late-summer sunshine, but with fewer crowds, comfortable walking weather, quieter beaches and a much more relaxed pace.
You can explore the coastline from land or sea, discover the caves around Flamborough, watch seabirds at Bempton Cliffs, enjoy fish and chips overlooking the water, take in a concert or event in Scarborough, or simply spend a few hours walking along a quiet beach.
And when you’re ready to slow down, there’s nothing better than returning to a cosy holiday home, lighting the log burner and enjoying an evening together.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family getaway, a dog-friendly escape or simply a few days by the sea, September is a fantastic time to visit the Yorkshire Coast.
And with Anchor Bay Holidays, you can choose from holiday properties across some of Yorkshire’s favourite coastal destinations, including Filey, Scarborough, Bridlington, Cayton and Flamborough.
So don’t put the seaside away just because August is over.
September could be the perfect time to discover the Yorkshire Coast at its most relaxed.
Ready for your September escape?
Take a look at our latest Yorkshire Coast holiday availability and find your perfect September break with Anchor Bay Holidays.
From cosy cottages for two to larger family-friendly houses, there’s still time to enjoy a little more summer by the sea – with a little more peace and quiet thrown in.
Click here to view our availability https://www.anchorbayholidays.uk alternatively sign up for our newsletter and receive our weekly offers, gaps deals and be the first to view our new coastal holiday homes as and when they come on the rental market.
