Coastal Walks on the Yorkshire Coast: Explore The Bay and Beyond
There’s no better way to explore the stunning Yorkshire coast than on foot. Whether you’re holidaying with the family, your partner, or your four-legged friend, the area surrounding Anchor Bay Holidays’ homes in Filey, Sewerby, and Bridlington offers countless circular walks packed with charm, sea views, and a good cuppa (or an ice cream!).
We’ve rounded up five favourite local routes to help you discover hidden gems, enjoy a breath of fresh air, and return right where you started.
1. Coastal walk – Filey Brigg Circular Walk
Google map pin: 📍 Filey Brigg Country Park Car Park
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes (keep dogs on lead near cliff edges)
Start/End: The Bay Filey Beach Access Point
Route Overview
This classic Filey loop starts at The Bay’s beach access point, heading down onto the sands toward the iconic Filey Brigg, a narrow peninsula of rock that juts into the North Sea.
Highlights:
• Filey Brigg: A haven for rock pooling and panoramic sea views. Ideal photo opportunity!
• Country Park: A great place to rest and let the kids or dogs run free.
• Filey Town: Stop off at Cobble Landing for a coffee or treat at The Sugarcube or grab fish and chips from Inghams.
Return Route: Loop back via the Cleveland Way clifftop path, offering sweeping views and benches for a rest before returning to the beach steps at The Bay.
2. Coastal walk – Sewerby to Danes Dyke Nature Trail
Google map pin: 📍 Sewerby Hall Car Park
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes (Danes Dyke allows dogs off lead in many areas)
Start/End: Sewerby Hall Car Park
Route Overview
Begin your journey at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, walking along the cliff path with stunning views of Bridlington Bay.
Highlights:
- Sewerby Hall Gardens: Worth exploring before or after the walk.
- Danes Dyke Nature Reserve: A wooded ravine with a peaceful beach. Bring a picnic or grab a takeaway from the seasonal café.
- Wildlife Spotting: Look out for deer, birds of prey, and even seals offshore.
Return Route: Loop through the woodland path of Danes Dyke back up to the cliff top and retrace the final stretch back to Sewerby.
3. Coastal Walk – Bridlington Old Town & Harbour Stroll
Google map pin: 📍 Bridlington Harbour
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Dog-friendly: Mostly – dogs welcome in outdoor café areas
Start/End: Bridlington Spa or Harbour
Route Overview:
Enjoy a mix of seaside charm and historic streets in this easy, circular route through Bridlington’s Old Town and along the South Promenade.
Highlights:
- Bridlington Harbour: Fishing boats, ice cream stands, and plenty of benches to relax.
- Old Town High Street: Pop into vintage shops and quirky cafés like The Georgian Rooms.
- Harbour Café or Fish & Chips: A must-do before heading back along the beach promenade.
Return Route: Follow the beachside path back to the starting point, perfect for an early evening stroll as the sun sets over the bay.
4. Coastal Walk – Hunmanby Gap & Reighton Sands Loop
Google map pin: 📍 Hunmanby Gap Café
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes (year-round dog access on parts of the beach)
Start/End: The Bay Filey Beach Access or Hunmanby Gap Café
Route Overview:
This scenic walk starts near The Bay Filey, heading down to Hunmanby Gap and looping across beach and clifftop terrain towards Reighton Sands.
Highlights:
- Hunmanby Gap Café: Dog-friendly and famous for hot drinks and panoramic views.
- Wide Beaches: Ideal for dogs to run and paddle.
- Reighton Cliffs: Peaceful and great for spotting seabirds.
Return Route: Walk inland on the field paths behind the cliffs, returning through meadows and coastal cottages.
5. Coastal Walk – Flamborough Head Lighthouse Loop
Google map pin: 📍 Flamborough Lighthouse Car Park
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes (leads recommended on cliffs)
Start/End: Flamborough Lighthouse Car Park
Route Overview:
A little further afield but worth the drive, this circular clifftop route is a must for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Highlights:
- Lighthouse Views: A dramatic start to the walk.
- Sea Caves & Chalk Cliffs: Some of the best coastal scenery in Yorkshire.
- The Seabirds Inn: Cosy pub with a dog-friendly garden for a post-walk pint or pub lunch.
Return Route: Follow the loop around the headland and back inland via the village of Flamborough
Tips for walkers staying with Anchor Bay Holidays
- Footwear: Sturdy walking boots or trainers are recommended, especially after rain.
- Dog Essentials: Always carry water and dog waste bags as well as a lead.
- Weather Watch: Coastal walks can be breezy – bring a windproof jacket!
- Maps & Apps: Download OS Maps or use a local walking app for route guidance.
Explore More with Anchor Bay Holidays
Whether you’re staying with us at The Bay Filey, charming Sewerby, or beachy Bridlington, you’re never far from an inspiring walk. Our handpicked holiday homes offer the perfect base for a coastal adventure — with many dog-friendly properties to bring your furry friend along too!
