North Yorkshire is generally known for its rolling hills, agriculture, steel industry and breweries but there is also a breathtaking coastline that makes for the perfect traditional seaside trip. There are plenty of locations in the UK that don’t necessarily spring to mind when planning a staycation or day trip to the seaside. But it’s these hidden gems that are just waiting to surprise the unsuspecting visitor and where the locals already know of their breathtaking beauty.
Just to the east of Middlesbrough, which is in the built-up area of Teeside lies the North Yorkshire town of Redcar. Thanks to its coastal location it was once famed as a fishing village and is now home to a popular horse racing course.
However there is also a wealth of stunning landscape for visitors to explore as well as an “endless coastline”, which Yorkshire.com says makes, “Redcar a truly idyllic seaside resort!”. There is a wide stretch of golden sand, perfect for families with children after a bucket-and-spade break or day out. There are also amusement arcades to keep the little ones entertained too. In colder months it’s an ideal peaceful spot to go for a long blustery dog walk to blow away the cobwebs.
The town has “excellent” restaurants, cafes, and bars when it’s time for refreshment or to while away the evening chatting to the locals. History buffs are well served here too. There are plenty of museums, such as the Kirthleatham Museum and the Zetland Lifeboat Museum which showcase the town’s history and maritime heritage.
The 80 foot tall Redcar Beacon has a viewing platform which offers 360 degree views of Majuba Beach and the local area and is lit up in an array of colours at night. There is also a restaurant overlooking the seafront and sky pods available for hire on the terrace for those who want the VIP experience.
Recent visitors to Redcar have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor. One wrote: “Great beach with large dog friendly stretch (starts at the ‘left luggage’ sculpture). Plenty of ice cream places nearby as well as a dog friendly arcades!” Another raved: “Just spent the day in Redcar, and honestly, it was spot on. The weather was amazing – proper sunshine, which, let’s face it, is rare enough to deserve a mention! The beach was lovely, with miles of sand perfect for a walk (or just sitting down and pretending you’re in the Bahamas, minus the palm trees). The town itself was buzzing, with friendly locals and plenty of places to grab a bite. There’s something really nice about a classic British seaside town – no fuss, just good vibes and a bit of banter.”
A third simply stated: “The beach is beautiful, wide, clean and great for a walk. We hit a nice day, the sun was shimmering on the water. Our dog loved the freedom and we grabbed a nice coffee with some family.”
Where in the UK have you visited that has pleasantly surprised you? Let us know in the comments below.