Robin Hood's Bay Travel Guide

  Robin Hood's Bay
by suvanki
 
  • Robin Hood's Bay
      Robin Hood's Bay
    by suvanki
  • Robin Hood's Bay
      Robin Hood's Bay
    by suvanki
  • Robin Hood's Bay
      Robin Hood's Bay
    by suvanki
  • Tunnel from the harbour
      Tunnel from the harbour
    by suvanki
  • Ravenscar
      Ravenscar
    by suvanki
 

Pro

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 Unspoilt fishing village with character, Something for everyone! 


Con

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 Climbing back up to the car park! 


In a nutshell

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 If I were a smuggler, I would want to live here. 

 

Explore Robin Hood's Bay

Things to Do  

The Old Chapel Now Swell cafe bar/gift shop/cinema

The Old Chapel Now Swell cafe bar/gift shop/cinema, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  UPDATE - since my last visit, The Old Chapel is now operating as Swell cafe bar and gift shop - It's had a bit of a 'spruce up'! there's a cinema here, where you sit on the original 1820's balconied pews. Since 2009, this has been licensed for Civil weddings and registration... 

Bayfair

Bayfair, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  30 pence, buys you this monthly 32 page guide to local news and events, local history and nature, accommodation,Tide times, and adverts relevant to Robin Hoods Bay and surrounding areas. (That was the price in 2005) A Bargain buy!! Now 40p (October 2012) still a bargain!... 

Millennium Statue

Millennium Statue, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  At the upper end of Robin Hood's Bay, near the Victoria Hotel is this attractive stone sculpture, at first glance I thought that it was an owl, but on closer inspection the round top represented a globe of the world. Quite a strange piece, with carvings including 'MM 'and... 

Men's Institute and Leo Walmsley

Men's Institute and Leo Walmsley, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  While the Womens Institutes are an important part of English village life, previously notorious for 'Jam and Jerusalem' but now immortalised in the film 'Calender Girls', this is the first time that I'd come across The Mens Institute! I must admit, I was a bit curious! Were... 

Places to visit near Robin Hood's Bay

Places to visit near Robin Hood's Bay, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  Near to Robin Hood's Bay are many attractive coastal towns and villages. The North York Moors have a lot to offer too. Whitby, Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey are the main resorts, each with their own characters.The villages of Staithes, Runswick Bay and Ravenscar are... 

Restaurants  

Beacon Farm Traditional Dairy Ice Cream: Ice Cream on the beach

Beacon Farm  Traditional Dairy Ice Cream: Ice Cream on the beach, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  A day at the seaside wouldn't be the same without Fish and chips and/or Ice Cream.Well, even in October, we had to have an ice cream. Our visit was blessed with warm sunshine and blue sky! Perfect!You can purchase ice cream from shops and cafes around the Bay, but we... 

Nightlife  

The Bay Hotel: End of The Coast to Coast Walk

The Bay Hotel: End of The Coast to Coast Walk, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  The Bay Hotel is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink or meal, with an ideal location, being directly in the harbour overlooking the sea.There have been several buildings on this site, many have been washed away by the raging seas, the last event being 1843!In 1893, revellers... 

The Laurel Inn: Real Ales and fires

The Laurel Inn: Real Ales and fires, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  The Laurel offers a selection of draught beers (Real Ales) and is featured in The Good Pub Guide, as well as being CAMRA supported. I think it serves Theakstons and Adnams .Old fashioned, small Inn (The smallest in Robin Hood's Bay), with bar and snug - exposed beams and... 

Transportation  

Walking around Robin Hoods Bay

Walking around Robin Hoods Bay, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  Whether you've arrived by bus or car, the only way to get around Robin Hoods Bay is on foot (or bike)Pay and Display carpark at the top of the village, and near the old station.( follow blue parking signs)There is limited access to hol accom,for loading/unloading. but little... 

Taxi service

Taxi service, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  Bay Private Hire offers a taxi service night and day.Looking at their advert, they appear to also offer a 6 seater mini bus and a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Mk 11!!!!WWW.MEMBERS.AOL.COM/BAYTAXIS/ROBINHOODSBAY 

Shopping  

Various bookshops around Robin Hoods Bay: Second hand books

Various bookshops around Robin Hoods Bay: Second hand books, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  I found at least 3 shops selling second hand books in Robin Hoods Bay.The Old Chapel stocks a large selection of books, all categories, with some 1st editions.They also operate a discounted return service, so if you've finished reading your book, you can return it, and get a... 

any of the gift shops: local shops

any of the gift shops: local shops, Robin Hood's Bay

 uglyscot Says:  There are several gift shops offering the kind of souvenirs relevant to Robin Hood's Bay. Some sell Whitby jet jewellery which is very attractive, prices around £26. Others sell shells, semi precious stones or fossils which are native to the region.Then there are the usual... 

Local Customs  

Ganseys

Ganseys, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  While the locals no longer wear the traditional dress of the fishing communities of the area. (Dark dresses/white pinafore for the women, sealskin hats, high heeled leather boots and black trousers for the men) The blue hand knitted jumpers or Ganseys can still be seen.,... 

The Big Gun

The Big Gun, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  Now I don't know why, how or when this custom originated, but... at 12 noon on Sundays, from the grounds of the Victoria Hotel, a cannon is fired!! The Victoria Hotel offers a varied menu, and a well stocked bar, with views over the Bay.Seating outside, for warm sunny... 

Warnings and Dangers  

No Bank or ATM's in Robin Hoods Bay

No Bank or ATM's in Robin Hoods Bay, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  Although you can enjoy a day out in Robin Hoods Bay without spending too much money, there isn't a bank or ATM here.Nearest banks are in Whitby or Scarborough.The Post Office/Off Licence and General Store on Station Road (In the upper part of Robin Hood's Bay) cashes... 

buyer beware

buyer beware, Robin Hood's Bay

 homefromhome Says:  I have been going to RHB since I was a kid, (4yrs old) I now live & work and live USA for (#$@%), I report back and meet at least 6 times a year in UK at a location of my choice. RHB is a great place to relax, summer and winter, anyone who knows the English coast line... 

Steep road

Steep road, Robin Hood's Bay

 uglyscot Says:  When you arrive by bus or car at Robin Hood's Bay, there is a long walk to reach the shore, whether you use the station carpark or park elsewhere. The Old fishing village is at the foot of a cliff. Steps with handrails are on the left as you work your way down passing... 

What to Pack  

Things to bring to Robin Hoods Bay
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Muirs stores, Robin Hoods Bay
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Luggage and bags: A daypack, to carry usual stuff: camera, batteries. binoculars, fleece/waterproof etc.
If staying here for a while, there is limited access to B&B's, cottages etc for transport, so travel light! Some accom is along narrow paths, up steep inclines. away from the road or up steep narrow staircases

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Comfy shoes/boots/trainers.
All weather gear..The weather here can be unpredictable. I've been here in summer when its been wet/windy, also was lucky enough to spend a few evenings when it was very warm. So wear layers and bring a waterproof.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Muirs stores stock basic toiletries, but probably best to bring supplies of your fave toiletries. Whitby or Scarborough are the nearest towns with pharmacies. Bring a supply of your prescription medicines plus small first aid kit if you're planning on walking off the beaten track. Painkillers/hangover remedies if planning to sample the ales and wines etc of RHB's hosteleries!

Photo Equipment: Film available in some of the shops. Whitby/Scarborough for equipment/ developing films etc.
Robin Hoods Bay offers many photo opportunities, a B& W film for atmospheric shots!
(Ha! this was originally written in 2004, before I 'went digital') Bring plenty of SD cards/batteries etc. adapter for charger - most sockets are the 3 pin variety here, though there may be some 2 pin in accommodation - (razor points)

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Muirs Stores at foot of the hill sells beach gear for children ( bucket/spade, kites, beach balls, etc etc)
Whitby or Scarborough for limited camping equipment/outdoor gear.

Miscellaneous: Waterproof bags for beach combing souvenirs. Wet wipes/tissues to clean hands.
Binoculars for spotting birds/dolphins etc.
Fossil hammers/books on sale @ shops in RHB
2nd hand Paperbacks available at a few locations if planning staying for a while.

Updated Oct 13, 2012

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Related to:
 Hiking and Walking
 Beaches
 Family Travel

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Off The Beaten Path  

Snickets and tunnels

Snickets and tunnels, Robin Hood's Bay

 suvanki Says:  Off the main street/harbour area, are some of these narrow streets or snickets.It's not hard to imagine the atmosphere of Victorian times, as the locals went about their daily lives, or smugglers using these conduits to transport their booty!On our most recent visit we... 

Old Church at Fylingdales or is it Fylingthorpe?ch

Old Church at Fylingdales or is it Fylingthorpe?ch, Robin Hood's Bay

 uglyscot Says:  Just beside the road when travelling from Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby is an old church from which the bay cam be seen. It looked interesting but the rain was too heavy to permit me to have a closer look. I noticed some graves dated to 18th century. 

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Map of Robin Hood's Bay