Season: autumn
Runswick Bay, Viking for “safe haven”, is a picturesque Yorkshire fishing village, located at the end of a valley to the sea, just like Staithes further up the coast. With its sheltered bay and attractive, red-tiled roofs, it’s a magnet for visitors, in and out of season. One visitor favourite is a white-painted thatched cottage by the sea, a former coastguard’s house. As well as traditional seaside activities like rockpooling and playing on the beach, this is a great place to hunt for fossils. The beautiful Cleveland Way passes above the village, offering fine views out to sea. The village is often referred to as “Runswick” and the beach is also known as “Runswick Sands”. In the wider area, Whitby is just five miles away to the south, with its own thriving tourist attractions and excellent fish ‘n chips.
On the beach with Ginny at Runswick Bay.
A view from above the beach.
The first sight of the pantile roofs tells me I’m back where I want to be. Runswick Bay is ace and I take it with me when I go home.