North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast

The cliffs along this stretch of Yorkshire coast are properly dramatic - towering red sandstone and shale that rise sheer from the beach, especially around Whitby where the Heritage Coast designation starts. You're looking at around 26 miles of coastline that's been carved out over millions of years, and the geology here is genuinely impressive if you care about that sort of thing. Walkers absolutely thrive on this bit of coast. The Cleveland Way runs right along the top, offering proper exhilarating views of the North Sea without the crowds you'd get further south.

What you actually do is walk. There's no attraction building or ticketed experience - this is the real thing. The cliffs themselves are the draw. You can access the beach at Whitby itself, but head north or south and you'll find dramatic stretches where the rock faces dwarf you. Photographer types will go mental for the light at golden hour. Families with older kids who don't mind a decent walk will find it compelling; younger children might lose interest once the novelty of big rocks wears off.

The nearest town is Whitby, which is where you'll base yourself. Whitby Cliff Top Touring Park sits just 0.8 miles away and offers proper vantage points over the coast. If you're planning a caravan holiday in the area, this becomes your morning walk or afternoon outing - it's integral to the whole experience rather than a standalone day trip. Best visited in spring or autumn when the light's better and you've got space to breathe.