A photographer’s dream! Come for the stunning beach shots and stay for sunset over the cliffs… I’m very much a keen amateur but even I have managed to capture some shots I was really pleased with. I would recommend a trip to Saltburn-by-the-Sea to anyone who enjoys photography.
It’s also a great spot for some traditional beach fun with the kids…. Not to mention some great places to eat and stay…. I genuinely don’t know why this place isn’t more well-known! Read on to find out what to do in this hidden gem.
Saltburn beach
Saltburn’s beautiful sandy beach stretches for miles, literally! When the tide is low, it is possible to walk from Saltburn to Redcar without leaving the sands. A route of approximately 4 miles each way, passing through the village of Marske.
As well as bucket and spade fun, low tide reveals scores of rock pools waiting to be explored as well as shallow areas for paddling.
When the waves are rough, Saltburn is a surfing paradise. You can sometimes see surfers jumping off the end of the pier into the swell to avoid the tiring paddle out. Clearly not allowed and somewhat dangerous but fun to watch! There are a couple of surfing schools operating from the beach which offer group and individual lessons for beginners and can hire out the necessary equipment and wet suits. Try Saltburn Surf.
The centrepiece of the beach is the pier, opened in 1869. Look out for guerrilla knitting on the railings as you walk along!
A Victorian cliff lift (currently out of order due to a fire but due to re-open soon) takes visitors from the promenade to the upper town. If not, its a lot of steps or a steep slope. This is an architectural wonder, being the oldest operating water-balanced cliff lift in the UK. Its also a godsend for little or tired legs…
The Valley Gardens
Dotted through with woodland trails, formal gardens and a meandering stream, the Valley Gardens make for a tranquil escape. There’s also some great play areas for younger children. Visitors arriving in Saltburn by car can park along Glenside and walk down through the Gardens to the beach.
During summer months, little legs will enjoy a ride on the Saltburn Miniature Railway.
Hiking from Saltburn-by-the-Sea
If the walk along the beach wasn’t enough, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is located on the Cleveland Way. The Cleveland Way is a long-distance footpath that runs for 109 miles from the charming market town of Helmsley to the bird-watching cliffs of Filey Brigg. You can find more details on the walk here.
Best places to eat and sleep
If you are looking for traditional fish and chips on the beach, you can try the Seaview Takeaway – pretty much opposite the pier. However, if you would prefer a sit-down meal, sister restaurant The Seaview is justifiably popular for its fresh fish and seafood (although you can still have traditional battered fish and chips here). Featured on the BBC’s Remarkable Places to Eat, you can, and should, book a table.
The Ship Inn boasts a great seafront location. However, the food is standard pub grub and service can be slow when they are busy. Personally, I would stop here for a drink on the sea facing terrace but eat elsewhere.
Better dining options in Saltburn-by-the-Sea include Tomahawk Steak House (does what it says on the tin) and The Spa Hotel. The Spa’s main restaurant offers a fairly eclectic range from mussels to parmos (a local speciality), burgers to flatbreads. However, my recommendation would be the pizza menu served in the bar (or outside). On a warm evening, grab a table on one of its terraces for comfy sofas and amazing views.
Where should I sleep in Saltburn-by-the-Sea?
The Spa Hotel features comfortable, well-equipped rooms at reasonable rates (a double will set you back around £200 on a weekend evening, including a very good, freshly cooked breakfast).
AirBnB offers a number of reasonably well-rated options for self-catering. My choice (although I have only walked by it and not been in) would be The Outlook for its views and location. Its probably not suitable for families with young children though.
Click back here to the main North Yorkshire page to read about more amazing places to visit in this beautiful corner of England.
