Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Mow Cop at sunset

Mow Cop

in the county of Staffordshire

Pilley, Hampshire

Pilley

in the county of Hampshire

Pictures of Robin Hood's Bay

About Robin Hood's Bay

The talk in the local pub is all of Robin Hood, did he pass through this bay whilst journeying to Whitby, or did he not? the considered opinion seems to be that any connection between the outlaw and this beautiful bay is rather dubious. That being said, one does though, continue to ponder the possibility for this little place is alive with myths and legends of the smuggling trade that flourished here in the 18th-century.

The pretty village seemingly tumbles down the main cobbled street and finishes up where the sea laps the shore. Little cottages, mostly of stone with bright red roofs, some three storey's high, cling precariously to the cliffs upon which this village is built. It is a charming place and the little alleyways and terraces do indeed evoke images of smuggling. Legend has it that a tunnel through which King's Beck discharges into the sea was used by smugglers, and that other tunnel's branch from it in a network that runs beneath most of the village.

This is one of the richest stretches of coast for fossils in England, low tide exposes a sea bed full of tide and rock pools which offer wonderful examples such as the oyster-like Liostrea and coiled ammonites - known in these parts as St.Hilda's Serpents. The oldest rocks about here are said to date from the Jurasic Period.

A walk across the bay to nearby Ravenscar at low tide can be richly rewarding. The scenery all around is nothing less than spectacular, especially when the waves are tinged bright copper by a golden, setting sun. There is though, a continuing battle between land and sea and raging storms have claimed many buildings. Over the years, many cottages and great chunks of cliff have been lost to the sea and this has caused the building of a huge rock sea wall to protect the village.

The village offers quaint shops, cafes and excellent old inns and pubs. Beware though, the road down into the village thrusts deep and twists at sharp angles. Thoughtfully, handrails have been provided to help the visitor navigate the steeply stepped street. They are well used by locals and all who visit this beautiful bay. Oh, and by the way, if you are lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of Robin Hood on his way to Whitby!

Attractions in the area include the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Wheeldale Roman Road and the Newtondale Forest Drive.

Related Articles

10 of the Best Seaside Locations to Visit in Englandby Sarah

Recommended towns & villages near Robin Hood's Bay

Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Whitby (911 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of North Yorkshire

(4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction NW of Robin Hood's Bay)

This historic small fishing town is part of the Heritage Coast of North East England. It is a place of historical interest and was the home of the most famous 18th century explorer and voyager; Captain James Cook. Whitby also has one of the finest examples of Anglo Saxon churches in England...

View across Sandsend with Whitby in the background

Sandsend (40 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of North Yorkshire

(7.4 miles, 12.0 km, direction NW of Robin Hood's Bay)

A wildly beautiful rugged coastal area with over two and a half miles of uninterrupted golden sand which in high summer is idyllic for holiday makers, and attractive to surfers...

Foss Waterfall, Beck Hole, Goathland, North Yorkshire Moors.

Beck Hole (22 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of North Yorkshire

(8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction W of Robin Hood's Bay)

A picturesque village near to Goathland..

Bay View

Runswick Bay (52 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of North Yorkshire

(11.1 miles, 17.9 km, direction NW of Robin Hood's Bay)

Runswick Bay lies at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, the village is tucked between rising cliffs at the western end of a lovely sweep of sand...

St.Mary`s Church

Scarborough (420 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of North Yorkshire

(11.7 miles, 18.8 km, direction SE of Robin Hood's Bay)

To this day Scarborough remains a very popular resort and this delightful north coast town overlooks two magnificent sandy bays which are divided by a huge headland...

All towns & villages in North Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Indian Summer October 2009

Sneaton Forest (4 Pictures)

(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction W)

..

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey (111 Pictures)

(4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction NW)

Whitby Abbey was founded in the seventh century on cliffs by the sea. Its remains can still be seen from the sea and are a.....

Scarborough morning in May

Scarborough Castle (63 Pictures)

(11.7 miles, 18.8 km, direction SE)

The spot on which the ruins of Scarborough's once protective fortress stands has been quite possibly the scene of occupation.....

A forest trail, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

Dalby Forest (17 Pictures)

(11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction SW)

The Dalby Forest lies in the majestic northern uplands at the edge of North Yorkshire Moors National Park. It is mostly a.....

Broughton Bank

North York Moors National Park (91 Pictures)

(14.7 miles, 23.7 km, direction W)

Many will tell you they have never seen the Yorkshire Moors, yet often you can catch a glimpse of this magical area simply by.....

Rosedale. North York Moors.

Rosedale Moor (5 Pictures)

(15.0 miles, 24.2 km, direction W)

Historically this breathtakingly beautiful moors area was an industrial centre for ironstone mining during the 19th and early.....

Animals at Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo

Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo (4 Pictures)

(19.1 miles, 30.7 km, direction SW)

Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo, situated in Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, stands as a dynamic and multifaceted attraction......


All attractions in Robin Hood's Bay
All attractions in North Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England