Route YC: Rediscover Yorkshire’s coastline and create your own family adventure this October half term
These days it’s still hugely popular – not just for the traditional delights of fish and chips, ice creams, and lazy days on the beach which define summertime – but for the host of activities and attractions which make it an ideal year-round destination.
Route YC downloadable app, plus handy website and social pages, – with information on things to do and see and places to go, how to get there, where to stay and great places to eat and drink. This is Yorkshire’s ultimate road trip, where you get to create your own adventure.
It’s your guide to today’s modern and more sophisticated Yorkshire coastline – so you can relive your childhood memories with all of today’s modern luxuries!
For families on a budget there’s so much to do for free, from bird-spotting at Bempton Cliffs, to seeing the Drinking Dinosaur (a natural rock formation at Bridlington); from finding sea creatures in the rocky pools of the coastline to hunting for fossils; from lighthouse spotting to castles; from a picnic at Flamborough Head (Yorkshire’s Land’s End) to climbing (and counting) the 199 steps at Whitby – who will be the first to the top?
The new Route YC campaign has been designed to help visitors explore a choice of six destinations along the Yorkshire Coast outside the main visitor season, from Spurn Point to the coves of Whitby, the golden sandy beaches of Hornsea and Bridlington and everything in between, including Scarborough, Filey and Withernsea.
It’s a fantastic destination for sustainable travel, with trains to the coast from around Yorkshire including Leeds and York. Buses link up the routes along the coast – or you could always take a trip on the heritage North York Moors Railway and go back to the glorious age of steam.
For the adventurous there’s Scarborough’s Surf School – the longest-running in the country – or North Yorkshire Water Park at Wykeham, Scarborough; you could feed the seals at the SeaLife Centre or go whale watching on a boat trip.
There’s something for everyone, from the youngest to the young at heart at Yorkshire’s answer to Downton Abbey – Sewerby Hall, near Bridlington – which not only boasts a stunning grand country house and gardens but even a zoo.
What is Route YC?
Route YC works with hundreds of tourism leisure and hospitality business members, local community groups and industry partners across the region to showcase the best the area has to offer.
It includes blogs on things to do and information like where you can find dog-friendly accommodation and cafes. It can help you plan to hike or cycle the area, gives ideas for motorhome owners or campers and can help you make the most of a day trip or a longer stay.
Kerry Carruthers, CEO for Route YC, said: “There’s so much for visitors to see and do around Route YC during the autumn and winter months.”
The development of Route YC and the new campaign is also being led by Tom Campbell, the founder and creator of the world-famous North Coast 500, which goes around the coast in the north of Scotland. Tom said: “Route YC is establishing itself as one of the UK’s leading touring routes. It’s a great way to explore the region throughout the year, where you get to create your own amazing adventure by bike, motorbike, car, motorhome and by exploring the many paths on foot.”
It covers 240 miles in total – but of course you can just dip in and out and make your own adventure doing the things you love. Here’s a taste of things to do in each of the towns.
Whitby – if you are feeling energetic you can climb the town’s 199 steps and enjoy the sweeping views overlooking the harbour and town from Whitby Abbey. Learn more about the legends which inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula. Visit the harbour and see what the catch of the day is or wander along West Cliff Beach with its colourful beach huts. A town with a rich history you can discover more about its famous jet jewellery industry or learn more about its maritime history, at the Captain Cook Museum.
Hornsea is a quintessential British seaside resort, with golden sandy beaches, a quaint promenade and a towering Victorian folly, it has picture postcard views and a colourful smuggling past, making it the ideal day trip destination.
Bridlington is home to the historic Bridlington Priory, the Bayle Museum, Harbour Heritage Museum and Sewerby Hall and Gardens. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with Bempton Cliffs nature reserve nearby being home to thousands of seabirds. And don’t forget a visit to the iconic Flamborough Lighthouse
Scarborough is the largest town on the Yorkshire Coast with dramatic cliffs and medieval castle ruins perched on the headland, award-winning North and South beaches, and a historic harbour and it is packed full of great family attractions. There is plenty to do at Scarborough Spa, The Rotunda Museum, Sea Life Centre It’s packed full of history and you can discover more about its fascinating history at The Rotunda Museum
Filey was formerly a fishing village but is best known for its stunning sandy beach. The cliffs at Filey Brigg to the north of the beach are an ideal location for bird watching while the town centre has plenty of things to see and do as well and you can even learn to surf nearby.
Withernsea – take a promenade along the seaside front and take a closer look at the impressive Pier Towers or wander along the sandy shore. If you are feeling energetic you can climb the 144 steps of the Withernsea Lighthouse for breathtaking views over the town and coast. Further South, you can spot seals at Spurn Point National Nature Reserve.
For more information about Route YC visit www.routeyc.co.uk