The best Yorkshire beaches within a short drive from Leeds

It's sunny, your bikini has been gathering dust all winter and you're desperate for a dose of Vitamin D and some real tanning...
Bridlington. Photo: Glen MinikinBridlington. Photo: Glen Minikin
Bridlington. Photo: Glen Minikin

Well look no further than these beaches - all within day trip distance of Leeds:

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A traditional day out beckons at Brid. The beach is just an hour and a half away from Leeds. North Beach has a mix of pebbles and shingle, lined with funfairs and amusement rides.

ScarboroughScarborough
Scarborough

But South Beach is where bathers go, packed with stretches of glorious golden sands.

How to get there: Take the A58 slip road towards Harrogate, merge onto the A58M and head onto the A64

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From the calm waters of the marina to the sands of Scarborough bay, there's plenty on offer here. South Bay is a traditional beach with arcades, shellfish stalls and ice cream.

ScarboroughScarborough
Scarborough

North Bay offers a more relaxed setting with sandy beaches, brightly coloured huts and a mini railway.

How to get there: Take the A58 slip road towards Harrogate, merge onto the A58M and head onto the A64

Staithes

Staithes is not as well known as these other beaches but it's packed full of character. It's just 1 hour 40 by car from Leeds and has a lovely picturesque village that's well worth exploring.

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It used to be one of the North Sea's biggest fishing ports, so it's jam packed full of history too.

How to get there: Take the A58 slip road towards Harrogate, merge onto the A58M and head onto the A1M

Known as the Smuggler's Town because it was used as a port to smuggle alcohol and tea in the 1700s, this beautiful seaside town offers Smugglers Tours all year round.

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The scenic village gives way to views of stunning cliffs and coastal pathways lead to a stony yet unspoiled little beach. Neat!

How to get there: Take the A58 slip road towards Harrogate, merge onto the A58M and head onto the A64 and then the A169

Whitby

Whitby is by far one of the most popular seaside resorts in Yorkshire. 90 minutes away in the car, the picturesque village combines with a Blue Flag accredited beach.

You can visit the places which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula novel too in a walk around Victorian Whitby.

Of course, there's also top drawer fish and chips here!

How to get there: Take the A58 slip road towards Harrogate, merge onto the A58M and head onto the A64 and follow signs for Whitby