Sandsend is a quiet village on the Yorkshire coast to the North of Whitby
Sandsend is a small village, a couple of miles north of Whitby. It is a very popular destination with all kinds of visitors, as well as locals. There's easier access to the beach than in Whitby and convenient car parking right on the sea front. With a handful of nice pubs and cafes and shops there's much to enjoy.
A visit to Sandsend is a must for anyone visiting the Yorkshire coast. Whatever the time of year Sandsend is a great destination for a day out. For walkers there's easy access to Mulgrave Woods and the Cleveland Way as well as footpaths leading inland. There's a range of holiday accommodation in the village, along with fantastic food and drink options.
Read on to discover more about Sandsend. Only a short distance from Whitby, it's quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations on the Yorkshire coast. And it's easy to see why!
Discover Sandsend's Accommodations
Sandsend offers a range fo self catering holiday accommodation. Whatever the size of your group, you'll find something to suit your requirements. There's everything from small but perfectly formed cottages to much larger properties. Some are located right on the sea front, with fantastic views. Others are tucked away, sheltered from the wind and the waves.
We've highlighted a few of our favourites above, but make sure you have a look around - there's loads of choice. Sandsend makes a great location for a self-catering break by the sea. There's a choice of pubs and restaurants as well as a well-stocked village shop. All the major supermarkets deliver into the village. And, you've got the benefits of being only a short drive from Whitby, without being in the town itself.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in Sandsend
If you prefer bed and breakfast accommodation then Sandsend is a little more limited. However, for those looking to indulge, the options are luxurious!
Located just outside the village you'll find Raithwaite Hall Hotel. It's secluded location makes it the perfect choice for a romantic break by the sea. They have a wide range of rooms available, as well as all the facilities you would expect from a comfortable hotel.
At the far end of the village, tucked away in the picturesque Valley, you'll find The Woodlands. With a choice of rooms, your hosts Rosie and Daryl will make you feel very welcome. The Woodlands is a great location for those who seek out peace and quiet. It's only a short walk from the beach, but away from the main road on the edge of Mulgrave Woods. Even more secluded is Mulgrave Country Cottage - another excellent option.
More options are available - so have a look around before making your choice. If you can't find something suitable then look at options on Whitby's West Cliff. You'll be out of the town centre and within easy reach of the beach.
Sandsend is a fantastic location for families to visit. With a safe, sandy beach (even when the tide's in), great food and drink available nearby and a choice of quality accommodation - it's easy to see why it's such a popular destination!- Jack
The Cleveland Way is a National Trail walking route which covers over 100 miles of picturesque North Yorkshire. Most people walk it in the 'clockwise' direction, starting in Helmsley. The route heads west, out to the Yorkshire coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. It then begins following the cliff-tops and beaches of North Yorkshire.
On its way south it passes through pretty villages such as Robin Hood's Bay. It also runs through larger towns including Whitby and Scarborough. Ultimately the trail ends in Filey, a small town south of Scarborough.
It has long been a favourite with walkers and trail runners. It can be easily broken up into sections - very few tackle the entire length in one go! From Sandsend why not head north to Staithes and Runswick Bay (around 8 miles), or south to Robin Hood's Bay (about 9 miles). Whichever way you head, you'll enjoy wonderful views of this stretch of coastline.
Mulgrave Woods is privately owned by the Mulgrave Estate. From Sandsend there are a couple of entrances - one in The Valley, near The Woodlands and another from the car park near the Bridge Cottage Bistro.
The Estate manage the woodland, growing trees and producing firewood. As a result it is only open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It's closed entirely through May.
There is a network of footpaths and trails through the woods, leading to various other entrances. The highlight of a wander around Mulgrave Woods is finding the ruins of the old Mulgrave Castle, which is a fantastic picnic spot. From here you can look across the valley to the Mulgrave mansion, home to the Marquis & Marchioness of Normanby.
The woods are well used by locals and visitors, a haven for wildlife too. Watch out for fish in the stream and heron over head!
If you head inland from Sandsend you'll find a number of footpaths and trails. There are a handful of quiet country lanes to explore, which lead towards the villages of Dunsley, Newholm and Lythe. Watch out for footpath signs leading off in all directions - some towards Whitby, others inland or following the coast. There's lots to explore!
If you wander through Raithwaite Estate, past the lake, you'll find yourselves in woodland which leads either across to Newholm or to the back of the Mulgrave Estate.
There are lots of options, depending on whether you want a circular route or not and how far you're happy to walk. If you're happy to plan your own routes then get hold of an Ordnance Survey map. If not, various books and guides are available locally.
Sandsend is a great place to finish a walk, with excellent cafes serving delicious refreshments. So why not get a bus up or down the coast, then walk back? There's nothing better on a sunny day!
As mentioned above, what Sandsend lacks in bed and breakfast accommodation, it certainly makes up for in hotels!
Raithwaite Hall caters for the luxury end of the market. It's a large hotel with lots of facilities. For a more boutique experience, try Estbek House. They're best known for their excellent food, but they have rooms too! Enjoy wonderful accommodation with a 3 course dinner and breakfast. All just a stone's throw from the sea. Finally, The Beach Hotel is more affordable, and has the added benefit of being right by the beach!
Nearby you'll also find Dunsley Hall Hotel. It's a short distance from Sandsend, but definitely worth checking out.
If you're looking for a relaxing or romantic break by the sea, then one of Sandsend's hotels could be the perfect base.
Sandsend is a very popular spot through the summer. A small stream
runs out of the valley, providing a safe area of water for children to
play in. It's not advised to use inflatables in the North Sea, but the
pool at Sandsend is a safe alternative.
If you've walked from Whitby you might like to get the bus back into town - look out for the X4, approximately every half hour.
If you carry on past the first stream, you'll find yourselves crossing another stream. This is at the bottom of Lythe Bank where the Sandsend pay and display car park is. At this point the beach disappears, you've reached the end of the sand!
There are strong currents and waves can be unpredictable. Always make sure you check the tide times before setting off for a walk along the beach and wear appropriate clothing.
Through the summer surf board and wetsuit hire is regularly available on the beach. If your family enjoy sandcastle competitions, swimming and relaxing by the sea you've come to the right place
A walk into Mulgrave Woods is definitely recommended - especially if you can manage to find the ruined Mulgrave Castle. For a more comprehensive range of family-friendly activities you'll need to head back to Whitby. However, if you're happy on spending the day on the beach then there's nowhere better.
Sandsend has a couple of good pubs. The Hart Inn is located in the centre of the village, next to Estbek House and opposite the bus stop. Its has a small car park for guests to the rear. They serve food and a good range of beers, ciders, wine and spirits. They have a bit of outside space too. Further along the seafront, The Beach Hotel also has a public bar.
The next village up the coast, Lythe, also has a great pub - The Stiddy. It's popular with locals, with and old-fashioned charm thanks to its period features. It originally opened 200 years ago as a coaching inn for weary travellers. There's a regular pub quiz and a good food menu.
Sandsend is home to a selection of cafes and tea rooms. The Wits End Cafe is always very popular - sitauted at the bottom of Lythe Bank, next to the car park. At the other end of the village you'll find The Sandside Cafe, which is also full to bursting on a summer's day.
Tides is located in the centre of the village, next to the beach. It has expanded over the years and now offers various food options, from ice cream and cake to home made pizza. They've got their own wood-fired pizza oven!
Estbek House, The Hart Inn, The Beach Hotel and The Stiddy (in Lythe) all serve food. Depending on the time of year it's generally wise to book in advance - and normally required for Estbek.
The pubs serve good food at affordable prices. Estbek has an excellent reputation and is more expensive. They serve delicious meals, freshly prepared with an emphasis on seasonal produce and localy sourced ingredients. Definitely worth visiting if you have the chace.
Sandsend has a well-stocked village shop. They provide a range of everyday essentials, as well as locally sourced food and drinks from companies such as Whitby's Botham's Bakers.
If you find yourselves down on the beach in need of a quick snack and don't want to sit in a pub in your wetsuit, then definitely try Sandsend Stores first. They're sure to having something to fill you up. it's also worth remembering if you're planning a walk and need something for a picnic.
A selection of shops in Sandsend
Apart from the VIllage Stores, Sandsend is limited when it comes to shopping. Currently there are only a couple of other shops in the village.
Both located in the centre of the village, next to the Mulgrave Woods car park. The Wild Hart stock a range of quality gifts and homeware items. It's neighbour, Serendipity also stock gift items and has a small clothing range too.
Whatever your reason for visiting Sandsend you're sure to have a great time. If you're happy to spend the day on the beach you won't be disappointed. If you're a walker and are just passing through as you complete part of the Cleveland Way, make sure you stop for a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.
For those looking for the best food and drink in the area, Estbek House needs to be on your list. And if you're just looking for a sleepy seaside village to escape to, Sandsend ticks all the boxes.
With beautiful coastal views, convenient parking and a regular bus service, Sandsend is easy to get to. Whether you visit for a few hours or a few days, relax and enjoy!
January
Mulgrave woods is privately-owned woodland near Sandsend. It runs inland, running along the valley which lies below the village of Lythe. The woodland is owned and managed by Muglrave Estate. They have created a network of footpaths and trails within the woods. These paths provide plenty of options for walks - from a leisurely amble to a lengthier circular walk.
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June
This is a lovely circular walk. It’s about 5 miles in total, but could be shortened either by taking a more direct route back towards Whitby from Raithwaite Estate, or by getting the bus back from Sandsend.
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