The charming North Yorkshire village was previously named one of the UK’s prettiest places – and it’s not hard to see why with the incredible views and interesting past on offer
A pretty little village on the coast of the North York Moors has been hailed as one of the best places to visit this autumn.
The quaint fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, which is on the North York Moors Heritage Coast, never fails to strike awe in the hearts of visitors with its impressive scenery. The small community was recently featured on a viral TikTok clip listing the best places to visit in the UK this autumn.
Weekend Candy – a website that scours the UK for the best places to take a trip – shared details about the village on its TikTok. A caption on the clip read: “If you like your autumn breaks dramatic, then head to Robin Hood’s Village in North Yorkshire. It is one of the prettiest villages on the North Yorkshire Coast, famous for smugglers and fossils.”
The experts say one of the best activities there is hiking along the stunning coastal paths, where you’ll be awarded with breathtaking ocean views. “Take a leisurely stroll along the Cleveland Way National Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. You can walk from Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby or simply enjoy shorter walks along the cliffs.” The area’s rich history also has a lot to offer visitors, according to Weekend Candy.
“Explore the village’s rich maritime heritage at the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum,” the spokesperson mentioned in the clip. Learn about its smuggling past, fishing traditions, and the lives of the people who once inhabited this historic fishing village.” In addition to the TikTok nod, the village ranked fourth in the Top 10 prettiest UK villages in 2021, and also claimed the same spot in the overall category for the UK’s most beautiful towns and villages. To fully appreciate all this seaside gem has to offer, you’ll need more than a day. An overnight stay will allow you to explore everything from its award-winning beach to its fossil-rich rock pools.
The bay is particularly famous for the fossils that wash up there. Ammonite fossils and those of other marine creatures, mainly from the Jurassic period, are a common site along the shore. Experts are on hand to show guests around and explore the unique draw on fossil hunting tours, though you can simply scour the beach yourself for your own treasures.
When the tide is low, you can even take a trip to Boggle Hole, renowned for its excellent fossil hunting opportunities. And if you’d rather keep your feet dry, Robin Hood’s Bay sits along the Dinosaur Coast, making it an ideal starting point for a journey into the Moors or a walk along the clifftop Cleveland Way coastal path, which stretches north to Whitby and south to Scarborough.
You can take a stroll or bike ride along the ‘Cinder Track’, a disused railway line from Scarborough to Whitby, which winds through the upper part of Robin Hood’s Bay. If you’re keen on staying closer to the village, delve into its vibrant history of smuggling, reports MyLondon. Back in the late 18th century, the Yorkshire coast was notorious for smuggling activities. Items like tea, gin, rum, brandy, and tobacco were illicitly brought into the country from places like the Netherlands and France to dodge taxes.
For a touch of spookiness, join the Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk and uncover stories of shipwrecks, local legends, and the infamous smugglers. Learn about the village’s ties to England’s legendary outlaw at the local museum, or explore the Old Coastguard Station. When hunger strikes after your adventures, head to the Wayfarer Bistro.
