Filey

Five miles of sandy beach stretch north from this Yorkshire coast town, making it one of the finest family seaside spots between Scarborough and Bridlington. The sweep of Filey Bay curves gently round to Flamborough Head, creating a natural amphitheatre that's brilliant for families with young children - the waters here are calmer than the exposed stretches either side.

Filey Brigg dominates the southern end. This rocky promontory juts nearly half a mile into the North Sea, offering proper coastal walks and cracking views back towards the Wolds. Low tide reveals rock pools that'll keep kids occupied for hours.

The town itself keeps things refreshingly simple. No theme parks or tacky arcades here - just traditional beach huts, a decent promenade, and fish and chips that locals actually queue for. Murray Street forms the main shopping drag, though it's a bit quiet midweek outside summer.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The railway station sits right in the town centre, with direct trains from York, Leeds, and Hull. By car, it's a straightforward run off the A165 coastal road. Scarborough lies eight miles north if you fancy a bigger resort experience, while the dramatic chalk cliffs of Bempton are just ten miles south.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered between Filey and Cayton Bay puts you within easy reach of both the beach and the Yorkshire Wolds. Haven Blue Dolphin sits practically on the seafront, while the parks around Cayton Bay offer quick access to both Filey's family-friendly sands and Scarborough's livelier attractions. It's the best of both worlds without the tourist crowds that swamp other Yorkshire coastal towns in peak season.