Filey

The end of the Yorkshire Coast's golden arc comes at a proper seaside town that refuses to put on airs. Filey sits between the brasher resorts of Bridlington and Scarborough, and that's exactly where it likes to be. The five-mile sweep of sand here is genuinely spectacular - wide, clean, and backed by the distinctive chalk cliffs of Filey Brigg that jut into the North Sea like a natural pier.

Walking the promenade feels timeless. Victorian terraces look out over the bay, and the town centre maintains that unhurried pace you find in proper seaside places. St Peter's Church anchors the old part of town, while down at Speeton Beach you'll find rockpools and fossils if the tide's right. The Shepherd and Flock gallery showcases local artists, though honestly, the best art here is the coastline itself.

Filey Brigg deserves the trek out. This narrow headland offers cracking views back along the coast, and on clear days you can see Flamborough Head's lighthouse. The walking here connects to the Cleveland Way, so you can follow clifftop paths north or south depending on how energetic you're feeling.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A165 runs right through town, connecting to Hull in the south and Scarborough to the north. The train station sits just inland, with regular services to York and beyond. Several holiday parks dot the area around Reighton Sands, making this an excellent base for exploring both the Yorkshire coast and the Wolds inland. You're close enough to Bridlington for a day trip, but far enough away to avoid the crowds.