Runswick Bay

East and North Yorkshire have some tremendous coves and beaches, but Runswick, near Whitby, gives a concentrated dose of all that is on offer: superb views from the cliffs, then a sharp walk down via a tangle of cottages to a mile of beach that is mixed sand and shingle, with good cafes. Look out for fossils and jet, the two treasures of these parts, but if venturing beyond the beach under the cliffs, check the tide times.