North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Filey Beaches

Overview

Filey offers a classic British seaside holiday experience, known for its more relaxed and traditional atmosphere compared to some of its bustling Yorkshire neighbours. It's a favourite destination for families and anyone seeking gentle coastal charm. The town's main draw is its magnificent bay – a huge, five-mile stretch of predominantly golden sand that invites long walks, sandcastle building, and paddling.

The star attraction is undoubtedly Filey Beach itself, the town's easily accessible main strand and the heart of its seaside life. Its sheer size means there's usually plenty of space, even during peak season. At the northern end, the unique rocky peninsula of Filey Brigg becomes a fascinating world of rock pools when the tide goes out, offering a different kind of coastal exploration.

Beyond the main bay, the surrounding coastline offers diverse experiences. Our editor's picks highlight the dramatic cliff scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities at North Landing, and the renowned surf spot at Cayton Bay. For a memorable day trip, the picturesque village and shores of Robin Hood's Bay and Beach are well worth the journey. Just south of Filey, Hunmanby Gap provides another vast expanse of sand, often appealing to those seeking quieter spots.

Filey serves as an excellent base not just for beach days but also for exploring the wider coastline, including scenic cliff-top walks like the Cleveland Way National Trail which starts (or ends) here. Whether you prefer the main town beach or exploring hidden coves, our full guide details these locations and many more along this beautiful stretch of coast.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Filey good for a beach holiday?

Yes, Filey is widely considered excellent for a traditional seaside beach holiday. It's particularly popular with families and those looking for a slightly quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to nearby Scarborough or Bridlington. Its main attraction is the huge, five-mile long sandy bay which is perfect for walks, sandcastles, and paddling. The town itself retains a charming, traditional feel.

Filey Beach

Is Filey beach better than Scarborough beach?

Whether Filey or Scarborough beach is 'better' depends entirely on personal preference. Filey offers a vast, single stretch of sand and a generally quieter, more traditional atmosphere, ideal for relaxed family breaks and long walks. Scarborough has two distinct bays (North and South), more amusements, arcades, and a busier, more vibrant feel. Choose Filey for peace and space, Scarborough for more attractions and bustle.

Filey Beach

Scarborough Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Filey?

Yes, swimming is possible at Filey beach. The bay is relatively sheltered, and the water quality is often rated highly. However, the North Sea water is typically very cold, even during summer months. RNLI lifeguards patrol the main beach area during peak season (check local notices for dates and times), and it's recommended to swim between the flags. Be aware of tide times and potential currents, especially near Filey Brigg.

Filey Beach

Are dogs allowed on Filey beach?

Dogs are welcome on large parts of Filey beach throughout the year. However, there is a seasonal restriction on the main section, from the Royal Parade steps northwards to the Coble Landing slipway. This restriction applies from 1st May to 30th September annually. Outside of this central zone, and during the off-season (October to April), dogs are allowed along the entire beach. Dogs should be kept on a lead on the promenade and Filey Brigg.

Filey Beach

Is Filey beach sandy or pebbly?

Filey beach is predominantly sandy. It boasts a vast expanse of flat, golden sand, especially when the tide goes out, making it ideal for building sandcastles and beach games. There are some pebbles and rocky areas, particularly towards the northern end near Filey Brigg, which become exposed at low tide and are excellent for rock pooling.

Filey Beach

Is there parking near Filey beach?

Yes, there are several pay-and-display car parks close to Filey beach. Options include Filey Country Park car park (convenient for Filey Brigg and the north end), Coble Landing car park (central seafront), and Station Avenue car park in the town centre (a short walk downhill). Parking can become very busy and fill up quickly during peak season (summer holidays, sunny weekends), so arriving early is advisable. Some limited on-street parking is also available.

Filey Beach

Is Filey beach accessible?

Accessibility varies. The promenade along the top of the beach is flat and generally accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are several ramps leading down towards the beach level, particularly around Coble Landing. However, access onto the soft sand itself can be challenging for standard wheelchairs and pushchairs. Enquiries about hiring specific beach wheelchairs can be made via local tourist information.

Filey Beach

What is Filey Brigg?

Filey Brigg is a distinctive long, narrow rocky peninsula that marks the northern end of Filey Bay. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its geology and birdlife. At low tide, it's famous for its excellent rock pooling opportunities. There are footpaths along the top offering scenic views, but care must be taken near the edges and when exploring the lower levels due to changing tides and slippery rocks.

People Also Ask

Are there toilets and cafes near Filey beach?

Yes, facilities are readily available. Public toilets can be found at several points along the seafront, including near Coble Landing and at the Country Park/Filey Brigg area. There is a good selection of cafes, fish and chip shops, ice cream kiosks, pubs, and restaurants situated along the promenade and in the town centre, which is just a short walk up from the beach.

Filey Beach

What's the best part of Filey beach to visit?

The 'best' part depends on what you're looking for. The area near Coble Landing is popular for easy access to cafes, toilets, and amusements. For more space, especially during busy periods, walking south towards Hunmanby Gap or north beyond the restricted dog zone often yields quieter spots. The stretch near Filey Brigg is the prime location for rock pooling when the tide is out.

Filey Beach

Can you walk from Filey to Bridlington or Scarborough along the beach?

Walking the entire distance between Filey and Bridlington or Filey and Scarborough *directly on the beach* is generally not possible or advisable due to high tides covering the sand up to the cliffs, and impassable rocky sections or headlands. However, you can walk between these towns via the cliff-top coastal paths, such as the Cleveland Way (north to Scarborough) or the Headland Way/unnamed coastal paths (south towards Bridlington), which offer stunning views but are proper hikes.

Filey Beach

Are there lifeguards at Filey beach?

Yes, the RNLI usually provides a lifeguard service on the main, central part of Filey beach during the peak summer season. This typically runs from late May/early June until early September, daily during school holidays and often weekends outside of that. Always look for the red and yellow flags, which indicate the patrolled swimming area. Check local notices or the RNLI website for exact dates and patrol times.

Filey Beach

What is Coble Landing?

Coble Landing is the traditional heart of Filey's fishing heritage, located towards the northern end of the main promenade, near the base of the cliffs leading up to the town. It's the area where fishing boats (known as 'cobles') are launched and landed directly onto the sand via tractors. You'll find slipways, the lifeboat station, small kiosks, cafes, and amusement arcades clustered here. It's often a hub of activity on the seafront.

How busy does Filey beach get?

Filey beach can get quite busy during the peak summer months (July and August) and on warm, sunny weekends, particularly in the central area near Coble Landing and the main beach access points. However, because the beach is so long and wide, especially at low tide, it's usually possible to find quieter, less crowded spots if you're willing to walk a bit further north towards the Brigg or south towards Hunmanby Gap. It's generally considered less crowded overall than Scarborough.

Filey Beach

Are there quieter beaches near Filey?

Yes, if you prefer a quieter beach experience than the main Filey bay during peak times, there are several nearby options. Hunmanby Gap, located just south of Filey, offers a vast sandy beach accessed via a slope and is often less crowded. Cayton Bay, situated between Filey and Scarborough, is popular with surfers and has a more rugged feel. Further south, Reighton Sands also provides a large expanse of sand.

Cayton Bay