It was a glorious weekend weather-wise in Leeds over the weekend, and if the temperatures remain how they were (fingers crossed) over the summer, during the great school holidays of 2026, then perhaps a trip for a swim a little further afield than local swimming pools might be in order?
Either lying in the sunshine with your beach towel underneath you with not a care in the world - except maybe a touch more sunscreen each hour - or perhaps going for a walk along the rolling cliffs of the coast, there has always been something quintessential about getting out to the seaside over the summer months.
But for those of us who don’t have the money to visit the French Riviera or Benidorm, despite many suggestions of the like, we decided to try and keep it local, and more importantly, we asked readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post on our Facebook page what their recommendations are.
The list was thorough, but we’ve looked at those locations that are not too far removed from the city centre (one is around a 2hr drive) for ease of access, with a number of your recommendations easily accessible by train.
Here are your 11 best beaches and seaside towns you recommend people visit this summer.
1. Scarborough
Scarborough remains a firm favourite, and a highly debated one, among YEP readers. It was picked for its nostalgia and classic seaside feel, even if it gets incredibly busy. Adelle Barrow noted: "Scarborough holds a lot of fond memories for me of my late partner." 🏖️ 1 hour 30 mins ETA | Local Library
2. Whitby
Whitby was overwhelmingly picked by readers for one specific reason: the food. Richard Holgate commented, "Definitely Whitby if you want fish and chips, without a doubt." Nigel Pollard’s enthusiasm summed up the consensus: "Whitby, Whitby Whitby and of course not forgetting Whitby!" 🏖️ 1 hour 45 mins ETA | Yorkshire Post
3. Bridlington
This was highly recommended as a more accessible and wallet-friendly alternative to its bustling East Coast neighbours. Readers praised the facilities and the expansive seafront. Kenneth Watkinson made a strong case: "Bridlington cheaper parking than Scarborough, nice flat long prom, free clean loos and cleaner and just as good and cheaper fish and chips." 🏖️ 1 hour 30 mins ETA | PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
4. Filey
Filey was the top pick for peace and quiet. Debbie Anne beautifully described why it gets her vote: "Filey - so very beautiful, still retaining stillness, peacefulness, breathtaking views + walks." Trevor Dawson also offered a great bit of nostalgia: "Every time we went to Filey we'd go on a donkey... now we go in the car, it's a lot quicker." 🏖️ 1 hour 30 mins ETA | Yorkshire Post Newspapers
5. Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Heading slightly further north, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a fantastic option that avoids the heaviest of the traditional tourist traffic. It was specifically picked out by readers as an ideal location for pet owners, with Cheryl Day Dockerty recommending it as the top spot for a "dog walk." 🏖️ 1 hour 30 mins ETA | Mark Douglas/Wirestock Creators - stock.adobe.com
6. Flamborough/North Landing
For the more adventurous day-trippers who prefer dramatic scenery and wildlife over candy floss, Flamborough and North Landing are the ultimate hidden gems. Michaela Kološová agreed, calling North Landing the best place for its "beautiful beach and lots of dolphins and seals." 🏖️ 1 hour 40 mins ETA | Mel Hulme