While the summer crowds have long since departed, they leave behind a landscape of rugged cliffs and misty harbours that feel beautifully still - ethereal, if you’ve picked up a word calendar in your Christmas stocking this year.
Whether you’re looking to blow away the cobwebs with a salty sea breeze or find a quiet corner of the coast to reflect on the year gone by, these destinations offer the perfect restorative escape.
Each of these gems is just a short drive from the city, and we’ve included the approximate time it would take to drive to our selections - but as always, come the 11th hour, it might pay to check what the roads are going to be like to get a more accurate time should you decide to venture out; we’d suggest the AA, but many of our locations are also accessible by train or by bus.
We just went with cars for pure convenience.
So grab your thickest scarf, pack a thermos, and prepare to discover the North's most atmospheric winter scenery with these 15 incredibly—if not brisk—picturesque seaside town and village walks.
7. Runswick Bay (North Yorkshire)
Widely considered one of the prettiest spots on the coast, featuring red-roofed cottages clinging to the cliffs. The bay is relatively sheltered, making it a favourite for winter fossil hunters and cliff-top hikers on the Cleveland Way. 🕒 ~1 hour 35 mins | Jonathan Gawthorpe
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8. Sandsend (North Yorkshire)
A charming village where two streams meet the sea, offering miles of flat beach walking toward Whitby. It is well-known for its trendy cafes and upscale pubs, making it the perfect "posh" winter retreat. 🕒 ~1 hour 30 mins | Astro Dog
9. Ravenscar (North Yorkshire)
Known as "the town that never was," Ravenscar offers dramatic, elevated coastal views. It is home to a resident colony of grey seals that can often be spotted from the cliffs, particularly during the winter months. 🕒 ~1 hour 40 mins | Barbara Bateman
10. Scarborough (North Yorkshire)
The quintessential British seaside resort offers two distinct bays separated by a medieval castle. The Marine Drive provides a long, flat paved walk with views of the crashing winter waves, while Peasholm Park offers a more sheltered garden walk. 🕒 ~1 hour 20 mins | Richard Ponter
11. Flamborough Head (East Riding of Yorkshire)
A striking white chalk headland with high cliffs and iconic lighthouses. A circular walk here offers some of the most rugged North Sea views in the country, including the beautiful coves of North and South Landing. 🕒 ~1 hour 25 mins | James Hardisty
12. Bempton Cliffs (East Riding of Yorkshire)
These are the highest chalk cliffs in England. While the puffins have migrated by winter, the sheer scale of the cliffs and the dramatic light make for a powerful, bracing walk along the well-maintained RSPB paths. 🕒 ~1 hour 25 mins | Dan Kitwood