There's a lesser-known seaside town on the Yorkshire coast that's quietly gaining attention, not because it's packed with tourists, but thanks to its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and undeniable charm. Located between Scarborough and Bridlington, Filey has emerged as a standout destination. Its sweeping five-mile beach was recently crowned the best in North Yorkshire by TripAdvisor users, outranking other popular spots like Scarborough Beach, Whitby Beach, and Cayton Bay.
This expansive beach is perfect for those seeking relaxation, scenic walks, or just a proper seaside escape, away from the crowds of other seaside towns. Visitors can enjoy everything from cosy beach chalets and casual cafés to kiosks serving snacks and refreshments all set in a peaceful, unspoiled setting.
The tree-lined paths that lead down to the sand only add to its charm, and for those who love a good walk, Filey Beach connects to the renowned Cleveland Way coastal trail and offers incredible views of the rugged Filey Brigg headland.
The beach also stretches all the way to Bempton in the south, near the RSPB bird reserve.
According to The Beach Guide, one of Filey's biggest draws is its simplicity, described as "less commercial" than many other East Coast resorts, making it ideal for families and visitors who appreciate a slower pace.
Whether you're into long walks, building sandcastles, flying kites, or even horse riding, there's room for everyone at this five-mile beach of golden soft sands.
When the tide goes out, up to a quarter-mile of sand is revealed, along with rock pools teeming with sea life, offering the ideal opportunity for curious younger visitors to explore.
Helen, from Driffield, wrote on TripAdvisor: "Filey has one of the best beaches on this stretch of the coast in my opinion. And today we walked down to Coble landing to the beach this way.
"This stretch is used for a multitude of reasons: dog-walkers, surfers, fishermen and visitors. There are a selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops for holidaymakers wanting bucket and spades, and everything else needed for the perfect day on the beach."
Not only is the beach stunning, but it's also been praised as being "much classier" than any other UK seaside town.
One TripAdvisor user called the The Codnor Traveller said: "Filey as a seaside town is infinitely more classy than about 90% of all other UK seaside towns, and so it is little wonder that Filey Beach is one of the nicest in the country.
"Bookended by Filey Brigg on one side and Bempton Cliffs on the other, Filey Beach comprises 5 miles of clean, unadulterated beach that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
"This Beach is clean, and when I say clean, I mean CLEAN. I spent hours metal detecting it. Nothing. Not one bottle top. Not one aluminium can. Nothing. Not a single thing. This is incredible in Britain today, when standards are, in effect, mired in quicksand."