The Yorkshire coastline runs roughly from the port of Kingston Upon Hull (usually just called Hull) in the south up to around Middlesborough in the north.

Along most of the coast you will find steep limestone cliffs covered with sea birds. The views can be breathtaking. When you can see them that is! The east coast is renowned for sea fogs that blanket everything and make it impossible to see across the road let alone to the horizon.

Many small ports have existed here for centuries. More recently these have been turned into tourist resorts but in most cases, once you get away from the crowds, they still retain much of their charm. Bridlington, Filey, Scarborough, Robin Hood's Bay, and Whitby are each very different with many historical and Literary connections.

Captain Cook sailed out of Whitby. Ann Bronte died and is buried in Scarborough. Dracula first landed in England at Whitby. Well, that's what Bram Stoker wrote anyway!

Scarborough Castle

Oliver made a pretty good job of it didn't he?

The castle was also used as a munitions store during The Great War and was shelled by German ships. The resulting explosions did most of the damage to the building.

Of the resorts Scarborough has to be my favourite. I spent many happy childhood holidays on the beach there, building sandcastles and fishing in the rock pools.

It has all the tourist amusements that you want including some beautiful parks and gardens and one of the best boating lakes that I know. It also has an excellent historic ruined castle, peaceful cliff walks and some wonderful views. The beaches are golden sand and go on for miles. (OK, so the North Sea is bitterly cold and not necessarily that clean, but you cant have everything :)) The harbour, despite being very busy, still retains much of its character. Oh, and if you want to treat yourself, try some Scarborough fish and chips - best eaten out of the newspaper!