Fylingdales

Fylingdales is an ancient parish spread across the high moorland and coastal fringe between Whitby and Scarborough, taking in the twin villages of Fylingthorpe and Robin Hood's Bay along with a scatter of farms and hamlets rising onto the North York Moors. The name is thought to derive from the Old English for marshy ground, a fitting description of the boggy, heather-covered high ground that stretches inland from the cliffs.

It is a parish of contrasts: fishing cottages tumbling down to a sheltered bay on one side, and vast open moorland rolling away to the west on the other, punctuated by the huge white pyramid of RAF Fylingdales rising from the heather like something from another world. Walkers, birdwatchers and anyone drawn to big skies and dramatic coastal views find plenty to occupy them here, while the pace of life remains unhurried and distinctly rural.

Top things to do in Fylingdales

Fylingdales parish sits at the meeting point of moor and sea, giving visitors an unusual choice of landscapes within a short walk or drive.

• Robin Hood's Bay — the picturesque smugglers' village of tightly packed cottages and cobbled slipways lies within the parish, a short walk from Fylingthorpe and one of the most photographed spots on the Yorkshire coast.
• North York Moors National Park — Fylingdales' high ground forms part of this vast national park, with heather moorland, ancient trackways and long-distance views inland towards Goathland and beyond.
• RAF Fylingdales — the striking pyramid-shaped radar station, operational since 1963 as part of the UK's ballistic missile early warning system, is a landmark visible for miles across the moor (the site itself is not open to visitors, but occasional public tours have been run in recent years).
• Whitby coastline — the historic port of Whitby, with its abbey ruins and working harbour, is a few miles up the coast and easily combined with a day exploring Fylingdales.
• Cleveland Way — this National Trail runs along the clifftops through the parish, offering some of the finest coastal walking in Yorkshire between Robin Hood's Bay and Ravenscar.

Getting to Fylingdales

Fylingdales lies just off the A171 Whitby to Scarborough road, with Fylingthorpe and Robin Hood's Bay signposted from the main route. Whitby is around six miles to the north and Scarborough about fifteen miles south, both with regular bus connections. The nearest railway stations are at Whitby, served by the scenic Esk Valley line from Middlesbrough, from where a local bus or taxi completes the journey. There is limited parking in Robin Hood's Bay itself, so many visitors leave cars at the top of the village or use the car park near Fylingthorpe.

Best time to visit Fylingdales

Late summer brings the moorland heather into bloom, turning the high ground around RAF Fylingdales a deep purple and making it a favourite time for walkers and photographers. Spring and early summer suit birdwatching and coastal walks along the Cleveland Way, while autumn brings quieter villages and dramatic skies. Winter can be bleak and exposed on the open moor, though Robin Hood's Bay retains its charm year-round.

Where to stay in Fylingdales

Accommodation across the parish ranges from traditional cottages in Robin Hood's Bay and Fylingthorpe to farmhouse B&Bs scattered across the surrounding moorland, many taking advantage of the sea or moor views. Camping and glamping sites in the area make the most of the open landscape, putting guests within easy reach of both the coast path and the high moor.

Food and drink in Fylingdales

Robin Hood's Bay has a good spread of pubs and cafes serving fresh fish, crab and seasonal Yorkshire produce, many tucked into the village's narrow, winding streets. Fylingthorpe has a village shop and local pub serving the wider community, while Whitby nearby offers a wider choice, including its renowned fish and chip restaurants.