Discover the Culture
Feed your mind and soul on the Yorkshire Coast
The history of the Yorkshire Coast has been a turbulent and fascinating one, to say the least. Around 160 million years ago, it was on the migration path of herds of dinosaurs, which left behind many footprints. You can also find many fossils including beautiful ammonite, belemnities and other fascinating creatures.
The Coastline has been invaded by the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings and the Normans. We've seen great communities built, and others disappear into the sea. We've been ome to great explorers, men and women of religion, smugglers, fishermen, artists and writers.
Into modern day the Yorkshire Coast can feed your mind and soul on the Yorkshire Coast with world-class theatre and art, great music and a range of ventures from the beachside pubs to internationally renowned theatres such as Bridlington's historic Spa and 'favourite little venue', the spotlight theatre, Whitby's clifftop Pavillion and Scarborough's world renowned Stephen Joseph Theatre, Open Air Theatre and Spa.
And while you're here try catch one of our many festivals, chance are if you can think of somethingg that comes under the heading of 'Culture' we have a festival for it.
Discover Yorkshire Coast has worked in partnership with North York Moors National Park, Visit Ryedale and Welcome to Yorkshire to provide four fantastic films! The themes of the films are:
To find out more information about the Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors please visit -
Stately Homes, Castles and Abbeys
Castle ruins and abbeys, carefully preserved stately homes - we've some of the world's best around Yorkshire!
- Burton Agnes Hall
- Burton Constable Hall
- Castle Howard
- Nunnington Hall
- Rievaulx Abbey
- Scarborough Castle
- Sewerby Hall
- Sledmere House
- Wassand Hall
- Whitby Abbey
Galleries
Art and the Coast have always gone hand in hand, and the Yorkshire Coast is no exception!
Artists have always been drawn to our spectacular scenery, and the results can be seen in just about every one of the lovely villages and towns. From the larger municipal galleries in towns to the smaller, independant selling galleries where you might just find that perfect piece you've been searching for.Keeping an eye out for the 'pop-up' galleries that appear at our regular arts festivals, such as the annual Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage, which takes place each September.
Live Music
Pop, Rock, Folk, World, Classical, Jazz: there are so many choices when it comes to music and we cater for them all.
Both Bridlington and Scarborough Spa's and The Open Air Theatre at Scarborough host some of the biggest names in the world.
Our music festivals are second to none - Scarborough's Jazz festival is regularly named as one of the country's best, as Whitby favourites Musicport and Folk Week, but don't forget Bridlington's Northern Soul Weekener and Filey Town Festival.
Museums
Whatever your historical interest, there's a museum for you:
Theatres
Scarborough has the Stephen Joseph Theatre, The Open Air Theatre and the Multi Venue Scarborough Spa. Whitby is home to the Clifftop Pavillion whilst Bridlington is home to the Spotlight Theatre and the Bridlington Spa.
Architecture
Whether your architectural tastes run to ancient ruins, medieval castles and abbeys, Elizabethan Manor Houses, Georgian and Victorian domesticity or Art Deco glamour, you'll find something of interest in the towns and villages on the Yorkshire Coast.
Definatly not to be missed are the great ruins of Whitby Abbey, Scarborough Castle and Rievaulx Abbey, all conveniently located within a couple of hours drive of each other. There are multiple stately homes packed with treasures and unparallleled art collections including Castle Howard, which took over 100 years to build, starting in 1699.
Scarborough Lifeboat Station - RNLI
Lifeboat Station House, Foreshore Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1PB
The RNLI is the charity that provides a 24-hour lifesaving service around the UK and Republic of Ireland. In the event of an emergency at sea call 999
Whitby Museum
Pannett Park, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1RE
Set in stunning Pannett Park, Whitby Museum is the home of Whitby’s history, past to present.
Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre
45 Eastborough, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1NH
Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre has an exhibition and information on the history of Scarborough, ship building, fishing and the maritime life of the port and harbour going back to the Romans and Vikings.
St Martin-On-The-Hill
Albion Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2DD
St Martin's Church was completed in 1863 and was designed by George Bodley. The beauty of the church is famous in the area and features excellent examples of pre-Raphaelite stained glass.
Whale Bone Arch
Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3HA
Original Whale jaw bone arch was erected some time after 1853. A replica was presented to Whitby by Norway in 1963. The current replacement was donated by Alaska in April 2003.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby
Grape Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4BA
CLOSED - Celebrates the life of the great explorer Captain Cook, and his momentous voyages. Gold Award winner for best small visitor attraction, Visit England Awards for Excellence. Royal Mint commemorative coins on sale now
John Bull's World of Rock
Lancaster Road, Carnaby, Bridlington, YO15 3QY
At John Bull's World of Rock there are factory demonstrations available Monday-Friday in peak season. The cafe and shop are open all year round 7 days a week with the shop selling a wide range of gifts and treats. Free parking.
Bridlington Harbour
BRIDLINGTON, Yorkshire, YO15 2SJ
If you’re looking for a leisurely day out, how about visiting the elegant promenades of bright and breezy Bridlington?
Tocketts Mill Country Park
Skelton Road, Guisborough, Cleveland, TS14 6QA
Although a Mill has probably occupied this excellent position since the 13th Century, Tocketts has evolved progressively over the intervening years, reaching it's final height and form in about 1850.
Helmsley Castle
Castlegate, Helmsley, York, YO62 5AB
Towering over the attractive market town of Helmsley, and surrounded by spectacular banks and ditches, Helmsley Castle is an imposing sight with a wealth of history.
The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience
Marine Parade, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PR
The Dracula Experience is a unique tour through the Dracula story and the connection to Whitby. Using animated scenes, electronic special effects and live actors.
The Scarborough Spa Express
Jesson Way, CARNFORTH, LA5 9UR
Travel coast to coast across spectacular Lancashire and Yorkshire landscapes from Carnforth, to York or Scarborough.
Nunnington Hall
Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, YORK, YO62 5UY
Enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful Yorkshire manor house, nestled on the quiet banks of the River Rye.
Scarborough Art Gallery *** CLOSED ***
The Crescent, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2PW
Built in the 1840s as part of The Crescent in Scarborough, this gallery has two rooms devoted to displaying works from the Borough's art collection.
Wold Top Brewery
Hunmanby Grange, Wold Newton, Driffield, YO25 3HS
Wold Top Brewery is an award-winning micro brewery that uses traditional methods to produce high quality beers that combine the characters of the Yorkshire Wolds and the East Coast.
Ravenscar Visitor Centre
Ravenscar, North Yorkshire, YO13 0NE
Situated at the southern end of Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar Visitor Centre is a welcoming gateway to the Yorkshire Coast.
Captain Cook Memorial Monument
East Terrace, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3HA
Bronze Monument of Captain Cook. On the West Cliff over looking the harbour across to the East cliff.
Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum
101 High Street, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, TS9 6NB
The Schoolroom Museum in is housed in a building once used as a charity school which was founded in 1704 by Michael Postgate, a local landowner. It was here, between 1736-1740, that Captain James Cook received his early education.
Sledmere House
Sledmere House, Sledmere, DRIFFIELD, Yorkshire, YO25 3XG
One of Yorkshire's most beautiful houses, with some of England's finest plasterwork. Award-winning garden. Military Museum, children's quiz, picnic and play area, terrace cafe and gift shop.
Scarborough Harbour
Scarborough Harbour, Sandside, Scarborough, YO11 1PD
The harbour is situated under the Castle Headland in the South Bay. It is formed by three piers, the outer harbour being set aside for leisure activities while most of the port’s communal activities take place in the main or ‘old’ harbour.
