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 Spa
South Bay, Foreshore Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HD
The Spa Complex is unique amongst British Venues, not only because of its coastal location on the beautiful South Bay, but also for the variety of facilities housed within the magnificent Victorian building.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard Estate Limited., Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
Castle Howard is one of Britain's finest historic houses with awe-inspiring architecture, grand interiors and rolling parkland and gardens. With gift shops, garden centre, farm shop, cafes and adventure playground.
Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth, York, YO62 4EN
Ampleforth Abbey has been home to a Community of Benedictine monks since 1802. The Abbey Church is the centre of monastic life and is open to visitors all year round.
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey, Rievaulx, York, YO62 5LB
Escape the crowds and experience the serene beauty of this impressive monastic site, in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
Terror Tower
21 Foreshore Road, Scarborough, YO11 1PB
Inspired by the best horror movies Terror Tower is a Haunted House attraction with a serious twist, combining live actors, animated scenes and special effects.
Rotunda Museum
Vernon Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2PS
Full of fascinating objects, the Rotunda Museum is home to a unique Bronze Age man and the skeleton of a Plesiosaur found on the Yorkshire Coast.
Staithes and Runswick RNLI
Runswick, Saltburn-by-The-Sea, Cleveland, TS13 5HR
RNLI Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat Station
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?
Anne Bronte's Grave
Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY
Burial site of the late literary icon, Anne Bronte. She is buried in St Mary's Church graveyard in Scarborough; a place she loved; a place she portrayed in both her novels.
North Bay Heritage Railway
Burniston Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6PF
Travel on Britain's most historic seaside miniature railway running for 3/4 mile through the North Bay at Scarborough, with spectacular views of Scarborough's North Bay, historic headland and Scarborough Castle.
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.
The Great Yorkshire Brewery
The New Inn & Cropton brewery, Cropton, North Yorkshire, YO18 8HH
Unique opportunity to see inside a micro brewery producing award-winning real ale in a rural setting on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and Cropton Forest.
Pickering Castle
Castlegate, Pickering, YO18 7AX
Situated in an attractive market town at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, Pickering Castle is a classic 12th century motte-and-bailey castle.
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.
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
Malton Brewery
5 Navigation Wharf, Off Yorkersgate, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7AA
Malton Brewery brews it’s beer in a characterful Grade 2 Listed building located on the banks of the River Derwent in Malton.
Bram Stoker's Dracula Experience
9 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.
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.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
Take a trip on one of the world's greatest heritage railways with 24 miles of scenery!
