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.
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 Castle
Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY
With over 2,500 years of turbulent history behind it, Scarborough Castle defends a prominent headland between the north and south bays, with sheer drops to the sea.
Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens
Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes, DRIFFIELD, Yorkshire, YO25 4NB
Magnificent Elizabethan house filled with treasures collected over four centuries.
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.
W Hamond - Whitby Jet Museum
Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4DE
Situated at the bottom of Whitby’s famous 199 steps W.Hamond jewellers is the oldest manufacturers and retailers of Whitby Jet jewellery and ornaments in the world.
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!
Whitby Brewery
Abbey Farm, East Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JR
When we started up our microbrewery back in 2013, we made it our mission to bring local, craft brewing back to Whitby.
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.
Old Coastguards Station - Visitor Centre
The Dock, Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4SJ
The Old Coastguard Station visitor centre at the edge of the sea in Robin Hood’s Bay village will help you discover what makes this part of the Yorkshire Coast so special.
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.
Scampston Hall & Walled Garden
Scampston, Malton, YO17 8NG
Scampston Hall, home to Christopher & Miranda Legard and their family, is one of the finest examples of a regency country house in North Yorkshire.
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.
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.
Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
Deepdale, Skinningrove, Saltburn-by-The-Sea, Cleveland, TS13 4AP
The museum is situated on the site of Cleveland's first ironstone mine. Hear how ironstone was first discovered in the Cleveland area hear the Trappy lad's tales of his first day underground and the friends he made
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
The Scarborough Fair Collection
Lebberston Cliff, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3NU
So much more than just a working steam museum, The Scarborough Fair Collection is where the past truly comes to life.
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT
High on a cliff above the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby are the gaunt, imposing remains of Whitby Abbey. Whitby Abbey was recently named Britain’s most romantic ruin.
Ryedale Folk Museum
Hutton-le-Hole, Nr. Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO62 6UA
A unique visitor attraction located in the picturesque village of Hutton-le-Hole, where history is brought to life through the Museum’s buildings and collections.
