Yorkshire Day falls on Saturday, 1st August, celebrating Britain’s largest county, renowned for Yorkshire Tea, Yorkshire pudding, and the scenic Yorkshire Dales. Increasingly, however, it is the coastline attracting attention, with UK Google searches for Yorkshire beaches rising by 303% over the past three months as people look for seaside destinations during the recent spell of warm summer weather.
Parkdean Resorts has reported a notable increase in last-minute holiday bookings across the county. Over the past seven days, bookings for Yorkshire have risen by 30%, with even stronger demand at individual parks. Cayton Bay is up 34%, Withernsea Sands 46%, and Skipsea Sands 48%.
Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Many people are familiar with coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby, but Yorkshire’s expansive coastline is also home to some of the county’s best-kept secrets. He said the county offers a wide range of dog-friendly and family-friendly beaches, each with its own character, making them ideal for a day trip or a longer weekend break.”
Reilly added: “That demand for staycations has surged this year, with more families choosing beach holidays closer to home. He said Yorkshire is well placed to meet that demand, particularly through its coastal destinations, and described Yorkshire Day as the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything the county has to offer while discovering beaches away from the usual tourist hotspots.”
The growing interest reflects a broader shift towards domestic tourism, as families increasingly choose accessible, high-quality seaside breaks within the UK. Yorkshire’s coastline offers a mix of well-known resorts and quieter beaches, catering to a wide range of ages and interests.
5 hidden coastal gems
Parkdean Resorts has highlighted some of Yorkshire’s lesser-known coastal destinations for those celebrating Yorkshire Day
Sandsend
This fishing village just north of Whitby is known for its expansive sandy beach, sweeping North Sea views, and a strong reputation among food lovers for its independent cafés and restaurants.
Cayton Bay
Named one of the UK’s best secret beaches by The Telegraph in 2023, Cayton Bay lies beneath dramatic Jurassic cliffs and is popular with both fossil hunters and surfers. Scarborough Surf School is based in the bay.
Runswick Bay
Located north of Whitby, this award-winning beach was named one of the best in northern England by Condé Nast Traveller. It is a favourite with dog owners and has several traditional pubs nearby for relaxing after a walk along the coast.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
This Victorian seaside town in the north of the county is home to Yorkshire’s last remaining traditional pleasure pier and the UK’s oldest operating water-balanced cliff railway, offering plenty of nostalgic charm.
Hunmanby Gap
Just south of Filey, this peaceful sandy beach is quieter than many nearby resorts and is well suited to family picnics, coastal walks, and relaxing by the sea.
Several Yorkshire beaches received Blue Flag and Seaside Award recognition in 2026 for their water quality, facilities, and environmental standards, further enhancing the region’s appeal to visitors seeking high-quality coastal destinations.
As Yorkshire Day celebrations get under way, the county’s combination of coastal scenery, seaside towns, and local heritage continues to attract visitors looking for anything from a day trip to a longer staycation.