Childhood Memories

Some of my strongest childhood memories come from visits to Britain’s beautiful coastlines. From Scarborough and Whitby through to Skegness and Blackpool – all over the UK children are enamoured by the flashing lights, golden beaches and various sugary treats. To this day I love nothing more than jumping in my car and heading out to our local coastlines with my camera in tow.

The Yorkshire coastline has been welcoming visitors for over 360 years and continues to inspire and instil joy in to the many legions of people visiting every year.

History

The Yorkshire coastline is steeped in history, none more so than the fishing town of Whitby. Out of all locations I have visited over the years, Whitby is the most photographed. With the beautiful architecture of the piers and famous Abbey, the golden beach stretching all the way up to Sandsend and the many wonderful fish & chip shops – it really is a dream destination for any budding photographer.

There are many stories I could tell you about Whitby, from how Bram Stoker found inspiration for his Dracula novel sat in the Royal Hotel on the town’s west cliff – to the many paranormal mysteries that have surrounded the town for hundreds of years.

For those of you that haven’t visited, I highly recommend a trip.

Top Locations

This is an incredibly difficult topic – with the stunning views in Whitby, the awe inspiring village of Staithes and the wildlife around Bempton Cliffs – there really are so many fantastic places to visit on this coastline. Here are my top five.

1. Whitby – There are so many things to visit and photograph in Whitby that I couldn’t possibly list them all here. A particular event to note is the town’s Goth Weekend which takes place twice a year – in the Spring and on Halloween weekend. (Learn more: http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/)
2. Staithes – Photographers may tell you that it’s been done to death – but so has the Eiffel Tower, and people haven’t stopped photographing it yet. This beautiful little fishing port is not to be missed.
3. Bempton Cliffs – Bempton Cliffs is a nature reserved owned by the RSPB. Between March and October, Bempton Cliffs are home to around half a million seabirds. For budding wildlife photographers, between April and July Bempton is often visited by Puffins which everybody will surely agree – are one of the most stunning birds in the world.
4. Saltburn – Saltburn is the only place in Yorkshire to have its own pier – and what a beautiful pier it is. Opened in 1869 the pier recently celebrated its 150th birthday, with a number of events in the town to celebrate.
5. Spurn Point – This one is still very much on my list of places to visit, but after talking to a number of local photographers – the beautiful Spurn Point Nature Reserve stretches out in to the Humber Estuary and has its own stunning lighthouse to add to its beauty.

What are you waiting for?

Whether you’re a budding photographer, history enthusiast or just love the draw of the sights and smells of our wonderful coastlines – you will feel right at home within the Yorkshire coast.