Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood's Bay lies on the North Yorkshire coast, about 10 km south of Whitby, its red-roofed houses crowded into a gap between steep cliffs. In the 16th century it was a more important port than Whitby; smuggling flourished in the late 18th century, and in 1779 a clash broke out in the dock between smugglers and customs officers over 200 casks of brandy and gin. The origin of the name is uncertain; it is first recorded in 1544.

Allow two to three hours: the narrow lane leads down to the beach, where fossils, especially ammonites, can be found. The village is the end point of Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk and lies on the Cleveland Way. Park at the top of the village and walk down; the return climb is steep. Check the tide times before walking on the beach so that the incoming tide does not cut you off.