Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast is a small fishing village with a large sandy beach, winding cobblestoned streets, and clifftop views that can’t be beat on a sunny day. Despite holding the name of the legendary archer from Sherwood Forest, exact connections with that famous fellow aren’t known. Several legends place Robin as being born in Yorkshire, though the time period is debated, ranging from around 1160 to possibly in the early 1300s. According to the town’s official website, the current earliest mention of “Robin Oode Bay” is in a letter written between 1322-1346. This protected bay made it a convenient place for smugglers, and many of the houses were connected by tunnels used for transporting contraband from the boats up the cliffside.
Today’s visitors can park at the top of the cliff where there is a playground overlooking the sea. A fish and chip shop is also conveniently located before you begin the steep downhill walk through the picturesque town toward the beach. My favorite stop on the way down is obviously The Robin Hood’s Bay Bookshop. When the tide is out the bay is a fabulous place to walk and play in the water. One legend says Robin Hood and his men kept boats here for making a getaway to France from the Sheriff of Nottingham. The legend my kids liked best that figured into most of the imaginative play on our first visit was that Robin encountered French pirates here, and true to form, he took back what they had stolen and spread the largesse upon the local villagers. Whichever story captures your imagination, Robin Hood’s Bay is beautiful spot to explore and enjoy the beach, village, and cliffside walks.