Scarborough, Whitby or Filey: Choosing a Base for Your Coastal Break

If you are weighing up where to stay, Scarborough, Whitby or Filey will all be on your list. The short answer: choose Scarborough for the most to do, Whitby for the abbey and the moors, and Filey for a smaller town with a long beach. If you want easy access to more than one, staying between Scarborough and Filey at Cayton Bay puts both about 10 minutes away by car, with Whitby a manageable day trip.

Scarborough: the most to do

Scarborough is the largest of the three and the busiest. It has two bays, South Bay and North Bay, with Scarborough Castle on the headland between them.

What it has going for it is choice. Peasholm Park, Scarborough Spa, the Open Air Theatre, the Stephen Joseph Theatre, SEA LIFE Scarborough and the Rotunda Museum all sit within the town. That matters on a wet day or when you have children to keep busy. Visit Scarborough lists what is on [1].

The trade-off is that it can be busy, especially in the summer holidays. If you want quiet evenings, staying in the centre may not suit you.

Whitby: abbey and moors

Whitby has a strong character of its own. Whitby Abbey, cared for by English Heritage, stands on the clifftop above the town [2]. Robin Hood's Bay is along the coast, and the North York Moors National Park is close by [3].

It is a popular town and can be busy, particularly at weekends and in the holidays. As a base, it works well if the abbey, the moors and the northern stretch of coast are what you came for. It is further from Filey, Bridlington and RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Filey: a smaller town with a long beach

Filey is the smallest of the three. Its long beach and Filey Brigg, the rocky headland at the northern end of the bay, are the main draws. It suits families and couples who want a calmer pace and a big beach to walk.

The honest downside is that there is less to do indoors. On a wet day you may find yourself driving to Scarborough. Our holiday let near Filey page has more on the area.

Where to stay: Scarborough, Whitby or Filey at a glance

A simple way to decide:

• Choose Scarborough if you want attractions, theatres and plenty of rainy-day options on the doorstep.
• Choose Whitby if the abbey, Robin Hood's Bay and the moors are top of your list.
• Choose Filey if you want a smaller town, a long beach and quieter evenings.
• Choose somewhere in between if you want a bit of each without moving bases.

From Cayton Bay, Scarborough and Filey are about 10 minutes by car. The North York Moors are about 20 minutes, Bridlington and RSPB Bempton Cliffs about 30 minutes, and Whitby about 45 minutes.

The case for staying between Scarborough and Filey

Cayton Bay sits on the coast between Scarborough and Filey. Staying here means you can spend the morning in one town and the afternoon in the other, then come back to somewhere quieter than either. A bus to Scarborough and Filey stops at the top of the street, so not every trip needs the car.

Castle Sunset on the Beach is a clifftop house above the bay. Floor-to-ceiling glass looks across the sea to Scarborough Castle, and the sun sets over the bay. It sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (two kings and two twins), with two bedrooms on the ground floor and 2 bathrooms. There is a private hot tub in an enclosed garden, a games room with a pool table and darts, a fireplace and parking for 3 cars. Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome.

A steep cliff path leads down to the big sandy surf beach at Cayton Bay. Be aware that it is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Our Cayton Bay area guide covers the beach and what is nearby.

To be fair to Whitby: if it is the main reason for your trip, 45 minutes each way adds up. In that case staying closer to Whitby may suit you better. For most people who want variety, the middle of the coast is the easier choice.

Frequently asked questions

Which town is best for families?

Scarborough has the most attractions and indoor options. Filey suits families who mainly want a big beach and a calmer pace. Staying between the two gives you both.

Can you visit Whitby on a day trip from Cayton Bay?

Yes. Whitby is about 45 minutes by car from Cayton Bay, so it makes a comfortable day out.

Can you get around without a car?

A bus to Scarborough and Filey stops at the top of the street at Cayton Bay. For Whitby, the moors and Bempton, a car is easier.

What is the minimum stay at Castle Sunset on the Beach?

Two nights in winter and outside the holidays, three at half-terms and Easter, and seven in the summer holidays.

Book your base on the coast

If you cannot choose between Scarborough, Whitby and Filey, you do not have to. Check dates and book Castle Sunset on the Beach direct, which is at least 10% lower than Airbnb with no booking-site fees.

References

[1]: https://www.visitscarborough.com/ "Visit Scarborough" [2]: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/ "Whitby Abbey, English Heritage" [3]: https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/ "North York Moors National Park"