Discover Filey | A Visitor's Introduction to Filey

Why is Filey Worth a Visit?

Filey is the perfect destination for visitors seeking a laid-back, unspoiled seaside experience. The town’s expansive beach stretches for over five miles, making it ideal for peaceful strolls, beachcombing, and family-friendly activities. Unlike other Yorkshire coastal towns, Filey has retained much of its old-world charm, with fewer amusement arcades and more focus on natural beauty, historic landmarks, and simple pleasures.

Beyond its beautiful beach, Filey’s location on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Wolds means it’s a gateway to some of the best walking trails and nature reserves in the region. Filey is also known for its rich history, from its days as a Victorian holiday destination to its fishing heritage, which you can still experience today in its seafront cafes and traditional pubs.

Filey Highlights: What to See and Do in Filey

1. Filey Beach: Filey’s golden sandy beach is the town’s crowning jewel. Stretching for miles, this unspoiled beach is perfect for families, dog walkers, and anyone looking to enjoy a quiet day by the sea. Unlike the busier nearby resorts, Filey Beach is often uncrowded, offering plenty of space to spread out and relax.

The beach is backed by the historic Filey Promenade, where you can enjoy traditional seaside refreshments, grab an ice cream, or admire the sea views from one of the many benches. The beach is also great for building sandcastles, paddling, or even a bit of kite flying on windy days. At low tide, you can explore the rock pools near Filey Brigg, looking for crabs, small fish, and other marine life.

2. Filey Brigg: At the northern end of Filey Beach lies Filey Brigg, a dramatic natural headland that stretches into the North Sea. This rugged promontory is not only a fascinating geological feature but also a great spot for birdwatching and seal spotting. The cliffs are home to many seabirds, and the rock pools along the shoreline are full of marine creatures, making it a popular spot for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can follow the Filey Brigg nature trail, which provides fantastic views over the sea and back towards the town. It's also the start (or end) point of the Cleveland Way, a 109-mile National Trail that runs all the way to Helmsley through the North York Moors.

3. Filey Museum: For a deeper dive into the town’s history, a visit to the Filey Museum is a must. Housed in two 17th-century fisherman’s cottages, the museum gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into Filey’s past, from its fishing heritage to its Victorian heyday as a seaside resort. The exhibits include everything from maritime artefacts and local fossils to displays on domestic life in times gone by.

The museum also covers the history of Filey Lifeboat Station, which has been in operation since 1804 and is still active today. It’s a great place to learn about the bravery of local lifeboat crews and the vital role they play in coastal safety.

4. Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park: Just a short distance from the town centre, Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park is a lovely family-friendly attraction. This small but charming park is home to a variety of animals, including meerkats, alpacas, and donkeys, as well as an impressive collection of birds such as owls, parrots, and peacocks.

The park’s well-kept gardens and ponds make it a peaceful spot for a leisurely afternoon, and there’s a café and picnic areas where you can relax after meeting the animals. It’s an ideal destination for families with younger children, or for anyone who enjoys spending time with wildlife in a tranquil setting.

5. The Cleveland Way and Yorkshire Wolds Way: Filey is the finishing point for two long-distance walking trails, the Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way. If you’re a keen walker, this makes Filey a fantastic base for exploring the stunning coastal and countryside scenery of North Yorkshire.

The Cleveland Way follows the dramatic coastline north from Filey, passing through Scarborough, Whitby, and other scenic spots, while the Yorkshire Wolds Way takes you inland through the rolling hills and valleys of the Wolds. Both routes offer breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

6. Glen Gardens: For a peaceful retreat away from the beach, head to Glen Gardens, a beautifully maintained park close to the seafront. Originally part of the gardens of Ravine Hall, this lovely green space is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a family picnic, or a quiet read. Children will enjoy the play area and miniature golf course, while adults can take in the well-kept flowerbeds and duck pond.

The park also has a café, making it an ideal spot for a rest after a walk along the beach or promenade. Glen Gardens is a favourite with locals and visitors alike and offers a quiet escape within easy reach of the town centre.

7. RSPB Bempton Cliffs: A short drive from Filey, Bempton Cliffs is one of the best birdwatching sites in the UK. Managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), these dramatic chalk cliffs are home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.

From March to October, you can see these incredible birds nesting on the cliffs, and there are several well-positioned viewing platforms that offer close-up views. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just looking for a memorable day out, Bempton Cliffs is a must-visit attraction.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There: Filey is easily accessible by road and rail. By car, it’s just off the A165, which runs between Scarborough (about 7 miles north) and Bridlington (around 11 miles south). There is plenty of parking in the town, including several car parks close to the beach and town centre.

If you're coming by train, Filey is on the Hull to Scarborough line, with regular services connecting the town to nearby coastal and inland destinations. The train journey from York takes just over an hour, while Scarborough is only 10 minutes away by train.

Where to Stay: Filey offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional seaside hotels to self-catering cottages and family-friendly guesthouses. Check out our links to recommended accommodation at the top of this page.

Best Time to Visit: Filey is a great destination year-round, though the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Summer is the most popular time, with warm weather ideal for beach days and outdoor activities. The town is lively but not overcrowded, making it a great option for families or couples looking for a seaside break.

Spring and Autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them perfect seasons for walking the coastal paths and exploring the surrounding countryside. If you’re visiting for birdwatching, spring and early summer are the best times to see seabirds at Bempton Cliffs.

Winter in Filey can be peaceful and atmospheric, with bracing coastal walks, quiet beaches, and cosy pubs to retreat to after a day of exploring.

What to Pack: Filey’s seaside location means it’s often breezy, so even in summer, it’s a good idea to bring layers and a windproof jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan on walking along the beach, exploring the headland, or hiking the Cleveland Way.

In warmer months, don’t forget your sunscreen, as you’ll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors. If you're visiting during the cooler months, be sure to pack warm clothing and waterproofs to stay comfortable while exploring the coast.

Food and Drink: Filey has plenty of options for food lovers, from traditional fish and chip shops to more refined dining. Inghams Fish Restaurant is a local institution, serving up fresh fish and chips in a classic seaside setting. For a more contemporary menu, The Piebald Inn in nearby Hunmanby offers a wide range of pies alongside a selection of local ales.

For a quick snack or a cosy coffee, head to The Lighthouse Tearoom, a friendly café offering homemade cakes, sandwiches, and great views of the sea. There are also several traditional pubs in the town, such as The Star Inn and The Grapes, which serve hearty pub fare and local brews.