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Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Scarborough

Hinderwell

Attractions and Places To See around Hinderwell - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Hinderwell include a variety of coastal, historical, and natural sites within North Yorkshire. Situated near the North York Moors National Park and the coast, the village serves as a base for exploring diverse landscapes. The area features historic architecture, picturesque fishing villages, and significant natural features. Visitors can discover a range of points of interest, from ancient wells to dramatic cliff-top paths.

Best attractions and places to see around Hinderwell

  • The most popular attractions is Staithes Fishing Village, a historical site that offers a glimpse into traditional coastal life. This picturesque village features winding streets, a traditional bay, and cliff-top paths.
  • Another must-see spot is Runswick Bay Beach, a family-friendly beach with a sweeping, sheltered bay. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, clean waters, rock pools, and opportunities for fossil hunting.
  • Visitors also love Beggar's Bridge, a historical site and beautiful arched structure across the River Esk. This Grade II-listed bridge, built in 1619, is known for its romantic legend.
  • Hinderwell is known for its historic architecture, picturesque coastal destinations, and proximity to the North York Moors National Park. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic walking routes.
  • The attractions around Hinderwell are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 170 upvotes and 145 photos shared.

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Staithes Fishing Village

Highlight • Historical Site

As you wander through the winding streets of Staithes and down to the traditional bay, it really feels as though time has stood still for hundreds of years. Much more peaceful than its larger neighbours to the south, Whitby and Scarborough, it’s a picture-postcard fishing village that’s sure to capture your imagination. With spectacular cliff-top paths, a small yet glorious golden beach and rock pools, it’s a serene spot that’s well worth a visit.

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Runswick Bay Beach

Highlight • Beach

Runswick Bay is one of the prettiest coastal destinations in Yorkshire and a must-see if you enjoy traditional British seaside. With a sweeping, sheltered bay, sandy beach, clean waters, rock pools and fossils to be found, it's a great place to relax, swim and play. There are fantastic cliff-top walks in this area, too.

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Beggar's Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

The romantic Beggar's Bridge, a beautiful arched structure across the River Esk, has a telling inscription. It suggests that it was built in 1619 by 'TF': Thomas Ferries, the son of a local farmer.

Thomas used to ford the river to meet his young sweetheart, Agnes, the daughter of a wealthy squire. Her father thought Thomas too poor for his daughter and disapproved. Determined to seek his fortune at sea, he set sail from Whitby. Though on the day he departed Glaisdale, the Esk was in spate and he was unable to kiss Agnes goodbye.

When he returned years later as a wealthy man, Thomas married Agnes and built this bridge in tribute to her and so that no future lovers would be separated by the river. Today, the bridge is Grade II-listed.

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Cinder Track Gateway

Highlight • Trail

We just cycled this track from Whitby to Robin Hood Bay (and back).

The track is a lovely ride, away from traffic and close to nature. The surface is a little muddy under the trees at Whitby but the gravel is now fine for all the family the rest of the way.

Look out for either the bike shop/cafe en route, or the little drink/cake stop with an honesty box. Thoroughly recommended.

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Mulgrave Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

Since its construction, around the year 1214, Mulgrave Castle has been the home of the de Mauley family, of the Bigod family, of the Radcliffe family, and of Edmund Lord Sheffield, president of the Council of the North and a veteran of the fight against the Spanish Armada.

It served as a prison for the unhappy captives of the de Mauley's master, King John, and as a base for widespread poaching, cattle raiding, and worse. The last Peter de Mauley left the Castle to his wife, Matilda; it was said at the time to be worth nothing. Lord Sheffield, in about 1600, converted the neglected buildings into a hunting-lodge which, over forty years later, he was called upon to re-fortifiy against a Royalist force. The Castle was besieged twice during the Civil War and then blown up.

In 1743 the Mulgrave Estate was inherited by the Phipps familiy and in 1792 the Castle and the sourrounding woodland were viewed by the landscape architect Humphrey Repton. At his suggestion the ruins were romanticised by the Earl of Mulgrave. In order to halt the steady disappearance of the Castle, a programme of repair and consolidation was begun in 1995 and finished in 1999.

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Popular around Hinderwell

Purple heather, golden sand and classic hiking – North York Moors

Hiking around Hinderwell

Running Trails around Hinderwell

Cycling around Hinderwell

Road Cycling Routes around Hinderwell

MTB Trails around Hinderwell

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Purple heather, golden sand and classic hiking – North York Moors

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Tips from the Community

John
February 13, 2025, Mulgrave Castle Ruins

I started the walk from the church in ugthorp. The route goes through muddy farm fields eventually entering a wood.

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RichD
October 13, 2024, Runswick Bay Beach

The best beach in Yorkshire :). Quiet, decent tidal range. I travelled north just after high tide with not much walking room after descending from Claymoor Beck, but then a few hours later I returned the opposite way to find an expansive beach at low tide. Lots of seaweed, interesting erosion, hollows and shallow caves in the cliffs. Peaceful beach with a few dog walkers and great views.

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Uniquely nestled between tall cliffs to the north and south, Staithes is a truly picturesque village with its characteristic river mouth and harbour. Cleveland Way from the south is quite steep (I turned around here so can't comment on routes to the north), but well worth the effort.

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In 1619, a packhorse bridge called Beggar’s Bridge was constructed over the River Esk by Thomas Ferris, the son of a local moorland sheep farmer. The bridge’s history is intertwined with a romantic legend about Thomas and his sweetheart, Agnes Richardson. Allegedly, Thomas used to wade through the river to meet Agnes secretly since her father disapproved of their relationship due to Thomas’s lack of wealth. Thomas sought his fortune on the high seas to win her father’s approval. However, on the eve of his departure, he could not cross the river to bid farewell to his beloved due to the river’s flood. Thomas swore an oath that he would build a bridge in that very spot one day. Years later, having returned to Glaisdale, a wealthy man and married Agnes, Thomas fulfilled his promise by constructing Beggar’s Bridge.

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Beautiful village, steep but thankfully relatively short climb out, lot of places to chose from for refeshments

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RouteYC
November 20, 2023, Beggar's Bridge

Beggar's Bridge is a very fine example of an early post-medieval single span bridge that has survived effectively unaltered.

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These romantic castle ruins are too good to miss. The castle was built around 1214, and has since been used as a prison, a place for poaching and a hunting lodge. Set in the beautiful Mulgrave Woods.

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A beautiful little fishing village , with a few shops and cafe's to grab a bite to eat and coffee ☕ soak up the views

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of walking trails can I find around Hinderwell?

Hinderwell is an excellent base for walkers, situated within the North York Moors National Park and close to the coast. You can access the Cleveland Way National Trail less than a mile inland, offering extensive cliff-top walks towards Staithes and Sandsend. The area also provides numerous opportunities for scenic drives and exploration within the National Park, including gravel stretches near Kettleness and views of Runswick Bay. For more structured routes, you can explore various running trails around Hinderwell, many of which are suitable for walking.

Are there any scenic coastal destinations near Hinderwell?

Absolutely. Just a mile from Hinderwell, Runswick Bay Beach is considered one of Yorkshire's prettiest coastal spots, featuring a sweeping, sheltered bay, sandy beach, and opportunities for fossil hunting. Approximately one mile away, Staithes Fishing Village offers a picturesque setting with winding streets and a traditional bay, providing a more peaceful experience. Port Mulgrave, part of Hinderwell parish, also offers coastal paths and fossil-finding opportunities.

What historical sites can I explore in and around Hinderwell?

Hinderwell and its surroundings are rich in history. Within the village, you can visit St. Hilda's Church and the historic St. Hilda's Well, from which the village derives its name. The village itself boasts 105 listed buildings, showcasing historic architecture. Further afield, the Staithes Fishing Village offers a glimpse into traditional coastal life. You can also visit the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, about six miles away, or the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby, roughly seven miles from Hinderwell. Don't miss Beggar's Bridge, a romantic arched structure with a fascinating legend.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Hinderwell area?

Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. Runswick Bay Beach is ideal for families, with its sandy beach, clean waters, and rock pools perfect for exploration and fossil hunting. The picturesque Staithes Fishing Village provides a charming setting for a stroll and has a small beach and rock pools. The Cinder Track Gateway offers a traffic-free path suitable for family walks or cycling.

What is the significance of St. Hilda's Well in Hinderwell?

St. Hilda's Well is a significant historical landmark in Hinderwell, located in the churchyard of St. Hilda's Church. The village's name is derived from this well. Local legend suggests that St. Hilda, the Abbess of Whitby Abbey, blessed the well and sought peace there. The holy well, possibly medieval, was restored in 1912 and is a Scheduled Monument, contributing to the village's rich heritage.

Can I find opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near Hinderwell?

Yes, the Hinderwell area provides various cycling opportunities. The Cinder Track Gateway offers a route that can be cycled. For more dedicated routes, you can explore cycling routes around Hinderwell, including options that take you to Runswick Bay and Sandsend. Mountain biking enthusiasts can also find MTB trails around Hinderwell, with routes extending towards Danby Beacon and Lealholm.

What are some notable natural features in the Hinderwell area?

Hinderwell is nestled within the North York Moors National Park, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. Key natural features include the sweeping bay and sandy beach of Runswick Bay, known for its rock pools and fossil hunting. The dramatic Rosedale Cliffs, partly owned by The National Trust, contribute to the area's natural beauty. The coastline also features cliff-top paths along the Cleveland Way, providing stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hinderwell?

Visitors particularly appreciate the area's blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The picturesque Staithes Fishing Village is loved for its timeless feel and cliff-top paths. Runswick Bay Beach is highly rated for its family-friendly atmosphere, clean waters, and fossil hunting. The romantic legend and historical significance of Beggar's Bridge also captivate many. Overall, the komoot community has shared over 145 photos and given more than 170 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting their appeal.

Is there a good place to watch the sunrise or sunset near Hinderwell?

Yes, the nearby port town of Whitby, about seven miles from Hinderwell, is one of the few places in the UK where you can watch the sun rise and set over the sea in summer. The Whitby West Pier is particularly recommended for an evening stroll and offers excellent views for both sunrise and sunset.

Are there any unique architectural features in Hinderwell village?

Hinderwell village is noted for its historic architecture, characterized by old stone cottages and thatched houses that contribute to its charm. The village contains 105 listed buildings, including churches, chapels, public houses, and various houses and farm buildings. These structures showcase a diverse streetscape, particularly along High Street, and offer a glimpse into the area's past.

What is the Cinder Track Gateway and what can I do there?

The Cinder Track Gateway is a section of a former railway line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. It offers a lovely, traffic-free route away from roads and close to nature. It's popular for cycling, walking, and running, providing a pleasant way to explore the coastal landscape between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay. While some sections can be muddy or gravelly, it's generally considered a good option for families.

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