Days Out from Filey
One of Yorkshire's best kept secrets, Filey is the perfect setting for anyone wishing to enjoy the best of the British seaside. Since the mid 19th century visitors have flocked to Filey to enjoy spectacular beaches, wildlife and a laid back pace of life - all within an hours drive of diverse attractions ranging from the historic city of York to the gothic charm of Whitby, theme parks to miles and miles of trails and footpaths. Whatever your interests, Filey and North Yorkshire are guaranteed to keep you busy!
Filey
Filey is dominated by its beautiful beach, five miles of sand protected at one end by Filey Brigg, a rocky promontory that juts 1600 metres out into the sea. The Brigg appeals to many different people from geologists to birdwatchers and fishermen to walkers. It really is an explorer's paradise for all ages with teeming rock pools to investigate and breathtaking views over the North Sea. The Country Park which tops the Brigg offers great walking. Those of an active disposition can also enjoy surfing and yachting (www.fileysc.org.uk) whilst Filey golf club's fantastic course is perched on the cliff tops overlooking the sea below. (www.fileygolfclub.com).
The promenade runs alongside the beach and is home to the Sculpture Trail, artworks inspired by Filey's natural heritage. Another pleasant stroll can be enjoyed in the Crescent Gardens with stunning views across the Bay. The Crescent was designed and built in the middle of the nineteenth century and for 100 years remained one of the most prestigious addresses in the North. Away from the beach Glen Gardens offers both a play park and a boating lake and Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park boasts 4.5 acres of landscaped gardens, exotic birds and animals. The award winning Filey Museum is perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon. The Grade 2 listed building consists of eight rooms exploring Filey's past and present. Try to spend some time in the heart of the town - Filey remains non-commercialised and is home to many independent gift shops and tea shops.
Places to visit:
The popular seaside towns of Whitby and Scarborough are both less than an hours drive from Filey offering classic beach fun including mini golf, arcades and donkey rides. No visit to Whitby is complete without climbing the 199 steep steps to Whitby Abbey (www.english-heritage.org.uk), part inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Make sure you reward yourself for all that climbing with fish and chips from The Magpie , one of the most famous fish and chip restaurants in the country.
Things to do in Scarborough include wandering through Peasholm Park , visiting the ruins of Scarborough Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk) and enjoying delicious ice cream from the critically acclaimed ice cream parlour, The Harbour Bar.
Historic York is a perfect day out that offers something for everyone: history, interactive museums, amazingly preserved medieval city walls, parks and the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe all combined with fabulous shopping, restaurants and bars (www.visityork.org).
Beverley is a lovely little medieval town which also has a beautiful Minster and some lovely independent shops.
Historic Buildings
There are many Abbeys, castles and stately homes within an hour's drive of Filey many owned by the National Trust or English Heritage including Beningbrough Hall near York, Fountains Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey. Other highlights in the area include Castle Howard of Brideshead Revisited fame. This beautiful house is perfectly set in the Howardian Hills and visitors can enjoy walks in the beautiful grounds and surrounding countryside or you could enjoy one of the regular "behind the scenes" tours. Sledmere House near Driffield is famous for its gardens and the magnificent Elizabethan Burton Agnes Hall was named one of the best twenty houses in England. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds, complete with lots to entertain the children all year round, the Hall itself is open April - October and at Christmas.
Countryside Pursuits
The dramatic North Yorkshire Moors are right on your doorstep offering walking, cycling and riding. The three visitor centres are usually buzzing with escorted walks, activities and exhibitions plus ideas of where to go and what to see. Alternatively why not explore the Moors by steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway ? You can travel right through to Whitby or stop off at one of the enchanting stations en route including the charming village of Goathland, familiar to millions as the home of TV's Heartbeat. Dalby Forest also offers great walking, biking and riding through their miles of specially laid trails . Those of a more adventurous spirit can also "Go Ape" exploring the forest from high above using high wires.
Keeping the children happy
Flamingo Land near Malton is bound to be a hit with children of all ages combining a theme park with a zoo. Extreme rides, gentler rides, elephants, tigers and a petting zoo ensure there's something to keep everybody happy. Waterworld in York offers three slides and a wave machine for plenty of splashy fun.
Castle Howard and Beningbrough Hall (see Historic Buildings) both have excellent outdoor playgrounds with plenty of climbing, sliding and imaginative play for children aged up to 12.
See rainy day ideas for more inspiration for the younger members of your household!
Wildlife and Natural History
Many natural historians, birdlovers and wildlife enthusiasts travel to Filey specifically to enjoy its unique location near some of the best nature reserves in the country. In Filey itself, Filey Dams nature reserve is of interest to botanists, birdwatchers and animal lovers. The reserve, which is run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, offers footpaths and two hides and is home to a population of great crested newts. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust also administers Flamborough Head, famous for its puffin colonies and a wonderful reserve on which to see huge numbers of breeding seabirds, species rich grassland, farmland birds and a variety of invertebrates. Flamborough Head is situated halfway between Filey and Bridlington as is the RSPB reserve of Bempton Cliffs, another fantastic place to spot puffins.
Rainy Day Ideas
The Deep, Hull - award winning aquarium featuring over 3500 fish and 40 sharks.
Jorvik Centre: world famous interactive Viking museum built around well-preserved remains of Viking Jorvik (York).
Keep the little ones amused with 9000 square feet of activities at Little Hoppers in Scarborough or take them to Playdale Farm Park which combines indoor, outdoor and animal fun. Bowling is always a favourite with children (and adults!) of all ages, Olympia on Scarborough seafront combines arcade games with 10 pin bowling.
Theatres and Cinemas
The area abounds with innovative and classic theatre and performance space. Filey Evron Centre a multipurpose venue including a Tourist Information and Visitor Centre, theatre and musical events, art and craft exhibitions, conferences, dancing and sport and leisure. (www.scarborough.gov.uk)
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough has two theatres including one in the round showing a mixture of theatre, film and music.
Theatre Royal, York touring and company productions, and comedy nights.
Futurist Theatre is a Scarborough entertainment venue showcasing traditional summer shows, touring companies and films.
Hollywood Plaza Cinema, Scarborough.Forum Cinema, Bridlington.Vue Cinemas, York and Hull.
Reel Cinemas, York and Hull.
City Screen, York.
Cineworld, Hull.