This little village, situated midway between Whitby and Scarborough, becomes busier during the warmer months, making it an ideal destination for a quiet winter weekend.
As well as being home to a seal colony, Ravenscar is rich in rocky beach coves, dramatic clifftop views, and surrounded by legends of smuggling.
Located 600 feet above sea level, you’ll likely feel like the only tourist in this stunning English seaside village.
Today, you’ll also likely spot an old railway station and grand hotel stand – remnants of the Victorian holiday village that never came to fruition.
In nearby Robin Hood’s Bay, you’ll be swept into its secretive smuggling history – the narrow streets and network of secret tunnels and passages made it perfect for 18th-century smugglers who stashed everything from gin to tea, tobacco, and silk.
But before you relax with a leisurely walk around this picturesque old fishing village, you’ll want to scale the heights of Ravenscar’s cliffs and head down to the beach for a spot of seal-watching.
The trip to the beach might be slightly challenging, but it’s totally worth it.
One visitor reports on Tripadvisor that “it’s a torturous walk down a steep path (and back) but you’re rewarded by a fascinating seal colony.” Another added that an ice cream treat right at the end “erased memories of the traumatic ascent”.
It’s no wonder that the stunning vantage point across the Yorkshire coast was once used by the Romans as a signal station.
Today, as well as spotting seals, you are sure to be rewarded with breathtaking views of the dramatic ocean and the surrounding North Yorkshire moorland landscapes.
After all that trekking, you’ll want to fuel up in one of the local eateries. One family sharing their “lovely day out” on Little Vikings were drawn to Fish Box, which they found to be “a lovely local chippy”.
They were pleasantly surprised by its vegetarian offerings and options other than fish and chips, including halloumi and falafels.
Aptly named holiday homes, such as Smugglers Rock Cottage, provide a comfortable option for weekend stays. There’s also nearby Raven Hall Country House Hotel and Lantern Cottage.