An enchanting fishing town boasting a spectacular five-mile-long beach and the remains of a WWI submarine has been spotlighted as an under-the-radar coastal treasure.
Filey, nestled on the Yorkshire coast, might easily be overshadowed by bustling seaside favourites like Scarborough and Whitby.
But if you’re looking for a charming seaside retreat minus the crowds found at its more famous neighbours, then Filey is a must-visit location.
Arguably the biggest draw is its expansive beach, which unfurls over an awe-inspiring five miles, forming a majestic crescent between headlands.
At low tide, the beach broadens to a quarter of a mile across, providing beachgoers with virtually unlimited space to explore, play sports, and sculpt sandcastles.
In 2018, the Sunday Times named it as their beach of the year, bringing it to prominence among Britons.
Tripadvisor reviewers seemed to agree with the accolade, providing glowing reviews for the pristine stretch of land.
Reviewer David Rostron said: “Had a great time here, with young kids and extended family. The tide comes in enough to create little pools, making a safe water hole for toddlers.
“The sea was nice, relatively clear, and despite being a fair way out, it remained quite shallow.”
Holidayman Washington said: “Still the finest beach on the planet, with over five miles of glorious, firm, golden sand, stretching from Filey Brigg to the chalk cliffs at Speeton.
“The last two times that we have been, it was high tide and the beach wasn’t visible, as the water comes right in. This time the tide was out and we could enjoy the magnificent spectacle.”
Another fascinating feature of the area is the wrecked remains of a WWI submarine located around the northern headland of the beach.
In 1921, the former British Naval submarine G3 was being towed north for scrapping when it broke free and slowly drifted into the cliffs.
The wreckage sparked local curiosity and led to a young boy appearing at Scarborough Children´s Court accused of possessing a brass screw from the submarine.
He was among several youngsters suspected of looting the sub and was fined a shilling.
The 187-foot long, 693-ton behemoth eventually settled beneath Buckton cliffs, bow first, where parts of it remain visible today.
