The coastal stretch of Whitby is also known as the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ or the ‘Fossil Coast’ as dinosaur footprints can be spotted in Whitby. The petrified bones of a crocodile and a specimen of plesiosaurus measuring 15ft 6in in length and 8ft 5in in width were discovered in 1841. The town is also popular for its wind surfing, sailing and surfing events that take place at the beaches between Whitby and Sandsend. Photo: Danny Lawson / PA | Photo: Danny Lawson / PA
Bridlington is said to be located in an area with the highest coastal erosion rate in Europe and offshore, the Smithic Sands sandbank is a vital habitat for many marine species. Both Bridlington north and south beaches have won EU environmental quality awards over the years. Bridlington South Beach covers the south of Bridlington Spa and Bridlington Harbour on the East Riding coast. The length of the beach is a mile long and merges into Fraisthorpe Beach. Photo: Paul Atkinson | Photo: Paul Atkinson
This photogenic fishing village is regarded to be one of the prettiest beaches on the east coast. With its harbour and sandy beachfront, Staithes is where the North York Moors National Park meets the sea. It is a popular spot for fossil hunters and geologists who love to discover the history of the area. The harbour village made an appearance in the CBBC series Old Jack’s Boat, which starred Bernard Cribbins as Old Jack and Salty the dog. Photo: Owen Humphreys / PA | Photo: Owen Humphreys / PA
This is one of the smaller beaches but is also visually stunning with its chalk cliffs, grassy hills and the sand and pebble beach. The area is particularly good for marine wildlife in the rockpools and adventurers who love to scuba dive to observe the underwater world. Many different species of birds can be spotted here including cormorants, kittiwakes, razorbills and even puffins. | Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
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