Fun Family Things to do in Runswick Bay this Summer Holidays
The Summer Holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s time to start planning fun family things to do during that six-week break.
Whether you’re a resident of Runswick Bay, planning to visit for the day, or have a holiday prebooked here, you’re guaranteed to find an activity to suit in this handy guide to fun family things to do in Runswick Bay.
We cover:
Tip: We also have a handy guide to planning a staycation in Runswick Bay, which you might enjoy.
Photo by Sally Metcalfe
Things to do when visiting Runswick Bay for the day
Planning on visiting Runswick Bay for the day? You’re not alone. In the Summer months in particular, our characteristic village attracts many people and families looking for a fun day out at the coast - and it’s clear to see why.
Here are some of the fun things you can do on a day trip:
Fossil Hunting
The neighbouring town of Whitby, affectionately known as the Dinosaur Coast, is famous for its fossils. As a result, beaches to the south and north, such as Runswick Bay, also hide an impressive selection of prehistoric finds. If you’re a family of history enthusiasts, spending the day searching the tidal debris and rock pools for ammonites and reptile remains will be perfect for you.
Paddle or Swim
In North Yorkshire, the waters are cold, even on warmer days, but that shouldn’t deter you from enjoying a swim or paddle. The shallow edges and generally calm seas make it perfect for children and dogs to paddle and splash around. The benefit is, during the summer, the RNLI is present, and Runswick has its own Rescue Boat Crew to ensure safety.
Enjoy a Treat in the Beachside Café
Whether you’re a cake and coffee type of person, or a lover of ice cream, the beachside café is the ideal place to grab a treat.
Go For a Walk
Avid walkers love Runswick Bay because of the many routes on offer, most of which are part of The Cleveland Way National Trail. But we all know most children aren’t the biggest fans of long walks. That doesn’t mean to say, however, that you can’t enjoy the trails during your day visit. There are many short routes on offer and multiple places to break off or turn around if the little ones get tired or bored. Take a look here.
Tip: Jump to our section on events happening this Summer for more specific things to do.
Things to do during a short break in Runswick Bay
Planning a short break in Runswick Bay? We don’t blame you. This picturesque village is an ideal location for a little family getaway. Not only does the bay itself have a lot to offer as we’ve seen above, but the local towns nearby do too.
Here are some ideas of what to do during your staycation in Runswick Bay.
Venture out to the local seaside towns of Scarborough or Whitby
Pay a visit to the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
Spend the day at The Moors National Park Centre Bay here.
Burn off some steam at the Airtime Trampoline Park
Tip: Why not take a look at our complete guide to planning a staycation in Runswick Bay.
Events happening in and around Runswick Bay this Summer
Hinderwell Horse and Agricultural Show
Date: Friday 9th August 2024
Location: The Show Ground, Hinderwell Lane, Saltburn-By-Sea, Cleveland, TS13 5HR
Entry details: £6 per adult, £3 for children or £15 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Under 5’s are free.
This family event has been running annually for decades and is always a great day out. If you’re into horses, you’ll love to know that it’s renowned for its Cleveland Bay classes – a breed of horse favored by the late Queen for pulling her carriages.
Animals are very much a focus for this event - people have the opportunity to show their skills and animals in a range of ‘friendly’ competitions, and there are also classes in heavy horses, pony breeding, ridden ponies, show jumping and gymkhana. Smaller animals have the chance to shine too with classes for sheep and ferrets and then the famous dog show.
There are also classes in vintage machinery, farm produce, garden produce, flowers, handicrafts confectionery, preserves and photography. Children get a chance to show off their talents too with prizes for the best picture, collage, handwriting and various other arts and crafts.
Alpacas and owls will also be on show along with over thirty craft and trade stands that range from antique books and jewelry to plants and children’s amusements.
Find out more via their website.
Wild Wellbeing Classes
Date: Every Tuesday morning
Location: Sheep Sanctuary at Tranmire
Hosted by Nature, Nurture Connection, Wild Wellbeing Classes are attachment focused classes developed around the wellbeing of parents and children. There are classes suitable for newborns to confident walkers, and classes suitable for older toddlers up to age 11. Each session involves various activities designed to help children and parents learn about emotions and regulation, as well as fun things like potion making, bubble blowing, playdough and crafting.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
RBRB Fundraising Weekend
Date: August 9th to August 11th
Location: Runswick Bay Village
One of the events of the season is back for 2024. Hosted by Runswick Bay Rescue Boat, the RBRB weekend is a fundraiser full of fun things to do. There will be stalls selling merchandise, displays from RBRB, and the chance to chat to the team themselves. The weekend will also include the very popular Beef Supper, though we’re told tickets for this are selling fast.
Full details of this event have not yet been released online; however, you can find out more information on the village noticeboard. Don’t forget to follow their Facebook page.
Staithes and Runswick RNLI Lifeboat Weekend
Date: 8pm on August 16th to 8pm on August 18th, 2024
Location: Staithes and Runswick RNLI Lifeboat, North Side, Staithes, TS13 5BY
Starting with the famous Nightgown Parade on Friday 16 August 2024, the lifeboat weekend is packed full of activities for all the family.
On Saturday afternoon you can see lifeboat exercises with flank stations lifeboats and partner search and rescue agencies (subject to operational requirements). There will also be a fiercely contested race from the Lifeboat Slipway with participants vying for victory on a diverse array of homemade rafts. Festivities on Saturday are drawn to a close with fireworks by the G2 Fireworks team.
Sunday morning starts with the world-famous duck race where hundreds of yellow ducks are willed towards the finishing line which is by the lifeboat slipway. The weekend finishes with poignant and moving thanksgiving services both at Runswick Bay and Staithes.
Find out more here https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/events/2024/august/staithes-rnli-lifeboat-weekend-2024
Dart 18 TT5 Race Weekend – Runswick Bay Beach and Sailing Club
Date: Saturday, 20th July 9am to Sunday, 21st July at 5pm
Location: Runswick Bay Beach and Sailing Club, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, TS13 5HT
The plan is for three races each day, the first race on Saturday 20th July, not before 12pm and 11am start on the Sunday. There will be some food and the bar will be open on Friday evening, otherwise food will be available throughout the weekend at the beachside Clubhouse. A social event is planned in the main clubhouse on the Saturday evening and dogs are allowed on the beach but must be kept on leads at the club.
Motorhome Parking and camping will be available for a nominal fee in a field at the bank top (No Electric or water provided).
More information can be found here https://www.dart18.com/events/tt5-runswick-bay-beach-and-sailing-club
In Search of Sea Dragons with Byron
Date: 25th August 2024 12:45pm - 2:45pm
Location: Runswick Bay beach
A fantastic, 2-hour tour that is bound to please all ages groups. Starting from the Cafe near the Beach and heading Southeast towards Kettleness. A guide will take you on a journey back through ice ages towards the Jurassic and introduce the fossils that can be found from Earth’s distant past. Ammonites, Belemnites, Whitby Jet, Marine Reptiles bones and Ice Age fossils have all been found on this itinerary. By exploring the rocks and shingle, your guide will give the story of these creatures and the environments in which they lived.
Find out more here https://yorkshirecoast.rocks/guided-tours/runswick-bay-in-search-of-sea-dragons-18/
Bank Holiday Village Event
Location: Runswick Bay Village
Date: 26th August 2024
An event bringing together the people of Runswick to celebrate the bank holiday. There will be stalls, food and drink, as well as a coffee morning held in the Institute.
Know of any other events or fun things to do during the Summer in Runswick Bay? Reach out to press@cliffemount.co.uk and we will add these in.
