If you're planning a trip to North Yorkshire, Saltburn-by-the-Sea should be high on your list.

Less than twenty minutes from Roseberry Retreat, this beautiful Victorian seaside town has a little bit of everything. If you're staying in one of our handcrafted shepherd's huts, Saltburn makes the perfect day trip, combining stunning coastal scenery with independent shops, fantastic restaurants and plenty to see and do.

Whether you're visiting for a few hours or making it part of a weekend away, Saltburn has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that's hard not to fall in love with. We often recommend it to our guests and, more often than not, they come back saying it was one of the highlights of their stay.

Here's our local guide to making the most of your visit.

Start Your Day on Saltburn Pier

Stretching 208 metres into the North Sea, Saltburn Pier is the last remaining pleasure pier in Yorkshire.

Take a slow stroll to the end, breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy spectacular views along the coastline. Early mornings are particularly special, with fewer people around and some incredible sunrises over the sea.

If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins offshore—something locals occasionally report seeing.

Parking in Saltburn-by-the-Sea

If you're driving to Saltburn, there are a few parking options. You can often find free parking for several hours along Marine Parade, just above the beach, although spaces can fill up quickly on sunny days and during school holidays.

There are also several pay-and-display car parks at the bottom of the hill, right beside the beach, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the pier, promenade and everything else Saltburn has to offer.

Ride Britain's Oldest Water-Balanced Cliff Lift

One of Saltburn's most famous landmarks is its historic Cliff Lift, which has been carrying visitors between the town and the beach since 1884.

Powered using nothing more than water and gravity, it's a fascinating piece of Victorian engineering and a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

Even if you choose to walk instead, it's worth stopping to watch the lift in action.

Spend Time on the Beach

Saltburn's wide sandy beach is one of the reasons so many people return year after year.

Depending on the tide, there's plenty of space to relax, paddle, build sandcastles or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline.

The beach is also one of the UK's best-known surfing destinations. Don't be surprised to see surfers in the water throughout the year, even during winter.

If you've ever fancied giving surfing a try, Saltburn is a fantastic place to learn.

Hire One of Saltburn's Colourful Beach Huts

One of our favourite things about Saltburn is its row of brightly coloured beach huts stretching along the Victorian promenade.

They make a beautiful backdrop for photographs, but did you know you can actually hire one for the day?

Hiring a beach hut gives you your own little base by the sea – perfect for relaxing between beach walks, enjoying a picnic or simply watching the world go by. It's a lovely way to experience Saltburn a little differently and makes your day at the coast feel even more special.

Wander Through Valley Gardens

Hidden just behind the seafront, Valley Gardens feels like a world away from the busy promenade.

Beautiful flower beds, woodland walks, streams and open green spaces make it one of our favourite places for a gentle stroll. It's particularly lovely if you're visiting with your dog or simply fancy escaping the bustle of the seafront for a while.

While you're there, we'd highly recommend stopping at Valley Garden Tea Rooms. This charming vintage-style café is one of our favourite spots in Saltburn, serving delicious homemade cakes, freshly made lunches and excellent coffee. It's the perfect place to sit back with a cuppa after a walk through the gardens.

Top tip: The café is cash only, so it's worth popping some cash in your pocket before you visit.

Enjoy the Best Views Along the Cleveland Way

Some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in North Yorkshire can be found just outside Saltburn.

The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through the town and offers breathtaking walks along dramatic cliffs towards Skinningrove and Staithes in one direction, or Marske-by-the-Sea in the other.

Even if you only walk a small section, the views are well worth it.

Browse the Independent Shops

One of the things we love most about Saltburn is that it has managed to keep its independent character.

Rather than endless chain stores, you'll find gift shops, bookshops, art galleries and local businesses that give the town its own unique personality.

If you enjoy browsing independent shops, don't miss The Vintage Rooms. It's one of our favourite places to visit and well worth a look while you're exploring the town.

Where to Eat in Saltburn-by-the-Sea

One thing you certainly won't struggle with is finding somewhere to eat.

Whether you're looking for coffee and cake, fresh seafood, brunch, artisan pizza or a traditional pub meal, there are plenty of excellent choices.

Some of our favourites include:

• Signals
• No. Twenty Three
• Coco & Rum
• The Ship Inn
• The Seaview Restaurant

We'd always recommend booking ahead during weekends and school holidays, particularly in the summer months.

Visit Saltburn Miniature Railway

Travelling between the seafront and the Valley Gardens, Saltburn Miniature Railway has been delighting visitors for generations.

You can either enjoy a ride on the railway or take a peaceful walk alongside it through the beautiful woodland. Both are lovely ways to experience this quieter side of Saltburn.

Catch a Sunrise or Sunset

If you're an early riser, watching the sun rise over the North Sea is a magical experience.

Equally, on a clear evening the golden light reflecting off the pier and cliffs creates some fantastic photo opportunities.

Don't forget your camera.

Dog-Friendly Saltburn

One of the reasons we often recommend Saltburn to guests travelling with their dogs is just how welcoming it is.

There are beautiful coastal walks, dog-friendly cafés, plenty of outdoor seating and sections of beach where dogs are welcome throughout the year.

After a long walk, many visitors finish the day with a well-earned drink while their four-legged companion enjoys a well-deserved rest.

Things to Do Near Saltburn-by-the-Sea

One of the best things about visiting Saltburn is how close it is to so many other fantastic attractions.

Within a short drive you can also explore:

• Roseberry Topping (don't miss our guide to the 10 Amazing Things to Do Near Roseberry Topping)
• Guisborough Forest
• Guisborough Priory
• Great Ayton
• Stokesley
• The North York Moors National Park
• Redcar
• Whitby

Many of our guests enjoy combining a day at the coast with a countryside walk or a visit to one of the area's picturesque market towns.

Where to Stay Near Saltburn-by-the-Sea

If you're looking for somewhere peaceful to stay while exploring the North Yorkshire coast, Roseberry Retreat is perfectly placed.

Our six handcrafted shepherd's huts are just twenty minutes from Saltburn-by-the-Sea and make an ideal base for exploring both the coast and the North York Moors. You can find out more about our luxury shepherd's huts on our website and discover why so many of our guests choose us as a base to explore this beautiful corner of Yorkshire.

Many guests spend one day walking Roseberry Topping, another exploring Saltburn and the coastline, before returning to relax under the stars in their own private wood-fired hot tub.

It's the best of both worlds.

Our Favourite Way to Spend a Day in Saltburn 💙

If you only have one day to explore Saltburn, here's exactly how we'd recommend spending it.

Start by parking up and taking the historic Cliff Lift down to the beach before enjoying a stroll along Saltburn Pier and the beautiful Victorian promenade.

Continue along to the Saltburn Miniature Railway, where you can either hop aboard for a nostalgic ride or enjoy a peaceful walk through the surrounding woodland.

Next, make your way to Valley Garden Tea Rooms for a well-earned cuppa and one of their delicious homemade cakes (just remember to bring cash!).

Afterwards, spend some time wandering around Saltburn's independent shops and cafés. We'd definitely recommend popping into The Vintage Rooms—it's one of our favourite little shops in town and always worth a browse.

Then, after a wonderful day by the coast, head back to Roseberry Retreat to soak in your private wood-fired hot tub, glass of something nice in hand, and watch the sun go down over the countryside.

For us, that's pretty close to the perfect Yorkshire day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Saltburn-by-the-Sea from Roseberry Retreat?

Roseberry Retreat is around a 15-20 minute drive from Saltburn, making it an ideal day trip during your stay.

Is Saltburn-by-the-Sea worth visiting?

Absolutely. With its historic pier, beautiful beach, independent shops, coastal walks and relaxed atmosphere, it's one of the most charming seaside towns on the Yorkshire coast.

Can you surf in Saltburn?

Yes. Saltburn is one of the UK's best-known surfing destinations and welcomes surfers throughout the year.

Is Saltburn dog friendly?

Yes. There are plenty of dog-friendly cafés, scenic walks and areas of the beach where dogs are welcome, making it a fantastic destination for visitors bringing their four-legged friends.

Why We Love Saltburn

As locals, we're probably a little biased, but Saltburn-by-the-Sea is somewhere we never tire of visiting.

It somehow manages to feel lively without being overcrowded, traditional without feeling old-fashioned, and peaceful while still offering plenty to see and do.

Whether you're watching surfers from the pier, wandering through Valley Gardens, hiring one of the colourful beach huts for the day, browsing the independent shops or simply enjoying fish and chips by the sea, Saltburn is one of those places that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

If you're staying at Roseberry Retreat, we'd highly recommend adding Saltburn to your itinerary. We think you'll leave already planning your next visit.