If the thought of sitting in bumper-to-bumper tailbacks on the A1(M) or hunting for an overpriced car park space at 11am fills you with summer dread, you aren’t alone—and doesn’t it feel like the heavy roadworks always manage to align perfectly with the annual summer break?
As peak holiday season hits, Yorkshire’s coastal roads turn into a test of patience that can sour a day trip before you’ve even seen the sea.
Luckily, Leeds Train Station acts as the ultimate springboard to the coast.
By booking your tickets ahead of time through Trainline, you can skip the traffic jams, dodge the petrol costs, and swap steering wheel stress for a scenic rail journey straight to the seaside.
Whether you're looking for classic Victorian seaside charm, sweeping sandy bays, historic harbour towns, or world-class fish and chips, here are nine top coastal escapes you can reach effortlessly by train this summer.
1. Scarborough (approx. 1 hr 15 mins)
Scarborough offers double the coastal fun with two distinct bays separated by a dramatic headland castle. South Bay brings classic seaside nostalgia with arcades, harbour treats, and the historic cliff lift, while North Bay delivers colourful beach huts and peaceful parklands. It’s an easy, well-rounded crowd-pleaser for all ages.
2. Filey (approx. 1 hr 30 mins)
Famous for its five-mile stretch of pristine golden sand and gentle sea breezes, Filey is Yorkshire’s go-to destination for a calm, relaxing family getaway. Kids will love rock-pooling around the dramatic Filey Brigg peninsula, while parents can enjoy serene garden walks away from commercial arcades.
3. Redcar (approx. 1 hr 35 mins)
Stepping off the train puts you just moments from Redcar’s vast, open beachfront and bustling promenade. Families flock here for long beach walks, sweeping coastal views from the Redcar Beacon, and the obligatory local rite of passage: enjoying an iconic Lemon Top ice cream on the shore.
4. Saltburn-by-the-Sea (approx. 1 hr 45 mins)
Saltburn blends Victorian elegance with a thriving modern coastal vibe. Families can ride the historic water-balanced cliff tramway down to the North East’s last remaining iron pier, explore the lush Valley Gardens, or watch local surfers tackle the North Sea waves.
5. Morecambe (approx. 1 hr 20 mins)
A scenic journey west brings you to Morecambe Bay, boasting a vast five-mile flat promenade perfect for buggies, bikes, and easy strolls. Featuring stunning Art Deco architecture, the famous Eric Morecambe statue, and jaw-dropping sunsets across to the Lakeland fells, it offers a refreshing alternative to the East Coast.
6. Bridlington (approx. 1 hr 50 mins)
Bridlington combines a vibrant working harbour with endless expanses of soft sand along South Beach. It’s ideal for multi-generational days out—parents and grandparents can enjoy boat trips on the historic Yorkshire Belle cruiser while kids paddle in the shallow surf.