Where to stay in Runswick Bay: holiday cottages, the hotel and practical tips

Which part of Runswick Bay to stay in

Runswick Bay has two levels. Bank Top, at cliff level beside the A174 approach, has the main car park, the Runswick Bay Hotel, the bus stop and the road out. The lower village, at the bottom of the bank, is where most of the cottages are: red roofed houses climbing the hillside in lanes and steps above the slipway and the beach, with no through traffic.

Staying in the lower village puts you a few steps from the sand and the rock pools, and most cottages here are reached on foot from a lane or a flight of steps. Staying at Bank Top means a walk of about five minutes down the bank to the beach and a steep climb back, but the car, the bus and the Cleveland Way are on the doorstep.

Because the village is so small, many visitors also look at Whitby, Sandsend, Staithes or the Esk Valley villages, which offer more choice within about twenty minutes.

Kinds of accommodation in Runswick Bay

Most Runswick Bay accommodation is self catering: cottages in the lower village, and a few houses and lodges at the top. Cottages in Runswick Bay are let by individual owners, by a local letting agency based in the village and by national letting agencies.

For rooms, the Runswick Bay Hotel at Bank Top has en suite double rooms and a self catering cottage next door. For touring caravans and tents, see our camping and caravanning page. For more hotels, B&Bs and inns, look at Whitby, Sandsend or Staithes.

Runswick Bay holiday cottages: what to check before you book

Parking is the main question for any cottage in the lower village. Some letting listings for lower village cottages explain that you can stop near the cottage to unload, then move the car to a residents' car park, with one permit included that does not guarantee a space and extra cars going in the public pay and display car park. Ask exactly where you will park, how many cars the cottage allows for and how far the walk is.

There are two council car parks. Bank Top car park (TS13 5JF) has about 100 spaces and is open 24 hours. Bank Bottom car park (TS13 5HT), by the slipway, has about 80 spaces, with charges from 1 March to 31 October. In both, the council rules say parking spaces may not be used for sleeping, camping or cooking. North Yorkshire Council also sells a Runswick Bay summer permit for Bank Bottom car park, valid 1 March to 31 October.

Steps are the second question. Some lower village cottages are reached by long flights of steep or uneven steps, and their own listings warn that they may not suit less agile guests. Ask about steps to the door and stairs inside, and pack bags you can carry.

Runswick Bay beach is dog friendly all year, which makes it a good choice for holidays with a dog, but not every cottage accepts dogs. Check each listing for how many dogs are allowed. Some letting listings also set a minimum stay of three nights and do not take arrivals on Sundays, so check the booking terms for the cottage you want.

Many lower village cottages look out over the bay. Check the tide times before walking round the bay or onto the rocks.

When to book

With only a handful of cottages and rooms, Runswick Bay holiday cottages sell out early for the school holidays, and summer weeks are the hardest to find. The lower car park can fill early on summer days, which matters if your cottage relies on public parking. Outside the summer holidays the choice is wider and the village is quieter.

Staying in Runswick Bay without a car

Arriva's X4 runs between Whitby and Middlesbrough and stops by the Runswick Bay Hotel at Bank Top. There is no railway station in the village; the nearest is Whitby, on the Esk Valley line. The Cleveland Way passes through the village, so you can walk to Staithes and take the bus back. See our page on getting around without a car, and check the operator's timetable before you travel.

Places to stay in Runswick Bay: what each publishes

• The Runswick Bay Hotel

  Type:

  Hotel with 6 en suite double rooms

  Where:

  2 Hinderwell Lane, Bank Top, about five minutes' walk from the beach

  Sleeps:

  6 double rooms, two can be set up as twin or triple

  Dogs:

  Lists dog friendly among its amenities

  Parking:

  Free resident car parking

  Booking:

  By phone (number on its website)

  Checked:

  October 2026

• Coach House Cottage

  Type:

  Self catering cottage run by the Runswick Bay Hotel

  Where:

  Next to the Runswick Bay Hotel, Bank Top

  Sleeps:

  6 (two double bedrooms and a bunk room)

  Dogs:

  Not published

  Parking:

  Dedicated parking for two cars

  Booking:

  Online, by phone or by email via its website

  Checked:

  October 2026

Details are what each business publishes on its own website, checked October 2026. We have no connection with any of them and receive nothing for listing them.

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