Places to Visit in Filey
Filey, a charming and picturesque coastal resort located just south of Scarborough, is known for its idyllic beauty and serene surroundings. With a wide range of attractions and activities suitable for all ages, Filey is the perfect destination for a memorable family day out in Yorkshire!
Places to Visit in Filey North Yorkshire
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Crazy Golf
Upon Filey’s seafront promenade is a crazy golf attraction with 9 holes and it has only last year (2023) been refurbished. It is easy to find as it stands next to the 12ft High Tide in Short Wellies Sculpture!
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Holdsworth's Amusements
At the north side of the promenade you will find Holdsworth’s Amusements that not only provides entertainment but also food and drink as well.
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Bird Garden and Animal Park
Filey has an impressive Bird Garden and Animal Park just outside the town centre. It features meerkats, parakeets, beared dragons, skunks, corn snake and many more species!
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Filey Museum Attraction
In the fishing village of Filey you will find an eye-catching white building that houses Filey’s collections of historical exhibits.
Having checked their website, we are uncertain if Filey Museum is closed for good or temporarily. So please check with them before visiting! The website is as follows.
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Glen Gardens
Glen Gardens can be found opposite the car park on West Avenue and is a brilliant place to take the youngsters. There is an enormous amount of green space for picnics, and there is a cafe, playground, golf putting, boating lake, wood carvings and much more.
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Crescent Gardens
Filey’s Crescent Gardens feature a playground, bandstand, a maze, a reading garden, and plenty of colourful borders!
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Filey Country Park
Filey Country Park faces Filey Brigg and there is also a caravan and camping site here. There is as a large car park also. There is a site shop and a children’s play area. In addition there is also a country park cafe to boot!
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Filey Dams Nature Reserve
Just astride from Filey on Moston Road you will find Dams Nature Reserve that is under the care of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Here you will find a freshwater marsh, bird hides, walking trails, migratory birds, plants, small mammals and amphibians. It is completely free entry and understandably dogs are not permitted.
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Filey Paddling Pool
At the south side of the promenade you will find a small paddling pool area which is fun for both parents and kids!
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Filey 18 Hole Pitch and Putt Course
Just alongside Glen Gardens you will find a very scenic 18 hole Pitch and Putt course for upcoming golfers. It also presents some challenges along the way to put your skills and patience to the test!
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High Tide in Short Wellies
The High Tide in Short Wellies Sculpture was donated by Maureen Robinson in 2012 and the artist is Ray Lonsdale who has also created other sculptures similar along the Yorkshire Coast. Representing the local fishing community, this sculpture stands approximately 12ft tall!
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Filey Brigg
Filey Brigg is a peninsula made from a variety of materials such as sandstone and limestone. It makes a fascinating coastal walk and is good for marine life. It exists just north of Filey and in walkable distance. It marks the end of two walking trails, the Cleveland Way and Yorkshire Wolds Way. It is also excellent for fossil finding. Certainly worth a venture to Filey Brigg!
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Compass Rose Fountain
Along the lengthy promenade you will discover a fountain in the form of a compass. It was constructed in the early 2000’s when the promenade was reconstructed.
You’ll notice that the compass also names some of the locations that the BBC use in their shipping forecasts!
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Filey Beach Attraction
Filey has an enormous stretch of beach that is around 5 miles in length starting at Filey Brigg and ending toward Speeton.
As a result of its length, it was used in early aviation to both launch and land light aircraft. You can still find references to this on the seafront today, although testing aircraft is now long gone!
The RNLI have lifeguards to protect beach goers and it pays to take note of the red flags that are in place to keep you safe!
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Coble Landing
The north of England features some hand crafted fishing boats with flat bottoms known as cobles. Walking to the end of the promenade in a north direction will take you to a landing site for fishing cobles. You can reach out and touch them as they are at a tangible distance. You will also discover some tractors that fetch the cobles inland.
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RNLI Lifeboat Station
As many seaside resorts do, Filey has an impressive lifeboat station as well as a shop attached.
There has been a lifeboat station in Filey since 1804 and the RNLI run on voluntary donations as well as its shop. The lifeguards are typically volunteers.
Filey in Video
We have produced a video reflecting Filey seafront and town centre with its engaging things to do and see. To watch the video, please press the play button opposite.
You might want to subscribe to our YouTube channel found at https://youtube.com/@greatyorkshiredayout
We will be producing further videos on an ongoing basis giving you even more inspiration to plan your day out in Yorkshire.
Filey FAQs
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Filey, in North Yorkshire, has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. Originally a small fishing village, it grew in prominence during the Victorian era as a popular seaside resort. Its development was significantly boosted by the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, making it more accessible to tourists. The town is also known for its historical architecture, such as St. Oswald's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. Filey's traditional charm and natural beauty continue to attract visitors today.
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Filey is a small town and civil parish located on the North Yorkshire coast in England. It is situated between Scarborough and Bridlington, and it lies on the North Sea coast. Filey is known for its sandy beach and has been a popular seaside resort since Victorian times.
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Filey, being a quaint seaside town on the Yorkshire coast, offers several attractions and points of interest that visitors often enjoy:
Filey Beach: The main attraction, Filey Beach, is a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline known for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. It's perfect for relaxing walks, picnics, and enjoying the sea.
Filey Brigg: A rocky peninsula jutting out into the sea, Filey Brigg is a popular spot for coastal walks and birdwatching. It also offers panoramic views of Filey Bay and the North Sea.
Coble Landing: This historic coble (traditional fishing boat) landing area is now a picturesque spot for strolling along the promenade, enjoying views of the bay, and watching the fishing boats.
Filey Museum: Located in a former fisherman's cottage, Filey Museum showcases the history of the town and its surroundings, including exhibits on local geology, fishing heritage, and maritime history.
Glen Gardens: A peaceful park in the heart of Filey, Glen Gardens features landscaped gardens, a boating lake, tennis courts, and a café, making it a pleasant spot for relaxation and recreation.
Carr Naze and Filey Brigg Country Park: This area offers scenic cliff-top walks with views over Filey Bay and opportunities for spotting seabirds and marine wildlife.
Crescent Gardens: A well-maintained garden area near the town center, Crescent Gardens is known for its floral displays, making it a pleasant place to wander and relax.
Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park: Located slightly outside the town center, this attraction offers a variety of birds and animals in a natural setting, including gardens to explore.
These attractions collectively provide a blend of natural beauty, historical interest, and recreational opportunities that make Filey a charming destination for visitors seeking a seaside getaway in Yorkshire.
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Yes, Filey is generally considered dog-friendly, particularly on its beach. Filey Beach is known for being dog-friendly year-round, meaning dogs are allowed on the beach at all times. This makes it a popular destination for dog owners who want to enjoy the seaside with their pets.
However, it's always a good idea to check local regulations and signage, as there may be specific areas or times where dogs need to be on a leash or restrictions may apply. Additionally, some accommodations, restaurants, and attractions in Filey may have their own policies regarding pets, so it's advisable to inquire beforehand if you plan to bring your dog along to indoor establishments or accommodations.
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Filey can be suitable for people with poor mobility to visit, although it's important to consider a few factors:
Accessibility: Many parts of Filey, such as the beachfront and promenade areas, are relatively accessible with flat paths and ramps. However, some areas may have stairs or uneven terrain, so it's a good idea to check specific locations or attractions for accessibility information.
Facilities: The town center of Filey has amenities such as shops, cafes, and restaurants that are typically accessible. Accommodations in Filey also often offer accessible rooms or facilities, but it's recommended to inquire in advance about specific accessibility features.
Transportation: Filey has bus services that connect it with nearby towns like Scarborough and Bridlington, which can be useful for getting around if walking long distances is a challenge. Taxis are also available for more flexible transportation options.
Attractions: Some attractions in Filey, such as Glen Gardens and Filey Museum, are generally accessible. However, attractions like Filey Brigg or coastal walks may have parts that are less accessible due to natural terrain.
Overall, while Filey may require some planning for visitors with poor mobility, it does offer accessible options and amenities that can make for an enjoyable visit. It's advisable to check specific accessibility information for accommodations, attractions, and transport options to ensure a comfortable experience.
Our Review of Filey Based on Our Visit
During our visit in 2023, we found that ongoing construction work on the seafront added an element of unpredictability to our experience, hindering our ability to fully assess and review the area. Nevertheless, despite the challenges posed by the construction, we were pleasantly surprised by the charm and beauty that surrounded us. Despite the weather taking a sudden turn towards overcast skies, the stunning vistas of the beach, Filey Brigg, and the expansive sea still managed to captivate us. Indulging in some delicious fish and chips only added to our enjoyment, and we savored every moment of our leisurely walk along the promenade. While our choice of a quiet filming time meant missing out on seeing the Compass Rose Fountain in operation, we reflected on past experiences of its grandeur and were reminded of its extraordinary appeal. Exploring the promenade revealed a myriad of entertainment options, from mini-golf to delightful carousels and inviting spots to grab a quick bite, enriching our day out in Yorkshire.
The gardens at Filey, with their array of colorful blooms and serene walkways, combined with the breathtaking views overlooking the bay, truly left us in awe. Our experience was nothing short of fantastic, and we highly recommend making a trip to this charming destination on the Yorkshire coast if you appreciate nature's beauty and tranquility.
One crucial tip we want to emphasize is the importance of keeping a close eye on the time while strolling to Filey Brigg and organizing your journey back to Filey prior to the tide rising. Being mindful of the tide timetable is vital to steer clear of unforeseen obstacles and guarantee a secure and pleasurable day trip in Filey.
Getting to Filey in North Yorkshire
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The best route to reach Filey involves taking the A64 towards Scarborough, then continuing on the A1039 towards Muston at Staxton, and finally the A165 into Filey itself. From the north east, drivers can opt for the A171 into Scarborough, then onto the A165 towards Filey, with a turn onto the A1039. For those coming from Howden, taking the A614 towards Driffield and then the B1249 to Staxton to join the A64 is recommended, followed by the A165 towards Filey. In Filey, visitors have access to various car parks, including West Avenue (ideal for Glen Gardens and the seafront), Coble Landing, Country Park, and Station Avenue.
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Bus services run from both Bridlington and Scarborough via the reliable East Yorkshire Bus 12/13 services, which conveniently stop at numerous caravan parks including Primrose Valley and Hunmanby. Expect frequent and punctual services along this popular route. Additionally, the 555 or Filey Flyer provides connections to Scarborough, stopping at the static caravan parks in the vicinity for added convenience to visitors.
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Getting to Filey by train is a straightforward process. The train line conveniently connects Scarborough and Sheffield with stops in Bridlington, Beverley, Hull, and Doncaster, allowing for easy transfers at any of these stations. A useful tip for travelers coming from York is to turn the journey into a loop by switching trains at Scarborough to reach Filey. For the return trip, travelers can head back to York via Hull and Selby, offering a scenic route under the iconic Humber Bridge. The railway service along this line is managed by Northern Railways, ensuring a reliable and comfortable journey for passengers.