Keeping up the seaside tradition

Unspoilt, elegant and traditional are the words that best describe Filey.

With its magnificent five-mile stretch of golden sand, protected by Filey Brigg at one end and Bempton Cliffs at the other, Filey remains a popular tourist haunt.

Relax on the beaches which are washed by each tide or sit and watch the fishermen mending their nets on Coble Landing, which is the centre of fishing out of Filey.

The town expanded from a tiny fishing hamlet during the 18th and 19th century boom in seaside watering places.

Filey is a smaller and quieter resort than Scarborough and its central streets wander haphazardly with many houses dating from the 18th century or even earlier.

The oldest parts of the parish church date to the 12th century and it is dedicated to St Oswald, patron saint of fishermen.

There is a Fishermen’s Window commemorating men from the town who have perished at sea.

Amusements are well balanced with traditional children’s entertainment such as donkey rides but children are often happiest digging in the sand and playing in the sea.

At the Filey Brigg end of the beach there are rock pools, fossils and sea life but keep an eye on the tide which can sneak in behind you.

Butlins built one of its first holiday camps near Filey in 1937 but it was immediately requisitioned as an RAF training camp in preparation for the expected war.

It was handed back in 1945 and closed in 1984.

From Filey southwards are three lovely beaches, the first being Filey, the next Primrose Valley and the last is Hunmanby Gap, a secluded spot with only a car park and toilets.

Primrose Valley is reached from the A165 close to the golf course and it has plenty of children’s attractions as there is a holiday camp.

The area around Filey is noted for rare birds and cliffs in the area are alive with shag, cormorant, grebe and auk – have your binoculars to hand.

Another feature of the town are the beautiful gardens which are a blaze of colour during the summer months and Crescent Gardens host popular music weekends.

One word of advice is do not try and walk around the cliff base from Filey to Cayton Bay.

It cannot be done and you will get trapped...