Summer in Filey: 20 Ways to Make the Most of the Holidays

Top 10 Free Activities: Fun Without Spending a Penny

Filey Beach and Filey Brigg

Filey’s award-winning beach is a five-mile stretch of golden sand that’s perfect for paddling, sandcastle building, and beachcombing.  At the northern end lies Filey Brigg, a dramatic rocky peninsula that juts into the sea.  At low tide, it becomes a natural playground of rock pools teeming with marine life—ideal for curious kids and budding marine biologists.

Filey Beach

Crescent and Glen Gardens

These beautifully landscaped gardens offer a peaceful retreat just a stone’s throw from the beach.  Crescent Gardens is known for its floral displays and sea views, while Glen Gardens is a family favourite with its large play area, boating lake, and open lawns perfect for picnics or a game of rounders.

Filey Dams Nature Reserve

Tucked away on the edge of town, this Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve is a hidden gem.  It’s the last freshwater marsh of its kind in the area and a haven for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies.  With accessible paths and bird hides, it’s a tranquil spot for a quiet walk or a bit of wildlife spotting.

Hunmanby Heritage Trail

Just a few miles inland, the village of Hunmanby offers a self-guided heritage trail that winds through its historic streets. Discover ancient wells, medieval churches, and stories of smugglers and local legends. It’s a gentle walk with plenty of character and charm. 

Hunmanby Lock Up, Sheep Dyke Lane

Active Filey

This brilliant community initiative offers free, family-friendly activities throughout the summer.  From beach volleyball and rounders to yoga and fitness sessions, there’s something for everyone.  Keep an eye on Active Filey’s website (https://activefiley.co.uk/) or Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/407375066603557/?locale=en_GB) for the latest events and pop-up sessions.

Walk the Cleveland Way / King Charles III England Coast Path

Filey marks the end of the Cleveland Way and the start of the King Charles III England Coast Path.  These scenic trails offer breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea, with routes suitable for all abilities.  Whether you're after a short stroll or a longer hike, the coastal paths are a must.

Filey Country Park

Perched on the cliffs above the bay, this spacious park offers panoramic views, picnic areas, and a play park.  It’s also a great starting point for coastal walks or simply flying a kite on a breezy day.  You can also visit Carr Naze and the story telling Dragon Ring to delve into the history of the area.

Country Park and the Brigg - Photo: Alan Miller

Filey and Hunmanby Skateparks

For teens and thrill-seekers, these local skateparks are a great place to hang out and practice tricks.  Both are free to use and popular with local skaters and scooter riders.

Sunday Band Concerts at the Bandstand

Every Sunday afternoon in summer, Crescent Gardens comes alive with the sound of brass bands.  Bring a deckchair or a blanket, grab an ice cream from the nearby café, and enjoy a traditional seaside concert with a view.

Filey Bandstand in the Crescent Gardens.

The Paddling Pool

Located near the beach, this shallow paddling pool is a hit with younger children.  It’s a safe and splashy way to cool off on warm days, with benches nearby for parents to relax.  Looking fresh, the paddling pool has undergone a number of transformations over the winter including making it more accessible and an uplifting panoramic designed by Dean Milner-Bell.

Top 10 Paid Attractions: Worth Every Penny

Filey Bird and Animal Park

A peaceful, hands-on experience with meerkats, wallabies, lemurs, new Reptile Realm and so much more.  Check out the daily keeper talks.  ■ Scarborough Road, Filey YO14 9PG | ■ 01723 514439 | ■ www.fileybirdgarden.com/

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery & Wold Top Brewery

Located in nearby Hunmanby, these two local producers offer fascinating tours and tastings as well as regular events (read more in Filey Bay Today).  ■ Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Hunmanby Industrial Estate, YO14 0PH | ■ 01723 891758 | ■ www.spiritofyorkshire.com/ and ■  Wold Top Brewery, Wold Newton, YO25 3HS | ■ 01723 892222 | ■ www.woldtopbrewery.co.uk/

Glen Gardens Mini Golf and Boating Lake

Tucked within Glen Gardens, this traditional mini golf course and pedal boat lake offer classic family fun as well as trampolines.  ■ West Avenue, Filey YO14 9JE | ■ 01723 383636 | ■ www.fileypitchandputt.com/

Scarborough Footgolf, Lebberston

A quirky and entertaining mix of football and golf, this course is fun for all ages and skill levels.  ■ Killerby Lane, Cayton YO11 3TP | ■ 07519 189411 | ■ www.scarboroughfootgolf.co.uk/

Scarborough Fair Collection

Step into a world of vintage charm with fairground rides, mechanical organs, and classic vehicles.  ■ Flower of May Holiday Park, YO11 3NU | ■ 01723 586698 | ■ www.scarboroughfaircollection.com

Swimming at The Bay and Flower of May

When the weather isn’t beach-friendly, head indoors for a swim.  Both venues are open to the public.  ■ The Bay Filey, YO14 9GA | ■ 0800 612 1621 | ■ https://www.thebayfiley.com/filey-bay-holiday-village/leisure-complex/31/ and ■ Flower of May, YO11 3NU | ■ 01723 584311 | ■ https://flowerofmay.com/yorkshire-holiday-parks/flower-of-may-holiday-park/indoor-scarborough-swimming-pool/

Beach Chalet Hire

Add a touch of luxury to your beach day with a colourful chalet.  These charming huts offer shade, storage, and a cosy base for your seaside adventures. Chalets can be hired through the local council or private providers.  ■ North Yorkshire Council Royal Parade Chalets | northyorks.gov.uk/beach-chalets ■  Baker’s Chalets, Coble Landing | fileybeachchalets.co.uk

The Plough Fun Factory, Lebberston

This indoor soft play centre is perfect for younger children and priced at £3.50 per child.  Plus, there is an outdoor play space too and updated beer garden for you to relax in the sun.  Midweek and Sunday Carvery as well as a quiz on a Friday evening

■ Redcliffe Lane, Lebberston YO11 3NX | ■ 01723 582224 | ■ https://www.jspubcompany.co.uk/

Fun and Games on Filey Promenade

From mini carousels to bouncy castles, the promenade offers a selection of traditional seaside amusements. Plus, check out the arcades on Filey’s Coble Landing.

Attractions on the promenade in Filey

Royal Oak Soft Play, Moor Road

A clean, friendly indoor play centre with outdoor play area and food and drinks available..

■ Moor Road, Filey YO14 | ■  https://www.royaloakfiley.co.uk/

What’s your favourite?