The true jewel in North Yorkshire’s coastal crown, Robin Hood’s Bay, offers the perfect location to enjoy the region’s stunning coastal towns and take in the sights of the North York Moors National Park. The village is set to captivate visitors in 2024 with a vibrant lineup of events, activities, and attractions that celebrate its rich history, natural beauty, and thriving community spirit.
Here’s a guide to what’s on in Robin Hood’s Bay and the North Yorkshire coast this year.
July
Whitby Steampunk Weekend – 26 – 28th July
From 26th – 28th July, the annual Whitby Steampunk Festival will see the town transform into the steampunk aesthetic of Victorian-style fashion combined with retro- futuristic technology. The family-friendly festival offers attractions, activities, live performances, stalls and displays, throughout the town.
August
Staithes RNLI Lifeboat Weekend – 16 August – 18th August
Taking place in the nearby town of Staithes, the Lifeboat Weekend aims to introduce the public to the area’s fantastic lifeboat service. Starting with the famous Nightgown Parade, the weekend is packed full of activities for all the family including a raft race, fireworks display and the iconic duck race which sees hundreds of yellow ducks willed towards the finishing line.
Whitby Regatta – 17th – 19th August
As the oldest sea regatta on the North-East coastline, Whitby Regatta has drawn crowds of thousands of visitors for over 180 years. Over the course of the weekend, you can expect many exciting events, including rowing races, firework displays, RAF displays, parades, fun runs, fancy dress competitions and more! It’s the perfect weekend for all the family.
September
Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage – 14th – 15th September
A must-visit event in art-lover’s calendars, the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage will see over 150 artists set up temporary art galleries in over 90 cottages and public spaces around the village.
The village also hosts talks, walks, workshops, live music and after dark, it lights up with installations and an outdoor film show, it’s certainly a weekend you won’t want to miss!
October
North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival – 25th October – 3rd November
The North York Moors National Park remains one of the darkest places in the UK. In celebration of the stars that adorn our skies, the North York Moors National Park is once again hosting the Dark Skies Fringe Festival this October.
The Festival encourages families, stargazers and visitors to expand their knowledge, start their stargazing journey and truly appreciate the delights of the night.
November
Whitby Goth Weekend – 1st -3rd November
Since 1994, Whitby has hosted one of the world’s premiere Goth events, Whitby Goth Weekend. In celebration of Gothic culture, fashion and music, the festival includes three days of events including the alternative music festival and Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market, which has over 100 indoor stalls. The free-to-attend event attracts thousands of visitors each year.
December
Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend – 7th – 8th December
For one weekend of the year, Robin Hood’s Bay returns to the era in which the Hotel Victoria was predominantly built, transforming into a traditional Victorian village.
Led by a team of local volunteers, the entire town joins together to take its shops, pubs and cafés back in time, creating the most charming Christmas celebration, including Christmas carols along the narrow and cobbled stone streets.
In addition to these exciting events, Robin Hood’s Bay offers a variety of year-round attractions from the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, scenic Cleveland Way and its array of charming cafes, pubs, and shops.
For more information and updates on upcoming events, visit the hotel’s website: victoriarhb.com.
