The town has grown and has had a thriving tourist industry since the 18th century. However, the opening of a Butlin’s Holiday Camp in the 1940s was a huge boost to visitor numbers until it closed in 1984. Today, thanks to the local scenery, the beaches, and range of activities on offer, this small, relatively quiet town is still very popular with holidaymakers and day visitors.
Relax at Filey Beach
The seafront at Filey is less built-up and commercialised than its larger neighbours. The lovely, sandy beach won the 2018 The Sunday Times “Beach of the Year” award. It runs for 5 miles between the rocky peninsula called Filey Brigg and the bird reserve. At low tide the beach is a quarter mile wide making it an ideal place for children to play, fly kites, explore rockpools, and for adults to go sailing, walk, or just relax. There are lifeguards on duty and a RNLI station. Dogs are not permitted on parts of the beach between May 1st and September 30th.
Take in the views from Filey Brigg
A long and narrow peninsula with 66-foot high cliffs, at the end of Filey Brigg is a spectacular bay and beach. These cliffs are made up of alternating limestone and sandstone which makes them geologically of interest. In 1857 the remains of a Roman signal station were excavated, but the foundation stones have been moved to the Crescent Gardens in town. The Brigg is an excellent place for birdwatching and the cliffs reward walkers with beautiful views. It is also the start and end of the Cleveland Way Walk.
Visit the Filey Museum
The Filey Museum is housed in the oldest domestic building in the town that dates to 1696 and was originally two buildings: a fisherman’s cottage and a farm cottage. The museum showcases the history and development of the town and the people who lived there. The exhibits include archaeological finds, items relating to the town’s maritime history, a recreated Victorian parlour, exhibits showcasing regional crafts, the geology of the shoreline, a newspaper archive, a photography display, and a Victorian fire engine.
Discover Filey Dams Nature Reserve
Filey Dams Nature Reserve is significant because it is the last remaining freshwater marsh in the area. The marshes are grouped around large freshwater lagoons and the area attracts migratory birds but is also the permanent home of various amphibians, multitudes of insects including dragonflies, small mammals, and a host of plant life including various rushes, reeds and yellow flag irises. There is a hide for bird-watchers at one of the larger pools.
Take part in the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride
Filey Country Park is the finishing point for the 70-mile Great Yorkshire Bike Ride that begins in Wetherby. The ride usually takes place on the 3rd Saturday after Spring Bank Holiday Monday. The route is mainly via country roads. If you wish to enter you need to do so online and in advance.
Soak up the atmosphere of St Oswald’s Church
Grade I listed St Oswald's Church is Filey’s Parish Church and is the oldest building in the town. The church dates to the 12th century with other sections built in the 15th century. Like many places of worship this age there are numerous examples of graffiti that reflects life and events in Filey over a 400-year period. There are images, for example of people and sailing vessels carved into the stone by congregants. There are striking stained glass windows and Medieval stonework to admire, and the extensive graveyard is of interest too. The turn of the 20th century saw a major restoration, including the incorporation of an Arts & Crafts bell tower.
Hike on Flamborough Head
If you are a nature lover or just love walking, one of the best places for you is Flamborough Head. This stretch of white cliffs runs between Filey and Bridlington and the cliffs – the only chalk cliffs in the north of England – are home to massive seabird colonies. There are two lighthouses at the tip of the promontory. The chalk tower dates to 1674 and is the oldest in the country. The newer of the two (1806) is a functioning lighthouse. Walking in this nature reserve is for more experienced hikers as the area is rough and can be very windswept.
Lift your spirits at a local distillery
If you are a whiskey-lover, then a trip to the Spirit of Yorkshire is a must. Established in 2016, this proudly Yorkshire distillery uses local spring water and barley to produce their single malt whiskey. A tour of the facility includes seeing the two largest Forsyth pot stills outside of Scotland and hearing about the production process. You will of course have a chance to sample the whiskey too. For those who prefer something else to drink, the onsite coffee shop serves teas, coffee, beer, and a range of light lunches, cakes, and afternoon tea.
Go birdwatching on Bempton Cliffs
A five-mile stretch of Flamborough Head, known as Bempton Cliffs, is a designated Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) site. Every year between March and October around 500,000 seabirds gather here to breed and raise their young. The cliffs are teeming with kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, and the much-loved Atlantic puffins. There is a visitor centre and six safe cliff-edge platforms from which to view and photograph the birds.
Go wild at Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park
The Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park lies on the outskirts of town and is an excellent venue for a fun outing for the whole family. There are three different gardens, aviaries, enclosures, a pond, wildflower meadow, and nature reserve areas that house a large variety of domestic, exotic, and wild birds; ponies and donkeys; meerkats; goats; and reptiles including snakes and bearded dragons. One of the star attractions is a 60-year-old tortoise. There’s a Mini-Beast Mansion, a Worm-World, treasure hunts, a fort, ponds full of fish, a Secret Garden, and a café if you need something to eat or drink.
Try some Water Sports
For those who enjoy outdoor activities Bay Watersports has the solution for you. You could enjoy this stretch of the Yorkshire coastline in a kayak, under sail in a dingy, on a paddleboard, or when coasteering (the most adrenaline-filled and high-energy of all). They also offer activities for groups or teams such as raft building.
Play a lively game of Footgolf
If you and/or your family would like to try this game, a trip up to Scarborough Footgolf, located between Filey and Scarborough, will provide lots of fun. As the name suggests, the game is like golf but played by kicking a football along a fairway, onto the green, and into a football-sized hole. You can play as pairs or groups and keep score (lowest score wins). There is an 8-hole Footgolf course and an 8-hole Adventure Footgolf course and you can play one or both. Adventure Footgolf is like crazy golf in that there are obstacles such as water, bridges, and tunnels.
Feel tranquil at Filey Dams Nature Reserve
If you enjoy walking that is not too demanding, then Filey Dams Nature Reserve with its wetland habitat will provide you with a restful outing. There are footbridges over the wetter areas and bird hides from which various species of waders can be observed and photographed.
Play & learn at Playdale Farm Park
Playdale Farm Park near Scarborough is a wonderful place to take your children to, including on days when its not beach weather. Children can meet and even help to feed the animals, explore the adventure trail, burn off energy in the indoor soft play area, or see more exotic animals such as emus and chipmunks. There’s also a pedal go-kart track, climbing frames, a zip-line, sandpits, and Frisbee Golf. There’s something for all ages, including a special area for toddlers, and a café with indoor and outdoor seating that serves meals and drinks. Dogs are not allowed except for Guide and Assistance Dogs.
Tee off at Filey Golf Club
Filey Golf Club is situated on the south side of town, but the original club was established to the north of Filey in 1897. The course was designed by James Braid (a great Scottish golfing champion) and has been modified and brought up to date over the years although Braid’s layout has been retained. You can book to play either 9 or 18 holes, and both members and visitors are welcome. There is also a modern clubhouse serving both drinks and meals.
Tackle the Hunmanby Circular Walk
The Hunmanby Circular Walk begins in the village of Hunmanby and runs for 10 miles. It incorporates the shorter walks of Wolds Way and Centenary Way. There are a few moderate climbs, but for the most part the paths are flat. Walkers on the route are treated to coastal scenery, countryside views, and attractive villages. Centenary Way takes you to Filey and along Filey Bay. Wolds Way leads on to the town of Muston and on to Deedle Hill and Folkton Wold before descending to Stocking Dale.
Marvel at the creatures at the Sea Life Sanctuary
The Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary is home to around 2500 creatures that live either on land or in the water (or both). There are representatives from the Great Barrier Reef in the shape of stingrays and brightly coloured fish. You can walk through the Ocean Tunnel where fish, the resident Loggerhead Turtle, and Blacktip Reef Sharks swim alongside and overhead. Visit the Seal Hospital and learn about the lives and problems faced by these animals. There’s also a colony of Humboldt penguins you can see. If that isn’t enough, treat yourself to a viewing of the rainforest residents: frogs, tree pythons, lizards, and various insects. As a final treat there is the pair of otters. Online pre-booking is essential.
Commemorate the Battle of Flamborough Head
The Filey Bay 1779 Festival is held each year to commemorate the Battle of Flamborough Head and the sinking of the American Naval vessel, USS Bonhomme Richard. During the four-day festival, there is a temporary light sculpture, a visit to the area by a US Naval vessel, a dinner and a talk on the battle, a fireworks display, a memorial service, and a Sea Cadet Parade.
Be part of the Super Soapbox Challenge
The Yorkshire Coast Super Soapbox Challenge has been around for several years but now Filey has its own event that runs from 10 am to 5 pm. These races are a 5-person per team event and the soapboxes must be themed and fun. All entrants receive medals and there are prizes in various categories including race winner, creativity, etc. All the teams race down through the town to the seafront twice and the top ten teams go into a final. You need nerves of steel and a sense of fun to take part. There are large screens set up along the route so spectators can see the race too. To add to the atmosphere, there is live music, a funfair, and food and drink stands.
Attend the Filey Folk Festival
The Filey Folk Festival is an annual event held in September at the Evron Centre and the Masonic Hall. It was founded in 2004 and features a range of musical styles including country, blues, acoustic folk, traditional, and acoustic rock & pop. There are usually around 100 performers taking part in the scheduled events and or busking. Gigs held in pubs, cafés, and restaurants don’t carry an admission charge.
Get high at the Kite Festival
If a more outdoor festival appeals to you, why not attend the annual Filey Kite Festival? The two-day event is held at Filey Brigg Country Park in September and there is no admission fee. The event attracts experienced and skilled kite flyers who put on an amazing display. There are kite-making classes for children and it’s an excellent venue and occasion to have a picnic while you watch the skies.
More Things to Do in Filey
If the above don’t appeal, or you still have time on your hands, you could:
- Chill to the mellow sounds of the Filey Americana Weekend when there are three days of country and blues music on offer.
- Feed body and soul at the Filey Food Drink Festival that features approximately 70 stalls selling seafood; Yorkshire, Artisan, Street, and International food; Real Ale; Cider; and Prosecco.
- Spend 1 ½ hours at the Comedy Cellar where stand-up comedians will entertain you. These acts are not for the easily offended or suitable for children.
- Attend the Filey Steampunk Weekend that celebrates all things steampunk through its displays and stalls, costumes, performances and burlesque acts.
- Have loads of family fun at the unique Ocean Drive Themed Golf and Putting Green on the promenade.
Best pubs in Filey
There are many pubs in this seaside town that will appeal to various tastes. However, there are three that – at time of writing – were popular.
- Top of the list for families is The Plough Inn and Fun Farm. In addition to a children’s menu, there are free indoor and outdoor play areas. There’s a range of dishes on offer and a comprehensive drinks menu. For sports-lovers there are big screens, so you won’t miss any big sports events, and a pool table.
- Captain Will's is a café by day that serves cakes, teas, and coffee. At night this centrally located pub offers homemade pizza and a range of drinks.
- At The Boat Shed you can enjoy a drink or a meal. Guests are encouraged to linger over drinks after their meal is over. If you do want to eat, they serve tapas-style food and pizza.
Shops in Filey
If you require a little retail therapy, need something specific, or want a keepsake you can select from various specialist and independent stores.
- If you are looking for jewellery, vintage and antique items, collectables such as coins and medals, and crystals, visit The Mermaids Purse.
- The Seagull Gallery sells gifts, art, glass, ceramics, hand-made jewellery, textiles, cards, and pewterware by established and emerging UK artists and makers.
- At Jools of Filey you can purchase a wide range of clothing, accessories, jewellery, and umbrellas.
- For shoppers wanting furnishings and home accessories Katie Malone House & Home is the store to visit.
- Aquamarine Arts & Gifts makes the most of its coastal location and sells related art, gifts, cards, candles, and clothing.
- If you want to try your hand at a craft or something artistic, you will find all the necessary supplies plus books, gifts, and cards at the Red Box.
- No holiday is complete without sweets and Retro Fab Sweets offers a mouth-watering selection.
Restaurants in Filey
Four of the many restaurants in Filey include these popular venues:
- The restaurant at the White Lodge Hotel offers a seasonal menu featuring produce and fish from local suppliers and a comprehensive wine list. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or Sunday lunch here.
- 38. Located in a residential and holiday village at Filey bay, the John Paul Jones Pub offers hearty meals and a range of drinks.
- The long-established Inghams Fish Restaurant offers both takeaway and seated dining with a strong focus on traditional fish and chips.
- Wrangham House is part of the Wrangham House Hotel and affords views out over the gardens and a range of dishes including specialty game dishes during the season. The hotel also boasts a fine cellar.
FAQs
Does Filey have rides?
Yes, there are pony rides available at the seafront and further information can be obtained from the Tourism office.
Is Filey dog friendly?
Yes. While there are seasonal restrictions on dogs at Filey Beach in summer, there are other beaches, or sections of beaches, where dogs are welcome. Cleveland Way and Wolds Way are lovely for dogs and their owners. If you want to spoil your canine family member, visit Mrs Bishops Doggy Deli for some healthy, homemade treats.
Where in the UK is Filey?
Filey is a seaside town on the North Sea coast that is part of the East Riding of Yorkshire in North Yorkshire.
