Our visitor centres on the Yorkshire Coast

The white fronted Old Coastguard Station next to the sea in Robin Hood's Bay

There's so much to see and do on the Yorkshire Coast. Our visitor centres offer the ideal starting point for your adventures.

Old Coastguard Station 

Our centre at the edge of the sea in Robin Hood’s Bay village will help you discover what makes this part of the Yorkshire Coast so special.

Explore the area’s distinctive geology, the impact of the elements on the coast, local wildlife and the secret history of smuggling. Learn about the work National Trust rangers are doing or find out more about other places to visit nearby. 

 
Space to sit in the Old Coastguard Station's cafe
A table and chairs in front of shelves of objects in the Old Coastguard Station
Space to sit in the Old Coastguard Station's cafe

When you enjoy a drink or snack from our cafe, or buy a second hand book from us, your money stays locally, contributing to the upkeep of the Old Coastguard Station and the beautiful coastline surrounding it. Take a look at our menu here: Old Coastguard Station menu 2022 (PDF / 0.2MB) download

If you fall in love with the place, you can even stay in a cosy holiday apartment on the top floor, the Boatman's Loft. 

Ravenscar Visitor Centre

Situated at the southern end of Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar Visitor Centre is a welcoming gateway to the Yorkshire Coast. Here you’ll find information about the local area, walking and cycling routes, events and self-led activities such as geocaching and wildlife watching. We also have a selection of second hand books; proceeds from sales go towards caring for the coast. 

Dip into the fascinating story of  Ravenscar, known as ‘The Town That Never Was’; you can delve deeper into the tale on a self-led trail around the village. With the remains of Peak Alum Works and a WWII radar station also on the doorstep, there’s a wealth of human history to explore within easy walking distance. 

Ravenscar Visitor Centre offers seating indoors and out
The exterior of Ravenscar Visitor Centre with tables outside on a sunny day
Ravenscar Visitor Centre offers seating indoors and out
 
Plenty of public parking can be found on the road close by. The Cleveland Way National Trail and Cinder Track cycle route along the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line bring hikers and bikers right to the door. With picnic tables outside, it’s the perfect spot to rest and refuel with a hot or cold drink and a snack from our range of refreshments. Check out our menu here: Ravenscar Visitor Centre menu 2022 (PDF / 0.1MB) download
 
The centre came into the hands of the National Trust as the result of a kind bequest from local naturalist and author, Nan Sykes.
 

For Old Coastguard Station and Ravenscar Visitor Centre opening arrangements, click here. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and events, including exhibitions by local artists.