Is Redcar a holiday destination?

Why Redcar Is One of the Best Places for a UK Holiday Home

Redcar has long been one of North Yorkshire’s most underrated seaside gems.

It’s a place where sweeping golden beaches, timeless promenade charm, rugged moorland and rich local history come together. For holidaymakers and those looking to buy a static caravan holiday home, Redcar offers a rare blend of affordability, beauty and year-round things to do.

From Victorian seaside roots to modern-day filming locations and outdoor adventures, here’s why Redcar is considered one of the best places in the UK to go on a staycation, or to own a static caravan holiday home.

A Town with a Story — Introducing Redcar

Sitting proudly on the North Yorkshire coast, Redcar offers big skies, long beaches, traditional seaside appeal and quick access to countryside, culture and neighbouring coastal towns like Saltburn and Whitby. Once a thriving fishing hamlet, Redcar developed into a much-loved Victorian holiday resort.

Today, it is enjoying a revival as people rediscover the charm of UK coastal living and staycations. Whether you love beach walks, exploring heritage sites, surfing, great food or family attractions, Redcar has something for everyone.

Why is Redcar Called Redcar? The History Behind the Name

Redcar’s name dates back centuries and is rooted in Old English and Norse. It combines:

• ‘Hreod’ meaning reed
• ‘Kjarr’ meaning marsh

The landscape shaped the name; reed-covered marshes once stretched across the coastline.

There’s a long history here. The parish in which Redcar sits is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and by the 14th century, the town was already established as a fishing hamlet.

As early as 1818, Redcar had recognised the potential in the newly fashionable seaside holidays. By the 1840,s the town was growing, and in 1846, when the Middlesbrough and Redcar Railway was completed, the business of tourism really took off.

The railway had been aimed at attracting visitors to the town, and it worked.  More facilities and attractions were needed to meet the demand. Redcar Racecourse was up and running by the 1870s, and soon Redcar was established as a major seaside holiday destination. Cheap rail travel made the area’s miles and miles of golden beaches accessible to more people than ever before. 

Things To Do in Redcar

Redcar remains a classic British seaside destination — but modern, vibrant and packed with year-round attractions.

Heritage and Museums in Redcar

Redcar’s rich seafaring history and proud North Yorkshire heritage make it a fantastic destination for visitors and holiday homeowners alike. The area is packed with cultural attractions, coastal stories, and fascinating places to explore all year round.

Zetland Lifeboat Museum & Redcar Heritage Centre
Home to the Zetland, the world’s oldest surviving lifeboat, this much-loved museum celebrates Redcar’s long connection to the sea and the heroic efforts of its volunteer lifeboat crews. Inside, you’ll find detailed displays about local maritime history, dramatic rescue stories, and hands-on exhibits that bring the past to life. A must-visit for families, history enthusiasts and anyone wanting to discover Redcar’s identity.

Kirkleatham Museum & Grounds
Situated within a beautiful historic estate, Kirkleatham Museum offers a wide variety of exhibitions, cultural events, and engaging activities. From Anglo-Saxon finds to industrial heritage, the museum highlights the region’s colourful past.
The surrounding grounds provide woodland walks, sculpture trails and open spaces ideal for relaxed afternoons and family outings. It’s one of the area’s most atmospheric places to spend the day.

Iconic Coastal Landmarks in Redcar

Redcar’s coastline is famous for its beauty, character and versatility. Whether you’re seeking peaceful seafront moments or vibrant seaside activity, these coastal landmarks help define Redcar as one of the North East’s favourite seaside locations. For holiday-home owners, this means endless opportunities for adventure without even getting in the car.

Redcar Beacon
Standing proudly on the seafront, the Redcar Beacon is one of the town’s most distinctive structures. Its unique architectural design and elevated viewpoint make it an ideal spot for appreciating sweeping views of the coastline, nearby cliffs and vast sandy beaches. A standout landmark for visitors and locals alike.

Redcar Promenade
Perfect for morning strolls, evening sunsets and relaxed family days out, the promenade stretches alongside the seafront and offers a welcoming space to walk, cycle or simply enjoy the sea air. With cafés, shops, amusements and traditional seaside highlights close by, it captures the best of Redcar’s friendly coastal atmosphere.

Miles of Sandy Beaches
Redcar’s beaches are among the finest in North Yorkshire, offering long stretches of soft sand ideal for families, dog walkers, surfers and swimmers. The shoreline feels open and spacious, providing room for everything from sandcastle-building days to invigorating winter walks. Whatever the season, the beach remains one of Redcar’s greatest natural attractions.

Outdoor Adventures in Redcar — Coast, Countryside & Moorland

One of Redcar’s biggest strengths is the sheer variety of outdoor experiences available right on your doorstep.

Woodland Walks & Country Parks

Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park
Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park offers free parking and is an ideal spot to relax, walk and explore the countryside. With woodland trails, panoramic viewpoints, a sculpture trail, an adventure play area and an arboretum, it’s a brilliant family-friendly day out.

The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am–4pm, serving hot and cold refreshments, fresh coffee and a range of affordable gifts and toys. Seating is available inside, or you can grab drinks and snacks to take with you on your walk. The park itself is open all day, seven days a week.

Guisborough Forest & Walkway
Guisborough Forest and Walkway is the perfect gateway into the North York Moors National Park, offering stunning scenery, family-friendly activities and trails for all abilities. Start your adventure at the Visitors Centre, where you’ll find guide maps, local information and ranger-led events.

Active visitors can enjoy a wide choice of walking routes, cycle trails, bridleways, a trim trail and orienteering courses that lead straight into the forest. For families, there are play areas, pond-dipping spots and plenty of picnic areas ideal for a relaxed day out.

The Sculpture Trail provides a gentler route, featuring an impressive collection of chainsaw carvings hidden among the trees. You can also explore the new Wellbeing Trail, designed to help you slow down and immerse yourself in nature.

With habitats ranging from dense forest to open heather moorland — including the iconic Hanging Stone viewpoint — Guisborough Forest offers breathtaking views across Teesside and a landscape shaped by its fascinating ironstone heritage. It’s a place to walk, wander and reconnect with the outdoors.

Saltburn Valley Gardens
Saltburn Valley Gardens has a rich history shaped by smugglers, Victorian visionaries and generations of visitors. In the 18th century, the wooded valley was a haven for smuggling gangs who relied on its hidden tracks. By the mid-19th century, Saltburn’s transformation began when Henry Pease and the Saltburn Improvement Company developed the area into a fashionable seaside resort.

Between 1861 and 1873, the Valley Gardens were designed as the heart of this new town. Early work created paths and a fountain, followed by Joseph Newton’s ambitious plans, which added woodland walks, extensive tree planting, a croquet lawn, a bandstand, entrances with pay booths, the Albert Memorial and the elegant Italian Garden. Later additions included the Ha’Penny Bridge, a boating lake and further expansions into the surrounding woodland.

Today, the gardens remain a peaceful, colourful retreat. Vibrant flower displays sit alongside steep grassy banks full of wildflowers, while the wooded gills and historical layout preserve the charm of Saltburn’s Victorian origins.

Coast Meets Countryside

North York Moors National Park
Sweeping heather moorland, rugged coastline, ancient woodland and peaceful villages make the North York Moors one of the UK’s most captivating landscapes. Shaped by nature and centuries of human history, it’s a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply and uncover something new with every visit – from rare wildlife to star-filled night skies.

Whether you prefer a gentle coastal stroll, a shady forest trail or a wide-open moorland hike, there’s a route for every pace. With trail centres, bridleways, cycle hubs and quiet country lanes, the Moors are perfect for everything from family bike rides to full-on two-wheel adventures. The North York Moors is a place to reset. Its vast open spaces, big skies and tranquil woodlands make it ideal for reconnecting with nature, recharging your mind and lifting your senses.

Cleveland Way National Trail
The Cleveland Way National Trail is a spectacular 109-mile (175 km) walking route showcasing some of the best scenery in the North York Moors. First opened in 1969, it was only the second official National Trail in England and Wales, and remains one of the most rewarding for walkers today.

Beginning in the market town of Helmsley, the trail crosses miles of dramatic heather moorland before meeting the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. From here, it follows a breathtaking clifftop route south to Filey, passing iconic spots including Whitby, Scarborough and the historic smuggler’s village of Robin Hood’s Bay.

The route is well signposted and suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, although some sections – particularly over the Cleveland Hills and along parts of the coastline – are more challenging. Many people walk the trail clockwise from Helmsley to Filey, often enjoying the prevailing wind at their back, but it’s equally enjoyable in either direction.

You can tackle the Cleveland Way year-round, but for an unforgettable experience, visit in late August or early September when the moorland bursts into colour with blooming purple heather.

Surfing & Water Sports

Neighbouring Saltburn is often called the surf capital of the North East, so Redcar also has its regular surfers enjoying the consistent waves. Whether it’s surfing, paddleboarding or boogie boarding, the beaches along this part of the North Yorkshire coast are a hub of activity — especially in summer.

Eat, Drink & Indulge — Redcar’s Food Scene

From award-winning fish and chips to freshly cooked Thai dishes, cosy pubs, seaside cafés and artisan producers, Redcar’s food and drink scene has come alive in recent years.

Best places to eat in Redcar

• Head to Cluck & Moo for Street Food & Cocktails
• Oliver’s Fish & Chips is the best place to go for that classic seaside meal
• Lemongrass Thai Cuisine offers top-rated Thai food on the High Street
• Enjoy great breakfasts with beach views at One Up
• Takeaway or eat in at Bengal Spice
• Enjoy fantastic Chinese cuisine at Mr Wong’s
• Head to O’Gradys for pub classics and Sunday Roasts

Redcar’s major reinvestment programme

Redcar is undergoing an exciting transformation, making it an even better destination for visitors and residents alike.

The seafront next to Redcar Beach Caravan Park is set for major redevelopment, including a new adventure golf course, destination play park, beach club facilities, upgraded parking and public amenities, plus future plans for a central plaza and dining options.

Improvements to the beach itself, such as enhanced toilets and beachfront facilities, complement the striking Redcar Beacon, which offers panoramic views, a café and art gallery.

The town centre is also being revitalised with green spaces, new street furnishings, improved lighting and landscaping, creating inviting public areas.

Alongside these upgrades, Redcar is embracing its creative side with thriving galleries, exhibitions and cultural initiatives that celebrate local art, helping to make the town a vibrant, multifaceted destination for holidays, leisure and investment.

Explore Nearby — Redcar’s North Yorkshire Neighbours

One of the best parts of owning a holiday home in Redcar is the ability to travel easily to nearby gems.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a quintessential Victorian seaside town, full of charm, history and stunning coastal scenery. Just a 10-minute drive from Redcar, the town was carefully planned in the mid-19th century by Henry Pease and the Saltburn Improvement Company, creating a resort that combined the elegance of Victorian architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding cliffs and wooded valleys.

Saltburn is home to the iconic Saltburn Cliff Tramway, one of the world’s oldest water-powered funiculars, which links the town centre to the seafront. Along the promenade, visitors can admire pastel-coloured Victorian villas, watch local fishermen at work, and take in sweeping views along the North Yorkshire coastline.

The town combines scenic beauty with recreational opportunities. You can enjoy beach walks, paddle in the sea, or explore nearby cliff paths and woodland trails. Local cafés and eateries provide the perfect pit stops, while seasonal events, art exhibitions, and cultural activities bring a lively atmosphere to the town throughout the year.

In Saltburn, you’ll also find Hazelgrove Park, one of Tingdene Residential Park’s biggest communities – ideal for those looking to retire to the coast with stunning sea views.

HAZELGROVE PARK

Whitby

Whitby is one of the most iconic destinations on the North Yorkshire coast and a must-visit for holidaymakers. The town is around a 45-minute drive South of Redcar, combining rich history, dramatic scenery, and classic seaside charm, making it ideal for day trips or a base for exploring the region.

The highlight is Whitby Abbey, the haunting ruins perched on the clifftop, overlooking the town and harbor. Visitors can climb the famous 199 steps from the town up to the abbey, taking in breathtaking views over the rooftops, the bustling harbor, and the North Sea. Whitby’s connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula adds a touch of literary intrigue, with many locations in town inspiring the famous novel.

Whitby is also a haven for seafood lovers. Stroll along the harbor and enjoy freshly caught fish, served in traditional fish and chip shops or charming waterfront restaurants. The harbor itself is perfect for watching fishing boats at work, taking boat trips, or simply soaking in the maritime atmosphere.

In addition to history and food, Whitby offers charming streets filled with independent shops, cafés, and galleries, making it a fantastic spot to explore. Whether you’re taking in the scenic coastline, enjoying harbor views, or indulging in the town’s culinary delights, Whitby delivers a quintessential North Yorkshire seaside experience for all ages.

Staithes

Staithes is a picture-perfect fishing village around a 30 minute drive from Redcar, renowned for its narrow, winding streets, charming cottages, and dramatic cliff-top views. Its historic harbour, once a bustling centre for herring fishing, still retains the atmosphere of a traditional seaside village, making it a favourite destination for holidaymakers seeking peaceful charm and authentic coastal life.

The village’s steep, cobbled streets wind down from the cliffs to the harbour, offering visitors picturesque vistas and plenty of opportunities to explore independent shops, galleries, and cafés. Art lovers will appreciate Staithes’ creative heritage; the village was home to the Staithes Group of painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and today you can see their legacy reflected in local galleries.

For walkers, the surrounding cliffs and coastal paths provide breathtaking views across the North Sea and link Staithes to nearby coastal villages. The area is also ideal for photography, birdwatching, and quiet contemplation, with its serene atmosphere providing a perfect escape from the crowds.

Staithes combines heritage, natural beauty, and timeless village charm, making it a must-visit stop along the North Yorkshire coast. Whether you’re wandering the harbour, sampling local seafood, or enjoying the cliff-top walks, Staithes offers an unforgettable taste of England’s coastal history and scenery.

Redcar Beach Caravan Park — The Perfect Base for Your Holiday Home

If you’re considering owning a static caravan, Redcar Beach Caravan Park is one of the best-located holiday parks in North Yorkshire.

Set close to Redcar’s stunning sandy beach, Cleveland Golf Club, Redcar Racecourse, and surfers’ hotspots, it’s peaceful, well-kept and perfectly placed for all that the region has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking a luxury retreat or an affordable base for seaside living, there’s an option that suits every lifestyle.

Why Redcar Is the Ideal Location for Your Holiday Home

To summarise, Redcar offers:

• Long, walkable beaches
• Historic charm and heritage attractions
• Surfing and watersports
• Woodland trails and moorland adventures
• Family-friendly days out
• Great food and drink
• Affordable holiday home ownership
• Close ties to Saltburn, Whitby, Staithes and the North York Moors

It’s a place where every holiday feels different — and where your static caravan becomes a true “home-from-home.”

If you’re dreaming of your own seaside retreat, stunning daily walks and a location filled with adventure, Redcar Beach Caravan Park is the perfect place to start your journey.

Get in touch with the team at Redcar Beach Caravan Park today to book a viewing, request a brochure or learn more about available holiday homes.