Locals from 'UK's most beautiful village' say what they really think about title

17 February 2024 , 15:25

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Runswick Bay in Yorkshire was named one of the 'best places to live in the UK' (Image: Jasmine Norden)

Locals living in one of the country's best seaside villages say the plague of second homeowners is responsible for rocketing house prices. Runswick Bay, known for its stunning picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere, has been soaring in popularity in recent years.

The Yorkshire village was named one of the 'best places to live in the UK' due to its golden sandy beach, frolicking dolphins and amazing fossil discoveries. But people living there say it has come at a cost, with the sleepy atmosphere suiting holidaymakers and absent landlords but offering less for young working families.

The issue of second homeowners driving up property prices is affecting many villages across the country, including Runswick Bay Many seaside villages are now seeing properties selling at more than £1million and Runswick Bay is following suit.

Hidden gem Runswick Bay in Yorkshire boats many quaint charms (Jasmine Norden)

Visitors Graham and Lane, told YorkshireLive: "It's a lovely place, but I'm not sure these 'best places to live' rankings often consider a lot of the actual practicalities. It's beautiful, but I can't imagine raising teenagers or anything here or trying to find a job.

"You'd have to work remotely or commute somewhere else. There aren't any shops in the village either and there isn't a train station close either."

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With red-roofed cottages, narrow alleyways, and waves crashing against rocks near tiny gardens overlooking a vast stretch of sand, Runswick Bay has drawn high praise from Time Out which said it had the best-hidden beach in the country.

The hospitality guide wrote: "Despite its glorious sweep, Runswick Bay is invisible until the last minute when you crest an unassuming hill that leads down to it. From this point, surprises and hidden treasures unfold before you; the impossibly sweet village, comprising of 90 cute honey-coloured cottages capped with red tiles, doesn't appear until you reach the bottom of the hill.

"Closer inspection of the beach and bay reveals wooden huts, rock pools, picturesque staircases carved out of the cliffs and at Kettleness impressive fossils dating back 180 million years."

Runswick Bay in Yorkshire was named one of the 'best places to live in the UK' - but what do the locals think? (Jasmine Norden)

Each house is built slightly higher than the one below, offering stunning views. It's easy to see why it's considered one of the UK's most beautiful places to live, with its hilly streets likened to a version of a Mediterranean village, though much colder.

Residents say they face the same challenges as many other popular seaside towns. They include absent cottage owners who cash in during the holiday season.

Runswick has just three pubs, one cafe, and one tearoom. Its closest shops are a small village shop in Hinderwell (about 25 minutes walk), or a medium-sized Co-op in Staithes (a seven-minute drive).

Rhianna from Redcar and Kate from Hinderwell both work at the Cliffemount, a hotel perched at the top of the village. Rhianna, said: "It's quite nice here," but added that it's mostly holidaymakers rather than locals who visit.

Kate added: "We're always fully booked for rooms - there's someone in all 18 at the moment. Runswick has always been a popular place - it's a lovely place to come into, though since I grew up just down the road it doesn't feel very special to me."

Tom Rose, the manager of the Royal Hotel in the village, loves the quiet winters and stunning views. He said: "In the winter it's so quiet here and the view is amazing. You won't get many better views in Yorkshire,"

Charming beach at Runswick Bay in Yorkshire which was named one of the 'best places to live in the UK' (Jasmine Norden)

Tom also spoke about Runswick's special charm and how it gets busy during holidays. "Runswick definitely has a certain charm to it that people fall in love with," he said. "Most of the cottage owners don't live in them but they're often here throughout the year. As soon as a holiday starts we become extremely busy."

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During the summer the population swells as holidaymakers enjoy its unique charms. "It has its drawbacks but you're always able to plan, which is nice," said Tom. "The village is really small but the amount of people that come down to visit make it feel much bigger - it almost defies its own size."

Tom finds the visitors and locals lovely. "Obviously you can never guarantee the weather in the UK, but personally I love it here whatever the weather, it's a fantastic place to work. Everyone who comes in is lovely, probably because they're all in holiday mode. We do get some locals who come in and they're lovely too. A lot of them have family, like grandchildren, who will come and stay and work here for the summer."

"All the houses have probably come down through generations. I do think Runswick is a bit of a hidden gem, but once you find it you know the whole thing. It appeals to everyone I think, it's surprising how many people enjoy coming here regularly with how little there is to actually do."

Colin Elliott, 85, a visitor from York, said: "I've been coming here for 20 years, whenever I can."

"Back in the day, my friend was planning to buy a house here and we used to visit a lot, but then her husband died. I still love to come here for the day though while I can still drive."

He cherishes the place for its tranquillity and the memories it holds of him and his partner. "It's such a nice place and it holds such memories for me of my partner and myself. It's very peaceful. I'd live here if I had the money. I have children, grandchildren and now a great-grandson living in Leeds, and we used to bring them here all the time."

Tom Kershaw