Robin Hood's Bay - Historic Seaside Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Robin Hood's Bay Historic Seaside Village, with Explorers helping IES after they uncover a map and scribbled notes from the smuggler Count D'Monet, then following his trail through Robin Hood's Bay to find the hidden hoard before Owen D'Monet does.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll start at the top end of the village, known locally as Baytown, explore the main route down to the sea, weave through historic streets and hidden gems, visit St Stephen's Churchyard, pass the Old Coastguard Station Visitor Centre, investigate The Dock and beach area, then climb back towards the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. The route involves steep climbs and descents, narrow paths, cobbles and lots of steps, with some steep hills indicated, so sturdy footwear and steady legs are strongly recommended.

Cross the main road carefully, and take care at The Dock area next to the slipway to the sea, especially at high tide. There is no need to explore the beach if the sea is in. If using the beach for rock pooling, fossil hunting or a picnic, plan for low tide and check tide times, as there is no beach access at high tide.

Optional extra lookout: near Clue 40, you can continue a little further up the lane and turn around for a cracking view if it is clear.

Getting There

By car: Start at the main pay & display car park on Station Road, also signed to Village Hall and Station Workshops (YO22 4RA). The Trail loops back to the start area at the top end of the village.

By public transport: Make your way to the main pay & display car park on Station Road, also signed to Village Hall and Station Workshops (YO22 4RA), to begin the quest. The circular route returns to the same top end of the village once Count D'Monet's trail has been followed.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at the start in the car park, near the roundabout after Clue 04, and near Clue 12. The toilets near the roundabout after Clue 04 are seasonal, and there are also public toilets halfway along the route.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged Explorers are joining your crew, plan for a proper seaside leg-stretch. 🐾

The route includes steep climbs and descents, narrow paths, cobbles, lots of steps, a main road crossing and waterside sections around The Dock and beach, so keep canine companions close around traffic, steps, the slipway and the sea. Remember that the beach has no access at high tide.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting through smugglers' territory is hungry work, so either stock up on provisions before setting off or make the most of refreshments at various spots through the village after Clue 03.

There are plenty of refreshment opportunities, including pubs, cafes and fish and chip shops. If you're bringing a picnic, Clue 13 is one option, or you can use the beach picnic spot if safe and tide times allow it.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Robin Hood's Bay Village

The route explores the main way down through Robin Hood's Bay from the top end of the village, known locally as Baytown, with plenty of hidden gems along the way. This former smuggler's haven has more to it than meets the eye, which makes it just the place for Explorers chasing Count D'Monet's trail.

The Dock and Beach

The Dock area puts you close to the slipway and beach, with clues to investigate and sea air all around. Take care here, especially at high tide, and remember there is no need to explore the beach if the sea is in. At low tide, the beach is a great spot for rock pooling and fossil hunting.

Old Coastguard Station Visitor Centre

The quest passes the Old Coastguard Station Visitor Centre before heading down the steps to the quarterdeck. It's a notable point on the route and a handy place to get your bearings before the next climb down.

Dinosaur and Fossil Museum

If it is open, look out for the free Dinosaur and Fossil Museum on the left. This volunteer-run registered charity relies largely on donations, and it connects the area with the 'Jurassic', 'Dinosaur' or 'Fossil' Coast, where fossils as old as 120 million years have been found.

St Stephen's Churchyard

The Trail takes you into St Stephen's Churchyard for two clues before leading you around the church, keeping close to the building. It's part of the village's historic heart and one of the key locations on this seaside treasure quest.