Filey was just a little village known for fishing, it is amazing how today it has become one of the most sort after resort towns in the United Kingdom.
There are quite a number of fun things to do in Filey, Yorkshire, most visitors to Filey visit to see its natural wonders while others are attracted to the towns historical attractions.
Filey is also popular for its quietness as many come here seeking for a quiet alternative to neighboring Scarborough.
Visiting this town you can decide to have some relaxation time at the beach, visit its historic buildings and museum or hike one of its trails.
Are you visiting with kids? Playdale Farm Park makes a fun place to spend some time with the kids playing with animals. For a fun vacation, here are the best things to do in Filey.
Things to Do in Filey
1. Filey Beach
Filey Beach is a famous beach in this part of England that spans about five miles having its sands to be golden in color.
Some of the fun things to do on this beach include sailing, surfing, swimming in the shallow and clear waters. You can also engage in fishing activities or just watch the fishers as they catch some fishes.
You can also check out the rock pools in the area or take a stroll along the promenade. The promenade contains various works of art all of which are rich in the city’s heritage.
Come along with a camera for you may wish to capture them for the memory of your visit to Filey.
The beach also has areas where you are allowed to walk your pet dog. Note that dogs are not allowed in every part of the beach, therefore be on the lookout for signboards to stay within the rules of the beach.
Are you visiting with your kids? You can let them play around the beach or in the waters as there are certified lifeguards for the safety of everyone.
This makes one of the top things to do in Filey, do consider a visit to a beach on your Filey bucket list.
Address: Filey Cliff Road, Filey, United Kingdom
2. Filey Golf Club
Filey Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course which was designed by James Braid, he was a popular golf player in the 80s.
The Filey Golf Club was built in 1897 on the north side of the town, two years later, it was moved to the south where it is located today.
It will amaze you how the course and its amenities are still in perfect condition though the golf course is more than a hundred years old.
If you love golfing, visiting this golf course makes one of the fun things to do in Filey for you. While you are at it, get to enjoy the stunning views of the sea and lots of fresh breeze.
If you are new to golfing, there is an area where you can learn, an instructor will be assigned to you who you can ask all golf-related questions as you practice your way to becoming a pro golfer.
When you are done playing, its clubhouse is a perfect place for relaxation.
Would you like some tee time in Filey during your vacation, go get some at the Filey Golf Club.
Address: West Ave, Filey YO14 9BE, UK
3. Glen Gardens
Glen Gardens is a park in the south of Cresent Hill which was built in the year 1830 alongside the Ravine Hall.
The Ravine Hall mansion has long been demolished and a cafe erected in its place right at the center of the park.
Visiting the Glen Gardens, you will be amazed by the fun sections of this Garden, you find here a boating lake, wildlife areas, a crazy golf area, a playground where kids can have fun, putting green, and lots of spots where you can relax as you appreciate the coastal views.
If you seek a fun outdoor time, add “a visit to Glen Gardens” to your bucket list of things to do in Filey.
It is open 24 hours every day of the week.
Address: Filey YO14 9JW, United Kingdom
4. Cleveland Way National Trail
If you will love some hiking time in Filey, you can take to exploring the Cleveland Way National Trail.
Cleveland Way National Trail covers about one hundred and nine miles, it has beautiful viewing angles of North Yorkshire’s coastline and moorland which present the blossom of Heather flowers.
Along the path, you will also get to meet varieties of colorful bird species, historical structures that are quite fascinating, and lots more.
For bird lovers, get to meet birds like the shags, seagulls, red grouse, great cormorants, and many more, you can come along with your camera to take some amazing pictures.
You will also find picnic areas which are very well maintained along the Trail where you can have some relaxation time.
This is quite a vast tail, it takes about 9 days to hike through the entire trail, therefore, come well packed for some fun outdoor time.
Address: Cliff Top, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9HG, United Kingdom.
5. St Oswald’s Church
St Oswald’s Church is one of the oldest buildings in Filey. This building is Grade I-listed having ancient parts that dates as far back as the 1100s.
As a result of environmental factors, it deteriorated, however in the 20th century, it was restored by William Swinden Barber who was an architect skilled in Arts and Crafts.
William Swinden Barber also added the bell-tower which is a signature of his designs.
The church is open every to the public for exploration from March to November.
During a visit, take out time to appreciate the Medieval stonework and the stained glass. Also, check out the historic stones which can be found in the church’s extensive graveyard.
Address: Church Cliff Dr, Filey YO14 9ET, United Kingdom
6. Playdale Farm Park
A visit to the Playdale Farm Park makes one of the best things to do in Filey.
If you are visiting with your kids, they will love a fun time in this park.
At Playdale Farm Park, your kids can get very close to harmless domestic animals. The park is open every year from spring to autumn.
Some of the animals in the park include ponies, sheep, pigs, alpacas, donkeys, goats, chickens, and llamas to mention but a few.
They will also find here little animals like guinea pigs and chinchillas.
If you will be visiting Filey during the spring season, your kids can get the chance to feed the newborn lambs themselves using a feeding bottle.
Other fun amenities in the park include a zip-line, a pedal go-karting, a play area, and a frisbee good course.
There is also an indoor soft play area as well as the straw barn which can be fun during rainy days.
7. Flamborough Head
Towards the south just between Bridlington and Filey, you will find a chalk high point land spanning for about eight miles, here you will find colonies of seabirds.
The chalk cliffs in this area are the only cliffs in the north of England with a height of more than 100 meters.
At the edge of the cliff, you will find some lighthouses. Taking a hike to the top to get a view of these lighthouse makes one of the things to do for a fun time.
A notable lighthouse is the Octagonal Chalk Tower, it is the oldest lighthouse in England as it was built in the year 1674. However, the Octagonal Chalk Tower has never been lit since its construction.
You will still find functioning lights that were installed in the year 1806.
8. Filey Museum
One of the unique things to do in Filey is to learn about its history at the Filey Museum. This museum is located in Queen Street.This museum was established in the year 1971, its exterior and interior has an element of amazement.
On the outside is a white stone exterior that is still well-preserved to look as it was during its construction. Its interior will meet you with lots of amazing exhibits that tell how Filey transformed from a little fishing village to a world tourist magnet.
There is also a bait house area where you will get to watch a little clip about the fishing industry and how it grew in this town.
If you have any questions as you explore the museum, the staffs here are all ears, providing you with all you need to know about the exhibits as well as the history of Filey.
Address: 8-10 Queen St, Filey YO14 9HB, UK..
9. Bempton Cliffs
Bempton Cliffs are some of the cliffs in the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast which are kept as an RSPB Site. (RSPB stands for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
The nooks and ridges of the Bempton cliffs are mating and nesting spots for birds like guillemots, Atlantic Puffins, kittiwakes and so many other birds in England.
A visit here makes what to do in Filey for bird watchers.
You will find most of these birds here from the late-winter season to mid-summer.
Are you visiting between April and July? you will get to witness puffins as they return from rye sea with fresh fish in their fine beaks.
Locate the RSPB visitors center, this is a safe platform on the edge of the cliff where you can get clear views of nests made by these birds.
10. Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park
Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park is located on the west side of Filey, this park is a combination of gardens, aviaries, nature reserves, and animal enclosures.
The birds you will find here make this park an amazing place to visit. You will find here parrots, bantams, waterfowl, pheasants, owls, chickens, and rheas.
You will also find paddocks where donkeys, alpacas, and miniature ponies are kept. There is also habitat for animals like goats, snakes, bearded dragons, a tortoise (up to 60 years old), and meerkats.
Also check out the three gardens in the park and other spots designed to support wildlife such as the seed bar and pond, woodland, and a wildflower meadow.
11. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery
One of the best things to do in Filey is a visit to the Spirit of Yorkshire, this is one of the distillery in Filey which was established in 2016.
They are known to produce malt whisky in Yorkshire.
One amazing thing about this distillery is the fact that all the ingredient used in making their drinks are all sourced locally this include the spring water and the barley.
Visiting this distillery you will find two Forsyth pot stills which are known to be the largest in the United Kingdom.
They welcome visitors every day of the week. Four guided tours are offered every day, Mondays to Saturdays, on Sunday you can join any of their three tours.
These tours are quite interesting as they guide you through the distillery, you will also enjoy hearing from the tour guide all you need to know about whisky making. There is also a tasting room where you can taste the prepared wine.
12. Crescent Gardens
One of the most visited places in Filey is the Crescent Gardens, this garden dates back to 1830.
You will find this popular attraction on a hilltop, having beautiful scenery and a very clear viewing angle of the bay.
During a visit to this garden, you can sit on one of the benches and enjoy the quietness in its tranquil atmosphere.
You will also find a bandstand situated at a corner of the garden which is decorated with colorful flowers, they bring some amazing musical performance for your entertainment.
When you are done exploring the garden, spend some time at the cafe, they serve delicious coffee, cold beverages, tea, and snacks.
Address: Crescent Hill, Filey Y014 9JY, United Kingdom.
13. Eden Camp Museum
Eden Camp Museum is an award-winning museum located very close to Filey, this museum is in a house that was formerly a Prisoner of War Camp.
In this museum, you will find lots of displays and extensive exhibitions that tell stories about World War II. As you explore these displays it takes you back in time to the era of war in Britain.
Through the tableau and scenes that are recreated, you will get the perfect picture of what a battlefront and homefront was like during this period.
Other stuff you will find in the museum includes artillery, military equipments, and vehicles such as tanks, mini-submarines, a Prefab, an aircraft, an air-raid shelter, and artillery pieces.
14. Stained Glass Center
The Stained Glass Center is a place in Filey you should check out during a visit to this part of England.
This glass center is currently managed by Valerie Green. The tradition of designing and manufacturing of stained glass windows in this center started with the Lazenby family, four generations before Valerie Green.
Some of the glass-related items designed and manufactured by the center include mirror, gifts, lampshades and glass panels.
You will also find exhibition charts which tell the history of stain glass, also showing step by step process of making a window.
15. Filey War Memorial
One of Filey attractions you should not miss during a visit is the Filey War Memorial Garden.
The entrance of this garden is the war memorial built in 1919 by George Nesfield Barret, this is a stone arch with plaques on each column.
This was built in memorial to those from Filey who lost their lives during the First World War.
On the plaques, you will find a list of names these brave men, on the top of the arch you will find the main inscription.
This garden is located right in the center of Filey, hence a perfect spot for lunch or a place to relax as you watch the world go by.
This makes one of the top attractions in Filey you should not miss on your bucketlist of things to do in Filey.
16. A High Tide in Short Wellies
Amongst Fileys public art is this tagged “A High Tide in Short Wellies”, during your visit to Filey, get to mark your visit with a picture at this spot.
A High Tide in Short Wellies is an oversized statue of a fisherman holding his fishing rod, and at its feet is a rat stealing a fish.
This statue measures 12 ft (3.6 meters), it is a sculpture done by Ray Lonsdale, you will find here an inscription which reads:
[quote style=”default”]That’s it for me, I’ll see you later, gonna wrap this catch in protective paper, gonna face the sea with a thousand-mile stare and wish that I was floating there. In its summertime.Down on the pier I saw a man with a board, It read ‘the end is near accept your lord’. Then underneath this, some fisherman wrote, ‘I can see the end from the back of my boat’. This is wintertime.[/quote]
This sculpture was Donated by Maureen Robinson to Filey during the 76th birthday celebration of her husband Michael on 9th February 2012.
A visit here makes what to do in Filey for arts lovers, do add this to your bucket list if you are fascinated by sculptures.
Address: The Beach Rd, Filey YO14 9LW, United Kingdom
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17. Scarborough Art Gallery
Located near Filey, the Scarborough Art Gallery tells the history of the area, and how it was fully influenced by the sea, in the areas of fashion and art.
Exhibitions you will find in the gallery include “The 2012 Fears, For and Faeries exhibition” which tells so much about the English folklore and charms.
Also, lookout for the Italianate Villa which houses a gallery, it was built in 1840 as a section of the Crescent.
Check out also the temporal exhibitions which feature some of the contemporary works of professional artists in the area.
This makes one of the top things to do in Filey for art lovers, take to exploring this gallery during your visit.
18. Filey Evron Centre
Filey Evron Centre is one with lots of amenities, it is a multi-purpose center which serves the community as a conference hall, arts venue, and a business hub.
You will sometimes find its auditorium which has a seating capacity of 120 showing movies or other performances.
Performers who frequent here are cover artists, in an event held in the summer of 2018, concerts held in the center impersonated great artists like Motown artists, Blondie, Pink Floyd, and others.
Also check out the Filey’s visitors center located here, here you will get tips on some of Filey attractions to check out. You will also get to know some of the programs which will be held in the Filey Evron Centre.
19. Filey Dams Nature Reserve
Filey Dams Nature Reserve makes what to do in Filey for nature lovers, you will find this reserve just a distance from the train station in the area.
Filey Dams is a habitat for birds, getting here, you will have to cross a footbridge where you will find bird cages installed in the area.
This will allow you to see closely migratory waders such as wood and green sandpipers, you will also find greenshanks here in autumn.
There is also an owl box over the pool which is also occupied in Spring. This makes one of the best things to do in Filey Yorkshire for a fun time.
20. Filey Brigg Country Park
Filey Brigg Country Park sits on a 9-acre land space. This park offers its visitors an opportunity to enjoy all nature has to offer.
[the_ad id=”3875″]Here you will find limestone and sandstone cliffs which measure about 20-meter in height.
You will also find some fossils which date back a million years along the park.
It also offers a perfect view of the sea from its peninsula, here you could watch dolphins and whales as they swim.
Other amenities you will find in this park include a café, a children’s playground, a bird-watching area, and a mini-golf course.
Note that there are many campsites in the Filey Brigg Country Park. If you want to spend the night here, all you have to do is to book a caravan or a tent.
Address: Church Cliff Dr, Filey YO14 9ET, United Kingdom
21. Graffitoe Farm Camping Site
Graffitoe Farm Camping Site is a camping site situated on a farm. Its position offers a wonderful view of Filey Bay, are you planning on going camping while in the area, this is the best place to explore.
Camping here, you will get to stay in one of the many Graffitoe Farm’s pods where you will find home gadgets like kettle, microwave, refrigerator, a private beach, a private hot tub, and a sofa which can be easily reconfigured into a comfortable double size bed.
Other amenities include well-maintained shower blocks and toilets.
During your camping, you can relax on a camping chair as you take in the beauty of the scene, you can as well decide to go on a stroll.
Address: Hunmanby, Filey YO14 9RS, UK.
22. Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary
Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary is an interesting place close to Filey. This makes one of the fun things to do in Filey for animal lovers.
As you explore this sanctuary, you will get to see creatures of the deep sea, some of these animals include sharks, otter, seals, penguins, starfish, and dolphins.
Other amenities in this place include an Underwater tunnel, a Rockpool Discovery, a restaurant, gift shops, picnic areas, and so on.
A visit here makes a great way to spend the day, be sure to add this to your bucket list as you visit the area.
Address: Scalby Mills Rd, Scarborough YO12 6RP, United Kingdom.
23. Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers
As you explore Scarborough which is just a 15 munites drive from Filey, mark your visit to the area with a picture of this statue by Ray Lonsdale.
This is a statue of Freddie Gilroy made from steel, Freddie was a soldier who fought for the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, he was a friend of the famous sculpture maker Roy Lonsdale.
This statue shows Freddie sitting on a bench during his old age, it was made as a tribute to him and also a war memorial. You will find an inscription which reads:
[quote style=”default”]They said for king and country we should do as we were bid, They said old soldiers never die – but plenty young ones did[/quote]This is one of the famous public artworks owned by the town, it was purchased and donated to the town by a local resident.
Take to exploring other parts of England during your visit to Filey, here is a list of things to do in Crewe as well as things to do in Huntingdon for a fun time.
Plan a Trip to Filey
Filey has both a peaceful atmosphere and lots of fun attractions, you will find a visit to this tourist resort quite exciting.
Expect nothing less but fun and love from this little town, take to exploring the Filey attractions and activities listed in this guide for a fun vacation.
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