Easter sunday at robin hood’s Bay

On Easter Sunday we headed to one of my favourite places in North Yorkshire; the charming, winding streets of the coastal village, Robin Hoods Bay. The weather was sunny and a blue sky was hiding just underneath a LOT of sea fret - probably the most I’ve seen here ever. Having not used the Lensbaby for a while I decided to take it out and grab some tilt shift photos. I used the Optic 50 which gives a slice of focus plane and is a bit of an acquired taste.

Apparently, the village's name is believed to be derived from the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, although there is no concrete evidence linking him to the area. "Bay" refers to the natural bay the village overlooks. In medieval times, the village was a bustling fishing and smuggling port. During the 18th century, Robin Hood's Bay was notorious for its smuggling activities. The village's maze-like alleyways and hidden passages provided ideal hiding spots for smugglers, who brought in contraband goods such as tea, alcohol, and tobacco from Europe. Smuggling continued well into the 19th century but declined with the increase in policing.

Alongside smuggling, fishing was a vital part of Robin Hood's Bay's history. The village was home to a thriving fishing industry, with fishermen venturing out into the North Sea to catch herring, cod, and other fish. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Robin Hood's Bay saw a decline in both fishing and smuggling activities. However, it began to attract tourists drawn to its picturesque setting, historic charm, and rugged coastline.

Walking the narrow streets of Robin Hood’s Bay always makes me think of Cornwall - the little painted houses, ice cream shops and cosy pubs. Its popularity means it can be quite tricky to find a quiet day there and Easter Sunday was no exception; families and people walking their dogs were out in force. We had some fish and chips overlooking the sea and let our two dogs have a good run around in the rock pools before heading home. The atmosphere was lovely - so friendly :) Can’t wait for more days like this now we’re heading into spring and summer!

I’ve popped a few of my favourite images into the Print Shop.

You can find the exact location of Robin Hood’s Bay here.