Staycation in Filey, on the Yorkshire coast

   

          "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

I guess when you think of a holiday in the UK you think of rain and more rain!  So what could we expect when I booked a family staycation in Filey on England’s North Sea coast for six adults and a toddler, in April!  ☔🌧🌈

Family holidays since Victorian times

On arrival at Flithers cottage we were welcomed with a bottle of wine, which was definitely a good start!  The cottage is an 18th century listed building, lovely, full of character and well equipped, with an attractive walled garden.  Soli was very impressed too and had fun exploring every nook and cranny.

Flithers cottage, Filey ♡

The cottage was actually quite big which meant that we could all have our own space if we needed to, including Soli, who found his in the bottom of my wardrobe!

Soli, getting away from it all!

Several days with family and not one fall out 😃well, apart from Soli, who had quite a few tantrums, like when mummy insisted he came down the stairs on his tummy, and not on his back. 😢

Getting over a tantrum and 'chillin' with uncle Nick  

Flithers is in the middle of Filey which meant we could walk everywhere, with a choice of restaurants and pubs if you wanted a night off cooking.  We had a great Chinese takeaway from Gold River and the local chippy was good too.

Filey Beach

Children really don't mind if the sun doesn’t shine on holiday and exploring the beach can be lots of fun despite the weather.  Filey has a long sandy beach and we got to know it well, even in the rain!   Soli was well kitted out with his all-in-one rain suit and welly boots and thoroughly enjoyed eating the sand as well as playing in it.

Both granddad and I enjoyed doing all the family bits… the things that you did with your own kids you now do again as grandparents and with just as much enthusiasm.

Being photobombed by Grandad

Filey is an ideal base for exploring the local area, just make sure you have plenty of refuelling stops!

Lots of lovely homemade cakes sold here, including gluten free!

We visited Filey Animal Sanctuary ( cos, young children just luv animals!)  Severby Hall with pretty gardens and miniature zoo is ideal for young children.  Bondville Model Village is lovely and Soli particularly loved the train and brass band.

When in Filey, you really have to visit Scarborough, a ‘Kiss Me Quick Hat’, kind of a place, it reminds me of Blackpool but more upmarket with lots going on, especially for kids.

End of the South Bay, Scarborough. Add caption

When we visited at the weekend the place was heaving with a great family buzz and we enjoyed the beach, funfair and visited the aquarium before a lovely fishy meal at the Golden Grid restaurant, on the sea front.  They do a really good fish chowder and seafood casserole.  

A first for Soli, but maybe mummy needs to get out more! 😉

Soli enjoying fish and chips...and ketchup!

Scarborough Sea Life centre

 For me, family is very important and because we all lead busy lives and live in different towns, sometimes you really have to work at getting people together, but it's so worth it!

I booked the cottage for a week and people came and went.  Grandad could only come for three days and then left for a business trip to Germany.  He was so glad he made the effort to come as he was able to spend time with each of his girls and precious time with Soli.

When Soli went home, my youngest daughter and I were able to have a proper catch up and enjoyed a walk to Filey Brigg...perfect ❤️

A cold, April day

Just as well I remembered my woolly hat 

Steep cliffs and lovely coastal views

Filey Brigg, a long, low headland jutting far out into Filey bay.

The end of a busy week, and as I dropped my daughter off at the station and prepared for my drive home I really did feel blessed 💙🌝