The log burner crackling, the curtains drawn against the dark, an empty beach walked and the dog asleep by the fire: this is Caramel Cottage at its best. Autumn and winter are quietly the best time to have this stretch of the Yorkshire coast to yourself: empty beaches, dogs welcome along the whole bay again, lower rates, and a log burner to come home to. Here is why the off-season suits Caramel Cottage so well.

The beaches are yours

Out of season, the long sands of Filey Bay and Hunmanby Gap empty out. A big-sky walk with the tide going out, the cliffs at your back and barely another soul about is one of the real pleasures of this coast, and it is at its best from October onwards.

Dogs are welcome everywhere again

Hunmanby Gap, at the bottom of The Bay, is dog-friendly all year. And from 1 October the summer restriction on the central stretch of Filey beach lifts, so for the whole of autumn, winter and early spring your dog can run the entire bay. It is no accident that so many of our guests bring a dog in the quieter months.

Cosy comes into its own

This is when the cottage earns its keep. Light the log burner, settle into the separate living room (a rarity on The Bay), and let the weather do its worst. When you do fancy stretching your legs indoors, the resort pool and sauna are included with your stay.

Everything is quieter

The days out are still there, Whitby, Scarborough, Sewerby, York, just without the summer queues and traffic. And off-season rates make a short autumn or winter break genuinely good value.

When the weather turns

For the genuinely wet afternoons, your stay includes free use of the resort’s indoor leisure centre, with a pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Scarborough and Bridlington have plenty of indoor attractions a short drive away too, and there is the on-site pub, cafe and pizzeria for when you would rather not cook.

Frequently asked questions

Is Filey worth visiting in autumn and winter?

Very much so. The beaches are at their emptiest and most dramatic, the whole of Filey beach opens to dogs again from 1 October, rates are lower than peak summer, and the cottage log burner makes coming back in after a blustery walk a real pleasure.

Are the beaches dog-friendly in the off-season?

Yes, more so than ever. Hunmanby Gap is dog-friendly all year, and the summer restriction on the central stretch of Filey beach lifts on 30 September, so from October right through to spring dogs are welcome along the whole bay.

What is there to do near Filey out of season?

Coastal and Wolds walks, the meadows behind The Bay, quiet beach days, the free resort pool and sauna, and easy days out to Whitby, Scarborough and York that are far quieter than in summer.

Is Caramel Cottage cosy in winter?

Yes. It has a log burner, a separate living room to settle into of an evening, and free use of the heated resort pool, so it is set up for a snug off-season break.

Plan an off-season break at Caramel Cottage on The Bay, Filey. See the cottage and check availability →   Bringing the dog? See our dog-friendly guide →