Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay is a small fishing village and a bay located within the North York Moors National Park. The origin of the name is uncertain, and it is doubtful if Robin Hood was ever in the vicinity.

The town, which consists of a maze of tiny streets, has a tradition of smuggling, and there is reputed to be a network of subterranean passageways linking the houses. During the late 18th century smuggling was rife on the Yorkshire coast. Vessels from the continent brought contraband which was distributed by contacts on land and the operations were financed by syndicates who made profits without the risks taken by the seamen and the villagers. Tea, gin, rum, brandy and tobacco were among the contraband smuggled into Yorkshire from the Netherlands and France to avoid the duty.

Robin Hood's Bay is built in a fissure between two steep cliffs. Robin Hood's Bay is also famous for the large number of fossils which may be found on its beach.