Runswick Sands is a nearly mile-long sandy beach forming the southern part of Runswick Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. The beach is backed by cliffs which provide shelter from the wind, often resulting in calmer seas that are suitable for paddleboarding and kayaking. The primary launch point for paddlers is a concrete slipway at the southern end of the bay, providing direct access to the North Sea. There is a council-run car park with approximately 80 spaces, for which the daily charge is £5.30. The beach is not wheelchair accessible, and the carry from the car park to the water's edge can be significant depending on the tide. There are public toilets available. Paddleboards and kayaks are available for hire locally. The water quality is reported as good. The beach is dog-friendly and there are no seasonal lifeguard services. The area is exposed to the open North Sea, so conditions can change rapidly; paddlers should be experienced and prepared for cold water even in summer. The shallow edges and generally calm conditions within the sheltered bay are noted, but venturing beyond the bay requires careful assessment of sea state and weather. Notable sights from the water include the historic village of Runswick Bay, the Hob Holes caves in the cliffs to the south, and the dramatic headlands. The coastline southwards features fossil-rich areas like Kettleness Sands, accessible via a scramble over the rocky Hill Stones reef at low tide. There have been increased sightings of bottlenose dolphins and occasional humpback whales in the waters off the coast. A popular day trip for experienced paddlers is the coastal route south to Whitby, passing Kettleness and Sandsend along the way.