The Yorkshire coast boasts the jewel that is Filey Beach, a delightful seaside town and civil parish tucked away in the borough of Scarborough.

With close to 3,000 glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, visitors have labelled the five-mile wide beach as 'excellent', with accolades ranking it 'among the best beaches in the world.'

Showcasing an expansive stretch of golden sands and a striking peninsula hugging the coastline, the beach near Scarbrough seems destined to impress.

When reporter Samuel Port embarked on a trip to the much-admired seaside spot, he was determined to verify the glowing testimonials and see if Filey could indeed be an alternative to overseas adventures.

After a brief run up the A64, Samuel arrived at the charming coastal village marked by its labyrinth of narrow streets and twisting alleys.

Approaching the seafront, Samuel said: "We faced a steep drop, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already bustling streets, where applying the brakes became a necessity as tourists meandered and cars struggled up the incline from the other direction."

First impressions might not immediately conjure up images of an 'idyllic seaside retreat', but the reporter agreed that there's an undeniable allure similar to that of a lively French coastal town.

He described the charming place as "a mix of shops, hotels, apartment blocks, and picturesque dwellings are tucked into every nook, offering breathtaking views of the expansive blue as you draw closer to the water's edge," reports the Mirror.

Samuel noted that parking on the streets was a bit of a challenge, but that the local council does offer free parking to help encourage visitors.

Speaking about his visit, Samuel said: "As you wander towards the seafront, you'll stumble upon quaint cafes nestled beneath the hilly terrain. These spots provide alfresco dining and cater to all classic seaside cravings, from ice creams and chilled coffees to fish and chips and fresh seafood."

Samuel added: "Unexpectedly, we stumbled upon a shop selling dog-specific ice cream - a charming and unforeseen discovery. There are also souvenir shops brimming with beach necessities like flip-flops, spades, buckets, lidos and inflatable rings."

He continued: "The beach would have been utterly breathtaking if it weren't for the cloudy weather. On a sunny day, which we've had our fair share of during the recent heatwave, you'd have to pinch yourself to remember that you hadn't been transported to a tropical paradise."

Filey is not just about the beach, it offers a variety of attractions including crazy golf, a small trampoline park, and amusement arcades. The town is also home to the notable 'High Tide in Short Wellies' statue, which depicts a fisherman in Wellington boots gazing out to sea, while a mischievous rat attempts to nab his catch.

Samuel summed up his experience: "As the day wore on, the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed and laid-back. The earlier hustle and bustle gave way to a tranquil ambience that enveloped tourists, shops, and attractions alike, creating a peaceful haven where time seemed to stand still."

He added, "The gentle waves lapping at the shore, their rhythmic dance highlighting the shimmering seabed. Given good weather, Filey presents a strong argument for a holiday experience that rivals going abroad, particularly for those seeking budget-friendly options or wishing to avoid long journeys."