A tiny community in one of the UK’s most stunning villages is on the brink of being forced out by tourists buying second homes.
It was has been hailed as one of the best places to live in the UK but life in Runswick Bay isn’t quite as hunky-dory as its quaint beauty might lead you to believe.
There is no denying that the pantile red-roofed cottages and narrow alleyways carved into the cliffside provide a perfect backdrop to the shimmering North Sea water.
Renowned for being one of North Yorkshire’s most scenic destinations with a white sand beach once also crowned Britain’s best, it’s all very pleasing on the eye.
But it’s the incredible nature of the village’s appearance and picturesque location that’s actually at the root of its downfall for some locals.
It’s become so popular that residents are left feeding on scraps left behind by selfish tourists who snap up houses, leaving just ‘one cottage on the market at a time’.
Demand for properties in the village is extremely high but are rarely available and prices have been driven up by outsiders landing themselves a holiday home.
The owner of a café who was born and bred in Runswick told YorkshireLive: ‘It’s really peaceful here on days like this, and there’s no traffic.
‘It used to never get too busy, but after the first lockdown there were lots of people flocking here.
‘I think there are 14 permanent residents here. In my lifetime though, it’s always been holiday accommodation in the majority.’
The cafe owner believes the reputation Runswick Bay gained as a beauty spot during lockdown after the Sunday Times named it the UK’s best beach made things even worse.
He said: ‘When it’s too heaving, everyone’s experience is degraded.’
Another woman who used to live in the village as a child said: ‘Runswick has changed so much over the years – I remember there being way more permanent residents.
‘I also remember there used to be a busy local’s bar and that’s quite sad that it’s gone. Like anywhere, the locals have been priced out.
‘Houses don’t come to market very often and when they do they’re very expensive.’
First-time visitors Richard and Helen Foster immediately got the sense it was a place aimed at tourists when they arrived.
They said: ‘We just love this area, even though it’s quite touristy.
‘Even though it’s grey today, we’ve had a lovely time walking along the whole beach.’
Another visitor was 85-year-old Colin Elliott who has been coming to the area to rekindle old memories for 20 years.
He said: ‘It’s such a nice place and it holds such memories for me of my partner and myself.
‘It’s very peaceful. I’d live here if I had the money.’
Despite its popularity among second home buyers, the village isn’t the most practical for living day-to-day, according to one couple who were visiting.
Graham and Lane said: ‘It’s a lovely place, but I’m not sure these ‘best places to live’ rankings often consider a lot of the actual practicalities.
‘It’s beautiful, but I can’t imagine raising teenagers or anything here or trying to find a job.
‘You’d have to work remotely or commute somewhere else. There aren’t any shops in the village either and there isn’t a train station close either.’
The cafe owner added: ‘I do wish the village was a bit more lived in, but a lot of the cottages here are actually very small and not suitable for modern residents.
‘I think most families would struggle to actually live here.’
Amid frustrations of the village being taken over by those wanting a holiday home, there are some who are perfectly happy with it being predominantly a tourist attraction.
Tom Rose, who has managed the Royal Hotel in the centre of Runswick Bay for two years, said he ‘loves it here whatever the weather’.
He said: ‘Runswick definitely has a certain charm to it that people fall in love with. Most of the cottage owners don’t live in them but they’re often here throughout the year.
‘Everyone who comes in is lovely, probably because they’re all in holiday mode! We do get some locals who come in and they’re lovely too.
‘All the houses have probably come down through generations. I do think Runswick is a bit of a hidden gem, but once you find it you know the whole thing.’
In March 2023, angry locals in Cornwall waged war on second homes by targeting properties with giant graffiti slogans.
A strong message spray painted on a wall outside one holiday home read: ‘Second home owners give something back: Rent or sell your empty houses to local people at a fair price.’
This article was first published on May 10, 2023.
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