Burniston: Cinder Track, Dinosaur Footprints and Village History

Burniston combines active days on the Cinder Track with surprising traces of Earth’s history and well-preserved historic buildings. When planning your trip, the question is therefore less about choosing a single main attraction and more about deciding on your preferred rhythm: would you like to cover long distances on foot or by bicycle, explore the architectural history of the village, or look for distinctive natural and fossil traces around Burniston Bay? These priorities can help you tailor your search for suitable holiday accommodation or a holiday cottage to your itinerary.

The Cinder Track for active holiday days

The Cinder Track forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1 and runs for 17 miles between Scarborough and Whitby. The route is almost entirely traffic-free and is suitable for walking, wheelchair users, cycling and horse riding. This allows you to plan your trip around different preferences without all family members having to choose the same activity.

In 2024, a two-and-a-half-kilometre section of the Cinder Track between Burniston and Cloughton was improved. The Cinder Track also has a signal-controlled Toucan pedestrian crossing over the busy A165. This specific information is helpful when planning your routes around the village and the track in advance.

Dinosaur Footprints at Burniston Bay

Burniston Bay is considered a notable site for dinosaur footprints preserved in rocks of the Ravenscar Group. A three-toed track, probably made by a large theropod, was found on a beach at Burniston Bay. For children and adults alike, this offers a vivid reason to view the landscape with an eye for geological details. Looking for footprints adds a completely different holiday experience to an active day on the Cinder Track.

Historic Houses and Village Character

Burniston’s architectural history also offers specific discoveries. Sykes Farmhouse is a former farmhouse with a barn dating from the mid-18th century. It is built of coursed sandstone and has a pantile roof. Low Farm dates from the late 18th century; this farmhouse also features dressed stone and a pantile roof.

The historic buildings also include the former post office with the cottage attached on the right. The house dates from the 17th century and was probably heightened and refaced in the 19th century. Cliff Top House is a late-18th-century farmhouse that is now used as a dwelling. Those interested in regional architecture can include these different buildings in their exploration of the village without focusing the entire holiday exclusively on a single attraction.

Sport and Village Life

For a more active stay, Court 1 at Burniston & Cloughton Village Hall provides a multi-purpose sports area for basketball, football and junior netball. The renovated tennis courts and the Village Hall’s MUGA are also available for use. In 2024, Burniston Methodist Church celebrated 145 years of worship in the village of Burniston. Alongside the route and landscape, this provides further connections to the village’s community life and built character.

Other Places for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to compare Burniston with other destinations, you can also include Aldwark, Sneaton, Malton, West Rounton, Kildale, Bainbridge, Redmire and Bilbrough in your wider search.

For the overarching travel overview: North Yorkshire.