Port Mulgrave Beach

About Port Mulgrave Beach

Port Mulgrave is a small, historic coastal hamlet located on the rugged North Sea shoreline of North Yorkshire, England. Situated between the larger seaside towns of Staithes and Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Port Mulgrave lies within the dramatic landscape of the North York Moors coastline. Though quiet and sparsely populated today, it once played a significant role in the region’s ironstone industry during the nineteenth century.

The settlement was established in the mid-1800s following the discovery of ironstone in the cliffs of the area. Mining operations quickly developed, and Port Mulgrave became an important export point. Ironstone extracted from nearby mines was transported along cliff-top tramways and lowered down to the small harbour below. From there, ships carried the raw material to industrial centres such as Middlesbrough, which was rapidly expanding due to the booming iron and steel industry. The harbour itself was protected by a stone pier, remnants of which can still be seen today at low tide.

The village was named after the Mulgrave Estate, owned by the influential Phipps family, whose title is associated with Mulgrave Castle. The estate played a central role in the development of mining infrastructure in the area. At its peak, Port Mulgrave was a busy industrial settlement, complete with workers’ housing, workshops, and transport systems carved into the steep cliffs.

Today, Port Mulgrave is largely residential and known for its peaceful atmosphere, dramatic coastal views, and fossil-rich shoreline. Walkers and history enthusiasts visit the area to explore the remains of the old harbour and mining features embedded in the cliffs. The Cleveland Way long-distance footpath passes nearby, offering sweeping views of the coastline. Though small in size, Port Mulgrave stands as a quiet reminder of Yorkshire’s industrial heritage, where nature has slowly reclaimed a once-thriving centre of maritime and mining activity.

Are dogs allowed on Port Mulgrave beach?

Dogs are allowed to be walked on Port Mulgrave beach as there are no restrictions at any time of year, but be aware the walk down is steep.

Getting to Port Mulgrave Beach

Address: Hinderwell, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS13 5HW

You will need to make the journey to Port Mulgrave beach by foot as it’s a long way down from the Cleveland Way trail which runs along the cliff side.

On foot

If you’re staying in the village at one of the holiday cottages, you won’t need to travel far. You can reach Port Mulgrave beach by heading for the Cleveland Way trail. When you see the signage, head down the steps to the beach (the steps are steep but there is rope in place to act as a handrail). As of 2022, these steps have been washed away by a land slip, so be aware you will need to use the rope if you head down. We recommend taking extra care.

By car

There is very limited parking available in Port Mulgrave village, so we recommend parking in Staithes and walking the Cleveland Way trail round to Port Mulgrave beach. There is ample parking available in the pay and display car park off Staithes Lane, close to Captain Cook Inn.

By bus

You can travel to Port Mulgrave by bus, but you will need to make the final leg of the journey on foot. The bus stop is located in Hinderwell, meaning you will need to walk down Rosedale Lane to the village of Port Mulgrave and then down the steps to the beach (15 minute walk).