Review: Yorkshire by the Sea – God’s Own Country in Every Stunning Shot

Yorkshire By the Sea does exactly what it promises to do: it showcases the stunning coastal regions of Yorkshire and introduces us to the residents who call this beautiful part of the world home. We meet several captivating characters, such as the Robson family of fishers in Bridlington, boatbuilder Andrew Morrison in Whitby, and dedicated volunteers at the Bempton Cliffs nature reserve. We also visit Whitby again to explore a wildlife rescue center. At the Scarborough Spa, we are introduced to Dave Brewin, and we encounter sea swimmers from the Hub who dive into the waters of the south bay for an adrenaline rush, in addition to many more interesting locals.

As a Lancastrian, it’s difficult to admit, but the breathtaking scenery of Yorkshire truly earns its moniker as “God’s own country.” Every shot is a testament to its beauty. Bridlington gleams, the kittiwakes at Bempton flutter like sunlit snowflakes, and a visit to the Scarborough Spa feels like stepping back into the Victorian era.

The residents are equally enchanting. Angela Belk, a volunteer with the bird charity RSPB for 33 years, watches the kittiwake colony with a sense of satisfaction. We witness Neil Robson teach his grandson Louis, who dreams of going to sea, how to tie a clove hitch. The Robson family treats their boat, the Genesis Rose, with as much care as any family member. Although Neil is retired, he invests his would-be pension in a new boat to ensure his sons can continue the family business. “I don’t know how I got on without them,” he muses, adding with typical Yorkshire candor, “Because apparently I do everything wrong.”

Another compelling character is Alexandra Farmer, who left her job as a primary school teacher to work full-time at the Whitby wildlife sanctuary. She traded a classroom of unruly children for a sanctuary filled with chicks, cygnets, badgers, and even a peacock among the 6,000 animals the charity cares for annually. She also deals with the fiercely injured gannet Rocky, who requires two people to manage but is eventually released back into the wild at Bempton.

The larger world and its issues mostly stay in the background. Neil briefly touches on the changing conditions of North Sea fishing, and Angela mentions warmer seas affecting kittiwake food sources. However, the series doesn’t dwell on these matters. Andrew’s boatyard is one of the last of its kind, but the implications for local industry are not deeply explored.

Yet, the theme of industry persists. Neil speaks of the difficulty in finding individuals willing to do manual labor, reminiscing about a time when a good week on the North Sea was considered a holiday. He expresses pride in his sons and employee Joe, who has been working since he finished school.

At the Scarborough Spa, Dave is another example of enduring work ethic, having postponed retirement because he enjoys his job so much. This pride contrasts sharply with today’s gig economy and zero-hours contracts, which often lack the same fulfillment and dignity. Andrew reflects on lifelong friendships formed at work, and Neil exemplifies passing down a family tradition to the next generation. These moments invoke a nostalgia for a time when work provided a lasting sense of satisfaction and community.

But who wants to dwell on such reflections for long? Instead, let’s return to the kittiwakes and the cliffs. Angela joyfully spots the first egg of the season, serving as a gentle reminder that life continues despite the challenges.

Yorkshire By the Sea aired on Channel 4 and is available online.

Source: The Guardian