Robin Hood's Bay is a small coastal village on the North Yorkshire coast, set within a steep-sided valley that reaches the North Sea. Its tightly packed stone cottages, narrow lanes, and winding passages descend toward a rocky shore, giving the village a distinctive layout shaped by its position between the cliffs and the sea. Robin Hood's Bay lies within the North York Moors National Park and forms part of the Yorkshire coast, with walking routes connecting it to nearby settlements and beaches. The Cleveland Way passes along the cliffs above the village.

The village has a strong maritime identity, shaped by fishing, coastal trade, and local folklore. Its compact streets developed around the natural contours of the valley, while many buildings retain features associated with their former use as homes, workshops, and commercial premises. Robin Hood's Bay is also associated with stories of smuggling, reflecting the isolated coastline and numerous small passages leading toward the shore. The village's name has inspired various legends, although there is no established historical connection between Robin Hood and the settlement. Local heritage is explored at the Robin Hood's Bay Museum.

The surrounding landscape combines high cliffs, rocky shorelines, grassland, and open moorland. At low tide, the beach reveals extensive areas of rock pools and exposed shoreline, while the cliffs provide elevated views along the coast. The Cleveland Way National Trail runs through the village, linking it with destinations including Whitby and Ravenscar. Nearby, Boggle Hole is a small coastal cove reached by a footpath south of the village, while the wider North York Moors provide walking routes through heather-covered moorland and wooded valleys. Whitby Abbey and the historic town of Whitby are also within easy reach.

Robin Hood's Bay's food traditions reflect its coastal setting and Yorkshire surroundings. Fish and seafood are commonly featured in local cafés and restaurants, while Yorkshire specialities such as Yorkshire pudding and locally produced cheeses can be found in the wider area. The village also has a tradition of small pubs and tearooms occupying former fishermen's cottages and other historic buildings. One unusual feature is the village's network of narrow lanes, some of which are so confined that larger vehicles cannot pass. The steep descent from the upper village to the waterfront adds to its distinctive physical character.