IN PICTURES: Myths and legends of our Yorkshire coast and countryside

Hobgoblins, smugglers, vampires and lands that time forgot – there is more to the coastline and countryside than meets the eye.
Staithes: Beautiful mermaids have been caught in fishermens nets in the fishing village.

Legend has it two mermaids were swept ashore during a storm. They were imprisoned for months before charming a fisherman to set them free.Staithes: Beautiful mermaids have been caught in fishermens nets in the fishing village.

Legend has it two mermaids were swept ashore during a storm. They were imprisoned for months before charming a fisherman to set them free.
Staithes: Beautiful mermaids have been caught in fishermens nets in the fishing village. Legend has it two mermaids were swept ashore during a storm. They were imprisoned for months before charming a fisherman to set them free.

“We’ve never needed magic more in our lives, and the Yorkshire Coast is one of the very few places left in the UK where you can still find it,” said Janet Deacon, tourism and corporate marketing manager for Scarborough Borough Council and area director for Welcome to Yorkshire.