Secluded Yorkshire beach away from the hustle and bustle belongs in Greece

I visited the secret Yorkshire beach - Cayton Bay
-Credit: (Image: Megan Banner)


There's nothing quite like the tranquillity of a secluded beach, and in Yorkshire, we're blessed with an abundance of picturesque coastal spots. However, many are unaware of the hidden gems that our county has to offer, such as Cayton Bay.

Located just a few miles south of Scarborough, this spot offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of busy seaside resorts.

Intrigued by this lesser-known location, I decided to venture to Cayton Bay myself. Initially, it proved somewhat challenging to locate - when they say it's hidden, they truly mean it.

READ MORE: Yorkshire city 'like something from a fairytale' named UK's prettiest

Parking is available on the side of what appears to be a layby, leading onto a single farm track which takes you to a small cafe offering refreshments. Below this seaside shop, steps descend down the cliffside onto the stunning bay, where the views are simply breathtaking.

This secret spot boasts beautiful sandy beaches, charming rock pools and a serene sea, all framed by lush green cliffs. It's the ideal setting for unwinding and fully relaxing. Moreover, it seems to be a popular surf spot known only to locals, with numerous people taking to the waves during my visit.

Honestly, I could have spent hours just sitting there, listening to the waves crashing onto the shore. On a hot day, it felt almost like being on the Greek coastline. It was incredibly beautiful and quickly became one of my favourite spots along the Yorkshire coast. My only regret is not discovering it sooner.

What I loved most about this place was its tranquillity. There were no noises from busy roads, no crowds, and no commercial shops spoiling the idyllic coastline. I'd even go as far as to say it's now my favourite place to unwind and reset.

And all this was on a wet and chilly Wednesday. Just imagine how breathtakingly beautiful the bay would be on a sunny, scorching day. It's honestly one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in Yorkshire - I'd even willingly swim in the sea here.

If you're considering spending a weekend here, there's a caravan park within walking distance. The area also has a bit of history, with war defence pillboxes scattered along the coastline.

The only downside for families might be the lack of activities for children, apart from the beach. But that's one of the reasons why I love this charming little bay so much. Former Yorkshire Live reporter Megan Banner visited the beautiful location last year.

The view of Cayton Bay from the high cliffs at the southern end of the bay. -Credit:Getty
The view of Cayton Bay from the high cliffs at the southern end of the bay. -Credit:Getty

Like this story? Sign up to our Explore Yorkshire newsletter where we showcase the best of Yorkshire locations and destinations as well as selected offers and competitions. Sign up here.