The popular Yorkshire beaches are incredibly beautiful but unbelievably busy at peak times! There are a few secret spots in Yorkshire where you will find the locals on a busy day. Here are hidden beaches in Yorkshire.
We visit Yorkshire often and spend time with locals. Over the years, we have been told about and stumbled upon so many secluded beaches along the Yorkshire Coast that we thought we would list them in an article. Here is a selection of hidden beaches in Yorkshire.
Saltwick Bay is our favourite hidden beach in Yorkshire
Whitby can get overwhelmingly busy at times. On those busier days, we love visiting Saltwick Bay to escape the chaos.
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Saltwick Bay Beach is a secluded beach accessible via a steep, erosion-damaged path with slippery steps when wet. Please exercise caution when descending to the beach, but don’t let this deter you! It’s an excellent spot for fossil hunting, particularly for ammonites and belemnites. Keep an eye out for Whitby Jet, and feel free to bring your dog along to play on the sand; just be mindful of the nesting seabirds.
Reasons we love Saltwick Bay
- It’s not easy to get to, which we love because this means the beach is never as busy as other more accessible beaches.
- The unique landscape and dramatic coastline make Saltwick Bay a dream for photography.
- It’s full of fossils! It is fantastic for beachcombing; we have found many treasures here.
- It’s on the Cleveland Way, so you can include a visit as part of a longer coastal walk.
- From here, you can see the MV Creteblock wreck, the Admiral Von Tromp wreck and possibly, at low tide, the wreck of the SS Rohilla.
How to reach Saltwick Bay
To access the beach, you can walk up the 199 steps past Whitby Abbey. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can park near the abbey for a small fee. Continue along the Cleveland Way behind Whitby Brewery across the headland. At low tide, you can see the MV Creteblock wreck and possibly, at very low tide, the wreck of the SS Rohilla.
Another way to reach Saltwick Bay is via the beach from Tate Hill Sands, just off the harbour, but you can only attempt this at low tide. If you choose to take this route, wear suitable footwear as it can be very slippy
Runswick Bay
Nine miles North of Whitby is Runswick Bay Beach. This long sandy beach is lovely for spending a few quiet hours away from the busier spots. It has plenty of room for children to play and for your dog to stretch its legs. There are no dog restrictions here at Runswick Bay, which makes it perfect to take the entire family out.
Runswick Bay is an ideal spot for swimming, but if you prefer to stay on dry land, you can pitch a deck chair, explore numerous rock pools or make sandcastles with the kids.
There’s lots of nature and wildlife to enjoy. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and sailing are also popular in the bay. SUP and kayaking are great ways to explore the coast and venture out.
Reasons we love Runswick Bay
- There are no dog restrictions, making it ideal for the whole family.
- The beach is an ideal spot for swimming and watersports.
- The Cleveland Way extends over the cliffs, offering beautiful views and opportunities for walking.
- Runswick Bay is a paradise for fossil hunters, with plenty of ammonites and belemnites on the beach.
- The long sandy beach is lovely for a typical beach day with family or friends.
How to get to Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is approximately 18 minutes from Whitby (approximately 8.7 miles). Click here for directions. Parking in the village is limited, though pay-and-display is possible nearby.
Runswick Bay, Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Robin Hood’s Bay Beach
Robin Hood’s Bay is a fascinating place. The name is shrouded in mystery, and the area is filled with local tales, beautiful cobbled alleys, and Fishermen’s cottages.
The secluded and tranquil atmosphere of the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay makes it a top reason to visit. The views create an ideal setting for strolls or simply unwinding while enjoying the sound of the waves. The beach and surrounding area are dog-friendly, and there are no restrictions at any time of the year.
During high tide, the beach is mostly submerged by water, but when it is out, it reveals a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for rock pooling.
It’s a popular spot for fossil hunters as part of the Dinosaur Coast. Ammonites, belemnites, and footprints from the Cretaceous and Jurassic Periods are regularly found here. The best of them are housed in the museum at Whitby, which is well worth a visit!
Reasons we love Robin Hood’s Bay Beach
- It’s a fantastic spot for rockpooling and fossil hunting.
- It’s a brilliant location for photography.
- You can extend your walk and visit Boggle Hole.
- The village has pubs, restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
- We love to visit Fish Box Robin Hood’s Bay on the clifftop for fish and chips. It has stunning panoramic views across the Bay and out to sea, yet is ideally situated just off the roundabout and car park.
How to get to Robin Hood’s Bay Beach
There is no parking area by the seafront. However, there are two public car parks in the village. The car park at the top of the bay has disabled facilities.
Please be aware that from the car park at the top of the village, there is a steep climb down through the narrow streets to reach the beach. Find further information about parking in Robin Hood’s Bay here.
You can walk to Robin Hood’s Bay from Whitby. This coastal walk will take between 3-4 hours. You can following the walk here.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4SN
Boggle Hole
Boggle Hole, a small cove just one mile south of Robin Hood’s Bay, is steeped in myths and legends. It is situated on the Cleveland Way and is an excellent coastal walk starting point.
Local folklore suggests that a boggle resides in the cave here. According to legends, hobs, hobgoblins, and boggles were mischievous creatures that inhabited caves along the North Yorkshire Coastline and remote moorland areas.
Some believed these boggles possessed magical healing abilities, and mothers would bring their ailing children to the hob holes, hoping for a cure. Additionally, the caves along the coastline were used to conceal smuggled contraband like rum and tobacco. In modern times, the caves are popular among fossil hunters and explorers.
Reasons we love Boggle Hole
- It’s a magical place to take children, read about boggles and make up stories together.
- We love visiting Boggle Hole Youth Hostel, which has been fully refurbished and is getting brilliant reviews! It is the perfect place to stay with family if you want to explore the surrounding area or spend time together on the beach.
- It is a fascinating place to explore. The rocky foreshore contains many fossils, such as belemnites and ammonites.
- The beach is dog-friendly.
How to get to Boggle Hole
The parking area at Boggle Hole is 500m from the beach, and cars are not allowed down the steep hill leading to it. No streetlights are on the walk down to the beach, so it can get quite dark at night. We found the walk through the woodland to the beach truly beautiful. It’s a delightful experience for children, making them feel on a real adventure!
Filey Beach
Filey is an ideal getaway destination, located less than an hour from Whitby. This former fishing village boasts a historic promenade, stunning Edwardian architecture, and a 5-mile sandy bay. With its long stretch of soft, golden sand and picturesque promenade, Filey is a top choice for beach lovers.
The beach is dog-friendly; however, dogs are restricted to specific areas from May 1st to September 30th.
Filey Brigg is a wonderful location for a stroll. Situated to the north of the town centre, it is a peninsula with towering cliffs reaching a height of 20 meters. During low tide, it’s common to see fossil hunters and fishermen in the area. Because of its geological importance, Filey Brigg is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve, and it’s open year-round with no admission fee.
The sea at Filey is generally calm and safe for swimming, although it’s always important to exercise caution. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer. Swimming is best when lifeguards are on duty, and the water conditions are calm.
Before swimming, please check the local weather and tide conditions and follow any safety advice or warnings from lifeguards or beach officials.
Reasons we love Filey Beach
- There are lots of lovely restaurants, cafes and pubs nearby. The Beach Hut at Filey is located on Coble Landing and offers cold drinks, hot drinks, snacks, and hot food to take away with you and enjoy on the beachfront.
- The 5-mile stretch of sandy bay means that even on a busier day, you feel like you’re at a total hidden gem.
- We love to walk to Filey Brigg from here – a designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve.
- Parking at Filey is generally good, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for an accessible beach that offers peace, too.
How to get to Filey Beach
Getting to Filey Beach is much easier than our other hidden beaches in this article. Various parking options are available, though some are charged, and they can get busy during peak times. There is also accessible parking. Availability, restrictions, and parking charges vary by location and time of day/year.
On-street parking: There are several on-street parking spaces available in Filey. However, some may have time restrictions or be reserved for permit holders only. Make sure to check the signs before parking.
Pay-and-display car parks: Filey has several car parks, including the Country Park car park, Station Avenue car park, Coble Landing car park and West Avenue car park. These car parks have varying rates and restrictions, so check before leaving your car.
Filey Beach, Yorkshire YO14 9RD
Hayburn Wyke
Hayburn Wyke is an incredible natural beauty with cliffs, a pebble beach, and waterfalls. The beach is nestled between the villages of Cloughton and Scalby. Accessible via a short, steep path from the cliff top, it’s well worth getting to!
On the beach, you can search for fossils and explore the rock pools to observe sea life. Due to strong currents and cold water, swimming is not advisable here, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
Please be aware that there are no facilities at Hayburn Wyke, so visitors must bring everything they need for their trip, including food and water. It is also important to note that no lifeguards are on duty, so visitors should take extra care, especially if they visit with children. Despite the lack of facilities, Hayburn Wyke is a popular spot for visitors seeking a peaceful, unspoilt beach experience.
Reasons we love Hayburn Wyke
- We love to see the Hayburn Wyke waterfalls. They can be accessed by following the coast path through the woods, which leads visitors to the waterfalls.
- Hayburn Wyke is home to lots of wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
- Hayburn Wyke offers visitors some of the most beautiful coastal walks in North Yorkshire. From exploring the stunning cliffs and beaches to trekking through the lush green woods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- You can grab a refreshment at the Hayburn Wyke Inn, a coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. This country pub offers a warm welcome in a traditional setting.
How to get to Hayburn Wyke
There is a car park next to the Hayburn Wyke Inn at the start of the path leading down to the beach. The beach can be accessed via the Cleveland Way coastal path and the Cinder Track, a disused railway track between Scarborough and Whitby. Bring sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather, as some paths can be steep and rocky.
Hayburn Wyke, Scarborough YO12 6LD
Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay is an excellent destination for a seaside getaway. It features a beautiful sandy beach and is conveniently located just a short drive from Scarborough and Filey.
The large sandy bay of Cayton Beach offers a tranquil and rural atmosphere, with woodland spilling onto the beach. Backed by cliffs and surrounded by scenic countryside, the area offers various amenities, including a surf shop, cafes, and toilets. Additionally, Cayton Bay is near popular attractions such as Scarborough Castle and the Flamingo Land Theme Park.
The bay here is a favourite among surfers and windsurfers. It boasts one of the oldest surf schools in the UK, which has been offering surfing lessons at Cayton since 1989. The Scarborough Surf School is located on this beach and offers classes and equipment rentals if you fancy trying it. This beach is lifeguarded. Dogs are welcome here all year round.
Reasons we love Cayton Bay
- We love visiting Lucy’s Shack here. Located at the north end, it serves hot drinks in real mugs, bacon butties, and homemade cakes at a reasonable price.
- Cayton Bay is a fantastic destination for families, with its clean, safe beach and various amenities nearby.
- There are lots of places to stay nearby. Cayton Bay Holiday Park is lovely and has plenty to entertain the whole family.
- The bay is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of all levels to its waves.
How to get to Cayton Bay Beach
Parking is located at the top of a steep path that descends to the beach. It’s important to note that the path to the beach is quite steep.
Beach Safety
Although the beach is an excellent place for fun, knowing its potential risks is essential. Familiarising yourself with these risks can help you avoid danger and ensure safety. The water safety guides from the RNLI offer valuable insights into spotting hazards in the water and along the coast, empowering you to stay safe and avoid potential risks.
It’s vital always to have a means of getting help when you’re at the beach, especially in a more secluded location!
If you’re planning to venture into the water, keeping your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch is strongly recommended. In an emergency involving yourself or others, you can swiftly call for assistance, ensuring a prompt response and potentially saving lives.
In case of a coastal emergency in the UK, dial 999, and in Ireland, dial 112 and request the coastguard
Click here for beach safety tips and learn how to keep you and your loved ones safe at the seaside.
Whether for a stroll, a peaceful picnic, or to take in the stunning views, these hidden beaches are waiting to be discovered and cherished by all who seek a more secluded coastal experience. Let us know your favourite in the comments.
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