‘Hidden gem’ Yorkshire beach that welcomes dogs all year round

An expanse of sand tucked beneath Jurassic cliffs, Cayton Bay has long been loved by surfers, walkers and dog owners, yet many visitors still drive straight past it on the way to bigger resorts nearby.

Four miles from Scarborough, the beach feels far wilder and more peaceful than the traditional promenade resorts further up the coast, according to visitors.

And to add to its appeal, The Telegraph named Cayton Bay one of the best UK secret beaches in a list back in 2023.

Regular visitors describe it as one of the most beautiful stretches of the Yorkshire coastline, with many saying the steep walk down to the bay helps keep the crowds away.

Cayton Bay (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Unlike busier seaside spots packed with arcades and amusements, the bay has a much more natural atmosphere.

There are no rows of beach huts or noisy attractions, just sand, sea and cliffs stretching along the coast towards Filey and Scarborough.

At low tide, rockpools appear around the edges of the bay, making it a favourite for children hunting for crabs and shells, while fossil hunters regularly search the cliffs for Jurassic remains dating back around 150 million years.

The beach is also known for its clean water and huge open space, with visitors often commenting on how peaceful it feels compared with nearby resorts.

One of Yorkshire’s best beaches for dogs

One of Cayton Bay’s biggest attractions is that dogs are allowed all year round, with no seasonal bans restricting access to the sand.

That makes it especially popular with dog walkers looking for long coastal walks without worrying about restrictions during the summer months.

Many regulars say the beach is ideal for letting dogs run freely, thanks to the sheer amount of open space, while the quieter atmosphere means it rarely feels overcrowded.

Visitors are advised to keep an eye on dogs near the sea during rough conditions, as the bay can become choppy when the surf is up.

A favourite spot for surfers and paddleboarders

Cayton Bay has built a reputation as one of the best surfing beaches on the Yorkshire coast, regularly attracting surfers from across the region.

The exposed position of the bay helps create reliable waves, while Scarborough Surf School offers lessons, equipment hire and paddleboarding sessions for beginners wanting to try the water for the first time.

Even if you are not surfing yourself, watching the surfers out beyond the breakers has become part of the atmosphere of the bay, particularly during breezy autumn and winter days.

Wildlife, fossils and coastal walks

The rugged cliffs surrounding Cayton Bay are part of the Yorkshire coast’s famous Jurassic geology and are known for fossil discoveries, particularly after rough seas or cliff falls.

Walkers also use the beach as part of longer coastal routes linking Scarborough and Filey, with clifftop paths offering panoramic views across the bay and out into the North Sea.

Seabirds are commonly spotted along the cliffs, while lucky visitors occasionally report seeing dolphins further offshore during calmer weather.

Because the beach remains relatively undeveloped, it retains a peaceful feel that many visitors say is increasingly hard to find on the Yorkshire coast.

Facilities, parking and access

Part of what keeps Cayton Bay quieter than nearby resorts is the slightly more challenging access.

Visitors reach the beach via a sloping path and a series of steps leading down from the clifftop car park, meaning the return walk can feel steep, something several visitors mention in reviews.

However, many say the effort is more than worth it once you reach the sand below.

Parking is available near the top of the cliffs around the Killerby Cliff area, while public toilets and food options are located close to the beach entrance.

The highly rated Salty Dog café has become a favourite stop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches and cakes before or after a walk along the beach, although some visitors note prices can be higher than average seaside cafés.

Holiday park and nearby attractions

Cayton Bay Holiday Park sits just above the beach and is one of the area’s most popular family holiday destinations, offering caravans, lodges, swimming facilities and children’s activities within walking distance of the coast.

The bay also makes an easy base for exploring the wider Yorkshire coast, sitting roughly between Scarborough and Filey, while Whitby can be reached in under an hour by car.