Cayton Bay, situated three miles south of Scarborough, is a wild and rugged stretch of the North Yorkshire coast. Known for its wide sweeping bay, family-friendly sandy beach and dramatic Jurassic cliffs, it offers a quieter alternative to the busier nearby resorts of Scarborough and Filey.
Cayton Bay is the premier surfing destination on the Yorkshire coast. It is home to the Scarborough Surf School, the region's longest-running surf shop, which offers lessons and equipment hire for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and kayaking.
The 150-million-year-old cliffs are a magnet for fossil hunters. Visitors often find Jurassic-era fossils along the shoreline, and guided "Fossil Safaris" are frequently held in the bay.
One of the few beaches in the area with no seasonal restrictions, dogs are welcome to roam the sands all year round at Cayton Bay.
Birdwatchers can spot various species nesting in the cliffs, while history enthusiasts can find WWII-era pillboxes on the beach. Walk along the Cleveland Way coast path along Cayton Bay for a mixture of dense woodland and cliff-top views, but expect a number of steps.
The beach is reached via a steep concrete path from the cliff top, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or wheelchairs. There is another similarly steep path a few hundred yards to the south. The A165 Scarborough to Filey road runs by Cayton Bay.
Paid:
A dedicated car park with 150 spaces is located near the surf school for approximately £5 per day. Be aware that penalty notices for overstaying can reach £60–£100. Free:
Limited free street parking is available on the old road just north of the main entrance, though these spaces fill up quickly during peak weekends.
RNLI lifeguards are on duty during the peak summer season. Visitors should be cautious of strong currents and check tide times
before arrival, as the beach significantly narrows at high tide.
The Salty Dog:
Located at the north end of the bay, serving hot drinks, bacon rolls, and homemade cakes.
The Tow Bar:
A family-friendly pub in Cayton village featuring a large outdoor play area and home-cooked meals.
Scarborough is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Yorkshire Coast. From dramatic cliffs towering over 600ft above the North Sea, to coastal villages where houses cling to the cliff, between which you can get lost in a maze of narrow streets filled with the echoes of smuggling. Busy resorts like Whitby & Bridlington, wide sweeping bays like Filey Bay, dramatic chalk cliffs at Bempton and Flamborough all await to be discovered. Here's some ideas to get you started...
Get Your Scarborough Fix In '26!
Welcome to Scarborough on the stunning Yorkshire Coast. Award winning sandy beaches, breath-taking coastline, wonderful family attractions and some of the best events in the country.
Scarborough has a huge variety of Accommodation. We have hotels, guest houses, cottages, apartments, holiday parks and much more.
Scarborough has world-class attractions including Scarborough Castle, Alpamare Waterpark, Sealife Scarborough, North Yorkshire Waterpark and many more...
Scarborough has a huge range of events from Armed Forces Day, to Scarborough Open Air Theatre concerts, welcoming the world's biggest acts to the Yorkshire Coast...
