North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay is a beach situated in Yorkshire, UK, located 3 miles south of Scarborough. The beach offers a serene and untamed ambiance, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the commotion of overcrowded beaches.

A prominent feature of Cayton Bay is its popularity among surfers and windsurfers, owing to its exposure to the North Sea. The beach boasts one of the most longstanding surf schools in the UK.

The cliffs formed during the Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago, provide a unique opportunity for bird watchers and fossil hunters to observe and collect specimens.

The northern end of the beach features WWII pillboxes and is an unofficial naturist spot that may lead to prosecution. Facilities are available at the car park, which is accessible via a steep path down the cliff. Dogs are permitted on the beach.

Discover accommodation options near Cayton Bay to enjoy its serene ambiance and thrilling surf experiences.

It is noteworthy that the beach comprises sand and loses sunlight by mid-afternoon due to the cliffs towards the southwest.

What to do at Cayton Bay?

Bars

Best bars near Cayton Bay include Tow Bar and Cayton Bay Beach.

Restaurants

One of the best restaurants near Cayton Bay is Amir & Kamy's Pizza Plaza.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that the beach is great for dog walking and has beautiful scenery, with the added bonus of a snack bar. However, visitors complain about the steep descent to the beach, which can be difficult for those with mobility problems, and the lack of amenities such as toilets.

Where to Stay near Cayton Bay?

If you’re planning a trip to Cayton Bay, consider staying in the nearby town of Scarborough, which is just a short drive away and offers a range of accommodations. Many visitors also choose to stay in Filey, another charming seaside town that provides easy access to Cayton Bay's serene beach and surfing opportunities.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Cayton Bay?

Latitude: 54.2436081 / Longitude: -0.3597616

Cayton Bay is located in North Yorkshire. The following map of Cayton Bay shows the exact location.

Cayton Bay: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 8, 2026
Today is unfortunately not a suitable day for a trip to the beach. You can expect persistent light rain throughout the day, accompanied by significant cloud cover that will keep the skies looking grey. It will feel quite chilly with a maximum air temperature of 15.7 °C, and the brisk, blustery wind conditions will make it feel even cooler along the shoreline. The sea is very cold at 12.3 °C and certainly not inviting for a swim. Given the combination of damp conditions, low temperatures, and restless water, it is best to plan your outdoor activities for another time when the weather is more favorable.
🌬️

Air

Low / High8.4°C/15.7°C
Feels Like (High)13.5°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature12.3 °C
Wave Height0.5 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall9.1 mm
Rain Duration18 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset04:29/21:32
Sunshine Hours5.9 hrs
UV Index3.15
Cloud Cover82%
💨

Wind

Speed25.2 km/h
Gusts42.5 km/h
DirectionSW

These beaches might also interest you

Beaches near Cayton Bay

Recommended

Read More