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

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, best suited for a brisk walk along the shore rather than lounging or swimming. The air temperature will reach a cool 14 °C, making it feel quite chilly by the water. With the sea temperature sitting at 9.8 °C, the water is far too cold for swimming. You can expect a mix of sunshine and clouds throughout the day, and while the breeze will be noticeable, it should not be too disruptive. The waves are modest, adding a bit of movement to the coastline. Since the UV index is low, there is no immediate need for strong sun protection, but you should definitely wrap up in warm layers to stay comfortable while enjoying the coastal air.
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Air

Low / High2.9°C/14°C
Feels Like (High)12°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature9.8 °C
Wave Height0.7 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:38/20:20
Sunshine Hours10.5 hrs
UV Index3.65
Cloud Cover46%
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Wind

Speed14 km/h
Gusts25.6 km/h
DirectionSE

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