Is Reighton beach good for swimming?
Yes, Reighton beach is popular for swimming and the water quality has been rated as 'excellent'. The beach has a gentle slope, and at low tide, a large area of sand is exposed, meaning the water's edge can be some distance away. However, there is no lifeguard cover at this beach.
Are dogs allowed on Reighton beach?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Reighton beach all year round with no restrictions. Some sources mention that if accessing via the Reighton Sands Holiday Park, dogs should be kept on a lead on the private beach section.
How do you get to Reighton beach and is there parking?
Reighton beach can be accessed by car via Sands Road off the A165. There is limited free parking available at the end of Sands Road near the beach and the Reighton Sands Holiday Park. The path down to the beach from the car park is quite steep. You can also walk to Reighton beach from Filey (approx. 3.5 miles) or Hunmanby Gap (approx. 1 mile).
What facilities are available at Reighton beach?
Reighton beach itself has limited facilities. There is a café (The Beach Café) near the ramp leading to the beach, often associated with the Reighton Sands Holiday Park, which also sells some beach essentials. Toilets are available at the nearby café or in the neighbouring villages of Hunmanby and Primrose Valley, or at the top of the steep hill if using holiday park facilities. There are no public toilets directly on the seafront.
Is Reighton beach suitable for families?
Yes, Reighton beach can be great for families. It offers a long, sandy stretch ideal for playing and walking, especially at low tide. The water is considered good for paddling. The nearby Reighton Sands Holiday Park also has many family-oriented facilities, though access to these may be restricted to guests.
Can you find fossils at Reighton beach?
Yes, Reighton beach is a good location for fossil hunting. The cliffs are rich in fossils, and it's possible to find specimens washed up on the beach, particularly from the boulder clay. Finds can include ammonites, belemnites, and corals. Care should be taken near the cliffs due to the risk of falling rocks.
What is the best way to access Reighton beach if I have mobility issues?
Access to Reighton beach can be challenging for those with mobility issues as the main path from the public car park is steep. Reighton Sands Holiday Park, situated on the clifftop, offers a beach tractor train service for its guests to get down to the beach (subject to availability and weather). Some accessible parking and ramps are mentioned in relation to the holiday park, but public access directly to the beach for wheelchair users is likely difficult due to the steep slope.
What is Reighton beach like at low tide?
At low tide, Reighton beach reveals a vast expanse of flat sand. This makes it excellent for walking, playing, and exploring. The water's edge can be quite a distance away, providing a large area for beach activities.
Are there any historical points of interest on or near Reighton beach?
Yes, Reighton beach and its surroundings have historical significance. You can still see remains of World War II fortifications, such as pillboxes and anti-tank blocks, both on the cliffs and fallen onto the beach. There is also the shipwreck of 'The Laura', an Austrian trade ship that ran aground in 1897, visible to the south.
What is the sand like at Reighton beach?
Reighton beach is a long, sandy beach with swathes of flat golden sand, particularly extensive at low tide. This makes it ideal for walking, sandcastles, and general beach activities.
Is Reighton beach a busy tourist spot?
Reighton beach is generally considered a quieter and more peaceful beach compared to some other nearby resorts like Filey or Scarborough. It's described as an 'untouched environment' and a 'hidden gem', ideal for those who prefer a less commercialised and crowded beach experience.
Can you walk from Reighton beach to Filey?
Yes, you can walk from Reighton beach to Filey. The distance is approximately 3 to 3.5 miles, and the walk can be done along the beach itself, especially at low tide. It's advisable to check tide times before setting off.
What is there to do at Reighton beach besides swimming and sunbathing?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, Reighton beach is excellent for walking, fossil hunting, and exploring rock pools at low tide. The vast sands are great for beach games. The nearby cliffs offer scenic walks and birdwatching opportunities, with Bempton Cliffs further along the coast.
Are there any specific warnings for Reighton beach, like cliff falls or tides?
Yes, visitors should be cautious of cliff falls, as the cliffs are made of soft boulder clay and are prone to erosion. It's advised to stay away from the base of the cliffs. When walking along the beach, especially to nearby locations like Filey or Hunmanby Gap, it's important to be aware of tide times to avoid being cut off.
Is Reighton Sands Holiday Park the only way to access Reighton beach?
No, while Reighton Sands Holiday Park has direct beach access for its guests, including a seasonal land train, the public can also access Reighton beach via a public footpath and car park at the end of Sands Road (Reighton Gap). However, this public access path is steep.
