Cayton Bay
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© John Fielding and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© HJSP82 and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© steven ruffles and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Chris Charlesworth and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Pauline Eccles and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© John Fielding and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Alan Walker and licensed for reuse under this Licence
Located around 3 miles south of Scarborough, Cayton Bay beach is generally pretty quiet. Comprising a large sweep of fine sand backed by cliffs this beach has a wild air about it.
Popular with surfers and windsurfers alike the bay here is exposed to the full force of the North Sea. The beach is home to one of the longest established surf schools anywhere in the UK. The Scarborough Surf School has a been running surf lessons at Cayton since 1989.
There is also plenty of natural interest at Cayton Bay. A firm favorite of both bird watchers and fossil hunters, the cliffs here were formed in the Jurassic period around 150 million years ago.
Towards the northern end of the beach are some WWII pill boxes. This part of the bay is known as Johnny Finton’s Harbour, although nobody seems very sure who Johnny was!
However, this section of beach is perhaps best known for being a naturist spot. But before you do throw your clothes and caution to one side it appears this is not officially condoned. In fact Scarborough Council have erected signs stating that naturism is prohibited here and “offenders” may be prosecuted. So be warned or maybe try Fraisthorpe beach a few miles to the south.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Yes
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed on the beach all year
Yorkshire dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Swimming/bathing
- Surfing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant
- Toilets
- Town centre nearby
- Shop
Nudist/naturist beach
Yes
Nearest town
Postcode
YO11 3NP
OS grid ref.
TA 0685 8446
Parking
parking available - charges apply
Water quality
Awards
Submit a correction
Cayton Bay Reviews
Best beach in Yorkshire !
Amazing beach
Yorkie
Sep 14th 2023Gently sloping sandy beach, but there are many signs stating ‘Naturism is not permitted on any beach’. So, in the eyes of Scarborough Borough Council, you cannot go nude in this area.
Beautiful beach especially at low tide. Great for dogs. Small hut selling refreshments and toilets. A fairly steep walk down but we’ll worth it.
Notes & pending corrections
2021-10-04
Cayton Bay is no longer a nudist beach and there is now signage clearly stating nudity is not permitted
2022-02-01
The naturist beach was closed due to misbehaviour
2022-07-03
Re: Cayton Bay, why would you state naturism is allowed on the check list part at the end when the narrative part you state the council have put signs up stating it is prohibited? Families regularly use this beach and do not want to see naked bodies unexpectedly.
2022-07-30
Re: naturism at Cayton Bay/Johnny Flintons Harbour. It is totally incorrect to suggest that a sign threatening prosecution for naturism at Cayton Bay is illegal and people need to 'be warned'. It is not illegal there or elsewhere though good sense would suggest some discretion as to where it is practiced. The Council locally have no powers to prosecute
These corrections have been acknowledged and are awaiting verification before we update the page. We would suggest you double check the information here as we have not yet confirmed its accuracy.