Some of the best beaches in the UK right on the doorstep
Hunmanby Gap - known locally as 'the Gap' this lovely stretch of sweeping sand is just two miles from South Wing. Very popular for walking as it's flat and open to dogs all year round - restrictions apply between May and October as you approach Filey, a 45 minute walk to the north (turn left). Reighton Sands is a 30 minute walk to the south (turn right). This is a great beach walk to blow the cobwebs away and work up an appetite. It's also a good option for kite flying as there is plenty of space and usually a breeze. There is inexpensive parking and a small café
The Gap forms part of Filey Bay which, at low tide, has seven miles of sands stretching from the Brigg at the north end to Reighton Sands to the south.
The Gap forms part of Filey Bay which, at low tide, has seven miles of sands stretching from the Brigg at the north end to Reighton Sands to the south.
North of Hunmanby Gap
Cayton Bay - now well established on the UK surf scene, Cayton Bay is a very popular beach between Filey and Scarborough. Lucy's Beach Shack serves hot and cold drinks plus a variety of snacks. If you fancy trying surfing or SUP, Secret Spot has a surf school next to the car park. You can park for free on the road and there is also a paid car park. Lovely sandy beach, RNLI lifeguards monitor the beach in the summer.
Scarborough South Bay - the first of two huge bays, wide sandy beach lined with cafes, restaurants and amusement arcades, this is a real old-fashioned seaside beach. At one end is a lovely harbour which still lands huge numbers of crab and lobster (visit the Lookout for excellent seafood), at the other is the Spa, an entertainment centre. Generally a safe swimming area with lifeguards in the summer, and increasingly popular with surfers and paddleboarders.
Scarborough North Bay - the other side of the castle headland lies the North Bay. A different vibe to the South Bay, it's away from the town but still has some shops and cafes. Also popular with surfers at the southern end, whilst the northern end is all about safe family beach fun.
Cayton Bay - now well established on the UK surf scene, Cayton Bay is a very popular beach between Filey and Scarborough. Lucy's Beach Shack serves hot and cold drinks plus a variety of snacks. If you fancy trying surfing or SUP, Secret Spot has a surf school next to the car park. You can park for free on the road and there is also a paid car park. Lovely sandy beach, RNLI lifeguards monitor the beach in the summer.
Scarborough South Bay - the first of two huge bays, wide sandy beach lined with cafes, restaurants and amusement arcades, this is a real old-fashioned seaside beach. At one end is a lovely harbour which still lands huge numbers of crab and lobster (visit the Lookout for excellent seafood), at the other is the Spa, an entertainment centre. Generally a safe swimming area with lifeguards in the summer, and increasingly popular with surfers and paddleboarders.
Scarborough North Bay - the other side of the castle headland lies the North Bay. A different vibe to the South Bay, it's away from the town but still has some shops and cafes. Also popular with surfers at the southern end, whilst the northern end is all about safe family beach fun.
South of Hunmanby Gap
Thornwick Bay is beach near Flamborough with sand and rocks plus some caves at low tide - the whole peninsula is pretty spectacular and excellent for walks, picnics and exploring.
North Landing - has a lovely little beach, and an old lifeboat building and you can see how the lifeboats were launched with gravity - it's a steep drop!
South Landing - houses the current lifeboat. Both Landings have quite steep pathways leading down.
Danes Dyke - has a lovely and unusual beach, with white chalky stones at the top and then lovely sands that are exposed at low tide. You can walk from here to Bridlington - a popular option is to go one way along the beach and the other way along the cliff top path which offers great views across the bay and up to Flamborough Head. There is a car park and its then a really nice walk down through a glen to get to the beach
Bridlington - has a long sandy beach stretching the whole length of the town and beyond to the south. Very family friendly, some parts are quite lovely
Thornwick Bay is beach near Flamborough with sand and rocks plus some caves at low tide - the whole peninsula is pretty spectacular and excellent for walks, picnics and exploring.
North Landing - has a lovely little beach, and an old lifeboat building and you can see how the lifeboats were launched with gravity - it's a steep drop!
South Landing - houses the current lifeboat. Both Landings have quite steep pathways leading down.
Danes Dyke - has a lovely and unusual beach, with white chalky stones at the top and then lovely sands that are exposed at low tide. You can walk from here to Bridlington - a popular option is to go one way along the beach and the other way along the cliff top path which offers great views across the bay and up to Flamborough Head. There is a car park and its then a really nice walk down through a glen to get to the beach
Bridlington - has a long sandy beach stretching the whole length of the town and beyond to the south. Very family friendly, some parts are quite lovely