Cayton Bay
A stunning Yorkshire coast gem offering family fun, surfing, and historical intrigue with year-round dog-friendly beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for beach activities
Cayton Bay
Best Time
Best for beach activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Yorkshire coast gem offering family fun, surfing, and historical intrigue with year-round dog-friendly beaches.
"Cayton Bay: A hidden gem on the Yorkshire Coast, perfect for beach days, surfing, and family adventures."
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is available and reasonably priced, making it easy to access the beach for day trips.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cayton Bay is a great spot for beginner surfers, with lessons available and calmer waters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cayton Bay Beach
Yorkshire Coast
A stunning, wide bay with clear waters, perfect for beach days, dog walks, and even surfing lessons.
Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay
Holiday Park
Family-friendly resort offering entertainment, swimming pools, and caravan accommodation.
WWII History
Cliffs and Beach
Discover remnants of WWII concrete pillboxes that have fallen onto the beach, adding a historical layer to the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay in Advance
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is available and reasonably priced, making it easy to access the beach for day trips.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cayton Bay is a great spot for beginner surfers, with lessons available and calmer waters.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Year-Round
Bring your furry friends! Cayton Bay welcomes dogs on its beach throughout the entire year.
🏊♀️ Pool Fun for Kids
The holiday park features a swimming pool, with special Nick JR Tots Swim sessions recommended for younger children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is available and reasonably priced, making it easy to access the beach for day trips.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cayton Bay is a great spot for beginner surfers, with lessons available and calmer waters.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Year-Round
Bring your furry friends! Cayton Bay welcomes dogs on its beach throughout the entire year.
🏊♀️ Pool Fun for Kids
The holiday park features a swimming pool, with special Nick JR Tots Swim sessions recommended for younger children.
💃 Dance Competitions
Cayton Bay is a popular venue for freestyle disco dance competitions, attracting many young performers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cayton Bay is widely praised as a beautiful and versatile coastal destination, perfect for family holidays, beach days, and watersports. Visitors appreciate its dog-friendly nature and the historical intrigue of its WWII remnants. While the holiday park offers ample entertainment, some may find it busy during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cayton Bay is located on the Yorkshire Coast, between Scarborough and Filey. It's easily accessible by car, with affordable parking available near the beach.
Public transport options may include local bus services from Scarborough. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information.Yes, there is parking available at Cayton Bay, which is generally considered affordable and convenient for beach access.
Absolutely! Cayton Bay is a public beach and a popular destination for day-trippers. You can enjoy the beach, cliffs, and surrounding area without being a guest at Parkdean Resorts.
Driving is a straightforward option, taking about 10-15 minutes. Local buses also run between Scarborough and Filey, often stopping near Cayton Bay.
Yes, Cayton Bay is well-signposted from the main coastal road (A165) between Scarborough and Filey. Its distinctive bay shape makes it easy to spot from higher vantage points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Cayton Bay beach itself is free. There are charges for parking, but no admission fee for the beach.
Cayton Bay beach is open 24/7, as it's a natural coastal area. However, facilities like the holiday park's amenities and parking areas will have their own operating hours.
Entry to the Parkdean Resorts site is typically for guests staying in their accommodation or those with pre-booked entertainment passes. Day visitors can access the beach and surrounding public areas.
Yes, Parkdean Resorts offers caravan and lodge accommodation at Cayton Bay. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
The Parkdean Resorts site hosts various entertainment and activities, including swimming sessions and kids' clubs.
The beach is also a venue for dance competitions.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include beachcombing, swimming, surfing (lessons available), dog walking, and exploring the historical WWII pillboxes. The holiday park offers entertainment, arcades, and swimming pools.
Yes, Cayton Bay is very family-friendly. The beach is spacious, and the holiday park offers dedicated activities like the Nick JR Tots Swim.
Cayton Bay is a popular spot for surfing, especially for beginners, due to its manageable waves and surf schools.
Many visitors enjoy a refreshing cold sea dip at Cayton Bay, finding it invigorating for both body and mind.
Cayton Bay has historical ties to WWII, with concrete pillboxes visible on the beach, and was once a smugglers' hotspot in the 18th century.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Parkdean Resorts site at Cayton Bay has dining options, including restaurants and takeaways.
There are also cafes and pubs in the surrounding area.Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and snacks to enjoy on the beach or at designated picnic areas.
The holiday park typically offers a range of family-friendly food options, from pub classics to quick bites.
While specific menus vary, most family-friendly resorts and pubs in the UK now offer vegetarian and vegan choices. It's best to check with individual establishments.
There are likely local shops and supermarkets in nearby Scarborough or Filey for stocking up on groceries and picnic supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sweeping coastline, dramatic cliffs, the historic WWII pillboxes, and stunning sunsets over the sea. The clear waters and wide beach offer beautiful scenic shots.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant blue of the sea.
The cliff tops provide excellent panoramic views of the bay. Walking along the beach also offers unique perspectives of the pillboxes and the coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting or isolating details. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sea and sky.
Yes, if you are attending the dance competitions, you can certainly take photos. However, be mindful of other attendees and performers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking accommodation at the holiday park for easy access to all amenities. If visiting for the day, pack plenty of snacks and beach toys. The historical pillboxes on the beach can also spark curiosity and imagination in young minds.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Watersports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the bay is also suitable for paddleboarding and other watersports. Always check the surf forecast and local conditions before heading out, and consider renting equipment or taking lessons from a local provider.
🐶 Dog Owners
💃 Dance Competitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Watersports at Cayton Bay
Beyond surfing, the clear waters of Cayton Bay are also suitable for other watersports like paddleboarding, especially on calmer days. The beach's accessibility and the presence of surf schools contribute to its reputation as a vibrant hub for coastal activities. Remember to check surf forecasts and conditions before heading out, especially if you're new to the sport.
Visitors often praise Cayton Bay for its less crowded atmosphere compared to some other popular surf spots, allowing for a more relaxed learning experience. The natural beauty of the bay enhances the overall enjoyment of any watersport adventure.
Family Fun at Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay
Special attention is given to younger visitors, with recommendations for Nick JR Tots Swim sessions in the pool, ensuring a safe and fun aquatic experience for toddlers. The park also provides evening entertainment and various activities throughout the day, making it a self-contained destination for a family holiday.
Caravan tours shared on social media highlight the comfortable accommodation options available, often featuring modern amenities. Booking accommodation in advance is strongly advised, especially during school holidays, to secure a spot. The resort's location near the beach further enhances its appeal for family getaways.
The Unique History of Cayton Bay
A tangible reminder of its wartime past are the concrete pillboxes that have, due to coastal erosion, fallen from the cliffs onto the beach. These structures offer a stark and fascinating visual of the area's strategic importance during WWII and are a unique point of interest for visitors.
Today, Cayton Bay is celebrated for its natural beauty and tranquility, offering a peaceful escape. However, the remnants of its historical past add a compelling depth to the landscape, inviting visitors to explore not just the scenic beauty but also the stories etched into the coastline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit