North Bay Beach
A picturesque horseshoe bay with stunning castle views, perfect for family fun, surfing, and serene coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
North Bay Beach
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque horseshoe bay with stunning castle views, perfect for family fun, surfing, and serene coastal walks.
"Beautiful views overlooking the castle and a great beach for family days out."
🚗 Parking Convenience
Paid parking is available directly opposite the beach. :car:
🏄♀️ Surf's Calling!
Dexter's Surf School is popular for lessons and rentals. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Castle Views
Overlooking the bay
Breathtaking vistas of Scarborough Castle and the coastline. Perfect for photos!
Surfing Hotspot
Dexter's Surf School area
Catch some waves with a popular surf school or watch the action.
Serene Sandy Expanse
The main beach area
Fine, powdery sand perfect for family fun and relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Surf's Up or Stroll On?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Convenience
Paid parking is available directly opposite the beach. :car:
🏄♀️ Surf's Calling!
Dexter's Surf School is popular for lessons and rentals. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The views towards Scarborough Castle are spectacular. :camerawithflash:
🌊 Check the Tides
Tide goes out far, creating vast sandbars. Great for exploring! :world_map:
Visiting Scarborough for the first time - bit of advice requested
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Convenience
Paid parking is available directly opposite the beach. :car:
🏄♀️ Surf's Calling!
Dexter's Surf School is popular for lessons and rentals. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The views towards Scarborough Castle are spectacular. :camerawithflash:
🌊 Check the Tides
Tide goes out far, creating vast sandbars. Great for exploring! :world_map:
🧥 Layer Up!
Even on sunny days, it can be breezy. Pack layers for comfort. :coat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about North Bay Beach's stunning scenery, particularly the views of Scarborough Castle, and its suitability for family outings. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing, with good waves and a dedicated surf school. While generally praised, some may find the water temperature bracing.
"Nice seaside with sandy beach. This horseshoe bay has beautiful views overlooking the castle, the town and beyond. It is a great beach for family days out especially on a sunny day. The view from further up the road towards the castle is spectacular.
There’s paid parking right opposite the beach.
Scarborough is a beautiful town."
Legends l
"We love the north bay. Lovely views clean beach and plenty of places to relax with a drink. Also a lovely seafront walk"
Joanne Boot
"Picture a serene beach where the sand is as fine as powdered sugar, stretching endlessly under the brilliant sun. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking, with vibrant waves softly crashing against the shore and a picturesque sky that paints a perfect backdrop. It's a slice of paradise that invites you to relax and soak in the beauty all around."
PHOEBE SIN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Bay Beach is easily accessible by car, with paid parking available directly opposite the beach. It's also a pleasant walk from the town center or accessible via local bus routes.
Yes, there is paid parking available right across from the beach, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! It's a lovely walk along the seafront from the main town, offering scenic views along the way.
Local buses frequently serve the Scarborough area, and many routes will take you close to North Bay Beach. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, North Bay Beach is a popular destination for day trips, especially from cities like York and Leeds, due to its beautiful scenery and activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
North Bay Beach itself is free to access. There are charges for parking and any activities or rentals you choose to use.
The beach is open 24/7, but facilities like surf schools and cafes will have their own operating hours, typically during daylight hours.
No, you don't need to book tickets to access the beach. However, if you plan on taking surf lessons, it's advisable to book with Dexter's Surf School in advance, especially during peak season.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but always be mindful of local bylaws, especially regarding BBQs or fires. Check local council information for any specific advisories.
While the beach itself is sandy, access points and promenades are generally accessible. It's always best to check with local authorities for the most current accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy surfing with Dexter's Surf School, swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and walking along the shore. The views of Scarborough Castle are also a major draw.
Yes, it's a great family beach with plenty of sand for playing and relatively gentle waves for paddling. The scenic views add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
There are several cafes and eateries along the promenade and nearby, offering refreshments and meals.
Mornings often offer the best light for photography and can be less crowded. Evenings can be beautiful with sunset views.
Yes, swimming is popular here, but always be aware of the sea conditions and any lifeguard presence.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking Scarborough Castle offer stunning panoramic shots. The beach itself, especially at low tide with its expansive sand, is also very photogenic.
Early mornings provide soft, beautiful light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Golden hour in the evening is also magical.
It's excellent for landscape photography, capturing seascapes, and lifestyle shots, especially with surfers or families enjoying the beach.
The dramatic coastline, the historic castle in the background, and the dynamic surf conditions offer unique and varied photographic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture surfers in action. A polarizing filter can enhance the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the convenience of nearby paid parking and the availability of cafes for snacks and meals. The stunning views of Scarborough Castle also add an element of wonder for children. Consider visiting during low tide to maximize the sandy play area.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Even if you're not surfing, the beach is great for bodyboarding or simply enjoying the energetic atmosphere of the water sports community. Remember to check the tide times for the best surfing conditions and be prepared for the refreshing North Sea temperatures.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strollers and View Seekers
Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, find a spot to relax with a drink, and enjoy the expansive sandy shores. The beach is particularly beautiful during the softer light of morning or the golden hues of sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at North Bay Beach
Many visitors find the water to be bracing, a common characteristic of UK cold-water surfing. The presence of surf schools means there's a lively atmosphere, and it's not uncommon to see a good number of surfers out on the water. Even if you're not surfing, watching the surfers navigate the waves can be entertaining.
When planning your surf session, it's crucial to check the tide times. The tide goes out quite far and stays out for a considerable period, revealing extensive sandbars. As the tide turns and starts to come in, the waves often become more pronounced and suitable for surfing.
Exploring the Scenery and Views
Reviewers consistently praise the 'beautiful views' and the 'spectacular' scenery. The beach itself is described as having fine, powdery sand, creating a picturesque setting, especially on a sunny day. The contrast between the golden sand, the blue sea, and the historic castle creates a truly memorable landscape.
Beyond the immediate beach area, the promenade offers a pleasant walk with opportunities to relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery. The undeveloped stretch of the bay, as noted in some social media discussions, contributes to its serene and natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit