Cayton Bay Beach Guide: Surfing, Rock Pools and the Cliff Path

Cayton Bay beach is a big sandy surf beach on the Yorkshire coast, between Scarborough and Filey. It is a good place to learn to surf, explore rock pools at low tide or simply walk. The main things to plan for are the tide, the conditions on the day and the steep cliff path down. This guide covers each one honestly, and what it is like to stay on the clifftop above.

What Cayton Bay beach is like

Cayton Bay is a big sandy beach that gets surf, which is why it has its own surf school. From the clifftop above, you look across the sea to Scarborough Castle.

It feels different from the town beaches at Scarborough and Filey. This is a beach for walking, surfing, rock pooling and sitting with a flask. Plan to take what you need for the day with you, as the walk back up the cliff path is not one you will want to do twice.

Surfing at Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay is a surf beach with its own surf school. If you are new to surfing, a lesson is the sensible way to start. An instructor will choose the right part of the beach for the conditions, provide the kit and keep an eye on you in the water.

Contact the surf school directly for lesson times, ages and prices, as these depend on the season and the sea. Do not paddle out alone if you are inexperienced, and never go out in conditions you are unsure about. Check the Met Office forecast for wind and weather before you plan a surf day [1].

Rock pooling at low tide

At low tide, the falling water leaves pools behind among the rocks. Rock pooling is a lovely, slow activity for children and adults alike.

Timing is everything. Check the tide times before you go, using the National Tidal and Sea Level Facility's tide predictions [2] or the local tide tables. Go down as the tide is falling, not rising, so you have the most time. Keep an eye on the water and head back well before the tide turns, so you are not cut off.

A few simple habits make it safer and kinder:

• Wear shoes with good grip. Rocks and seaweed are slippery.
• Look but do not take. If you lift a stone, put it back the way you found it.
• Keep children close on the rocks, and stay away from the base of the cliffs.

The cliff path: an honest note

From the clifftop, a steep path leads down to the beach. It is fine for people who are steady on their feet, but it is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Coming back up takes more effort than going down, especially with tired children, wet towels or a surfboard. Allow plenty of time, take breaks, and avoid it in the dark.

If anyone in your group would struggle with the path, Scarborough and Filey are each about 10 minutes away by car. Check access at their beaches before you go.

Staying safe on the beach

Read the RNLI's beach safety advice before your visit [3]. The main points are worth repeating: check whether the beach is lifeguarded on the day you visit, and if it is, swim between the red and yellow flags. Look at the safety signs at the entrance to the beach. If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Autumn and winter are quieter and colder. Water temperatures drop, and there may be no lifeguards at all. Be extra careful, and if you are not sure, stay out of the water.

If you are bringing a dog, check the signs for any dog rules on the beach, keep it on a lead near other people and wildlife, and take water.

Staying above Cayton Bay

Castle Sunset on the Beach is a clifftop house above the bay. Floor-to-ceiling glass looks across the sea to Scarborough Castle, and the sun sets over the bay. It sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (two kings and two twins), with 2 bathrooms.

After a cold surf or a long walk on the sand, the private hot tub in the enclosed garden is a good place to warm up. There is a fireplace for the evenings, a games room with pool and darts, and a washing machine for sandy clothes and towels. Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome; see our dog-friendly holiday home page. For more nearby, read our Cayton Bay area guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cayton Bay good for beginner surfers?

It is a surf beach with a surf school, so beginners can book a lesson. Contact the school directly for times, ages and prices.

When is the best time for rock pooling?

Around low tide, on a falling tide. Check tide predictions before you go and head back before the tide turns.

Is the cliff path suitable for everyone?

No. It is steep and not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Allow extra time for the walk back up.

Is Cayton Bay beach lifeguarded?

Check on the day and look at the signs at the beach. Follow RNLI advice, and only swim where it is safe to do so.

Stay above the beach

Waking up above Cayton Bay means the beach is there whenever the tide and weather suit you. Check dates and book Castle Sunset on the Beach direct, at least 10% lower than Airbnb with no booking-site fees.

References

[1]: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ "Met Office" [2]: https://www.ntslf.org/tides/predictions "National Tidal and Sea Level Facility, Tide Predictions" [3]: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety "RNLI Beach Safety"