North Yorkshire

Saltwick Bay is a beautiful and dramatic stretch of sand just a short walk from Whitby and is steeped in history with fossils, shipwrecks and unrivalled sunrises

Just a short distance from Whitby lies a breathtaking beach brimming with fossils, shipwrecks and unparalleled sunrises.

Saltwick Bay is just a two-hour drive from Huddersfield and a brisk five-minute trip from Whitby itself. The stunning and dramatic North-East coastline is a sight to behold in its own right, but it encircles a sandy stretch steeped in history.

On the brief 1.5-mile stroll from Whitby you’ll encounter the Gothic Bronte-esque ruins of Whitby Abbey and the charming harbour entrance.

This picturesque walk meanders past Whitby Holiday Park where steps descend to the beach. The Whitby Guide advises checking tide times to ensure you’re not stranded by the incoming tide blocking the steps on your return journey, reports Yorkshire Live.

Fossils.

The cliffs, prone to rock falls, loom over a bed of fossils concealed among shale and shingle. These spots are ideal for exploration, with numerous Ammonites nestled between the smooth stones.

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In addition, you can discover jet, the gemstone for which Whitby is renowned.

This site of special scientific interest (SSSI) has yielded many scientific finds over the years, including the skeleton of a Teleosaurus Stenosaurus Bollensis unearthed in 1824, along with additional dinosaur footprints spotted on the beach. This prehistoric crocodile now resides at the Whitby museum.

Alum quarries.

The proximity of the fossils to the surface is due to the area’s rich mining heritage. The quarries have exposed the wealth of fossils that visitors now stumble upon.

The first alum mine was established by Thomas Challoner in the 16th century, following Henry VIII’s reformation of the UK after his marriage to Anne Boleyn.

This came about because Britain had previously imported alum from Italy, but the industry was under the Pope’s control – with whom Henry had severed ties.

When Italy stopped its supply, the UK was left without until 1649, when the vital chemical was discovered at Saltwick Bay. Under the guidance of Italian alum workers, Sir Hugh Chomley then opened a mine.

In 1673, authorisation was granted for a harbour to be constructed to transport the alum. By 1770, an alum house for the workers was built adjacent to the quarry.

However, mining ceased in 1791 when alum was replaced by aniline dyes.

Today, remnants of the mine still linger, with a ramp extending into the sea and patches of deep red shale where the shingle was extracted.

Sunrise and Sunset.

Saltwick Bay is famed for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The rock pools reflect the vibrant hues of the golden sun, and from May to July, the rare ‘double sun’ phenomenon casts a second radiant orb over the sea.

Shipwrecks.

The grand Admiral Von Tromp trawler remains a significant part of local history, with the ship’s downfall forever etched on the beach.

The sturdy remains stand tall, and you can get up close to them on Saltwick Bay, stepping back in time to marvel at the maritime catastrophe.

On 30 June 1976, the Admiral Von Tromp set sail from Scarborough Harbour bound for Barnacle Bay. However, it never reached its destination, instead running aground on the rocks at Saltwick Bay.

The HMHS Rohilla also met its end here. In the early hours of 29 October 1914, with 229 souls aboard, the HMHS Rohilla struck the rocks at Saltwick Nab.

At the onset of World War I, it was en route to Dunkirk, tasked with navigating the perilous East Coast, evading German submarines and the treacherous North Sea coastlines.

Yet, it was Whitby’s rocks that sealed its fate, as the Rohilla shattered its bow upon them.

This village in North Yorkshire is dominated by the impressive ruins of a Grade I listed Norman castle, alongside stunning countryside views and a Michelin Guide-recognised pub

This tranquil hilltop village nestled in North Yorkshire offers the perfect combination of peaceful countryside, scenic walks and stunning views, alongside a fascinating mediaeval heritage.

Crayke is a charming yet compact village boasting numerous historic buildings that history enthusiasts will relish discovering. Dominating the village skyline stands the magnificent Crayke Castle, which holds Grade I listed status.

What remains today are the ruins of what was once a grand and formidable 15th-century palace, now in private ownership and safeguarded due to its rich historical significance.

The four-storey structure contains countless tales within its ancient walls, with origins stretching back to the period following the Norman Conquest.

Whilst the present-day castle was erected by the distinguished Bishop of Durham, substantial evidence indicates it was built upon land that had belonged to the See of Durham since Saxon times.

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Perched at 379 feet above sea level, it ranks among the most striking structures across the Yorkshire countryside, though it can only be appreciated from the exterior and at a distance, as public access is not permitted.

When exploring the village, many visitors choose to soak up the panoramas from the Crayke Viewpoint Park Bench.

It’s a favoured destination for tourists, as it involves an easy walking route with minimal difficulty, whilst delivering equally spectacular views. In fact, people can even drive right up and park beside the bench, meaning absolutely no walking is necessary.

On crystal-clear days, the vantage point reveals sweeping panoramas across countless miles of farmland, forests and York city centre, making it an ideal location for a spontaneous picnic.

Adding further charm to the locale is St Cuthbert’s Church, which boasts more than 1,300 years of history with connections to the saint himself.

Historians believe St Cuthbert established a monastery on this very spot as early as 685 AD, whilst the present building predominantly dates from 1490.

The impressive structure showcases Victorian oak panelling that mirrors some of its former mediaeval features and stands atop a hill offering sweeping countryside views.

Today, it functions as an active place of worship within the Easingwold deanery and hosts a club for residents. As with any traditional village, Crayke boasts a welcoming pub at its centre, called the Durham Ox.

The establishment has been operated by the same family for more than 25 years, and continues to flourish whilst serving award-winning food in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Championing locally sourced ingredients, The Durham Ox attracts numerous patrons from within the village and beyond, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide.

One visitor recently praised their meal on TripAdvisor as deserving “five stars”. They wrote: “In our opinion, all the staff went above and beyond…The food was out of this world, and the accommodation was beautiful and comfy, and there was no need to leave, as it had everything you would need.”

This unspoilt beach is dog-friendly all year round and offers pristine golden sands, dramatic Jurassic cliffs and ‘unreal’ walks – visitors say the ‘gorgeous’ water feels worlds away

A hidden beach boasting vast stretches of pristine golden sand, encircled by striking cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters, is being praised as essential viewing by tourists.

This secluded beach in North Yorkshire, situated between Filey and Scarborough, offers unspoilt vistas and picture-perfect scenes that seem almost too beautiful to be real – yet it’s right here in Yorkshire.

Found just off the A165, approximately three miles from Scarborough, this remote retreat is truly idyllic, particularly for dog owners, as it’s exempt from the seasonal dog ban enforced by North Yorkshire County Council which affects other well-known beaches in the area.

The seaside panoramas at this beach are utterly breathtaking, showcasing a fusion of Yorkshire’s wind-swept rolling countryside and sweeping expanses of golden sandy shoreline.

It comes as no surprise that Cayton Bay Beach was recognised as one of Britain’s finest beaches in 2024.

A significant attraction for visitors, this coastal gem is delightful to explore whatever time of year you decide to go. It’s a spot of untouched natural magnificence and provides an ideal base for discovering the Yorkshire Coast, reports Yorkshire Live.

Cayton Bay Beach tends to remain relatively tranquil throughout the year and avoids the noise of crowded hordes.

With its serene ambience and abundant golden sands, tourists have described feeling as though they’ve been transported far from the rugged North Sea, with many even suggesting it resembles a holiday beach overseas.

A favourite destination for surfers, birdwatchers, adventure enthusiasts and fossil hunters, or simply those looking to unwind and recharge, Cayton Bay Beach offers the ideal retreat to enjoy peace and breathtaking views, with its dramatic limestone cliffs dating back to the Jurassic period over 150 million years ago.

Equally cherished by surfers and windsurfers alike, this bay confronts the full force of the North Sea. The beach is home to one of Britain’s oldest surf schools, with The Scarborough Surf School conducting surf lessons at Cayton since 1989.

Cayton Bay Beach boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for paddling and is also regarded as a popular location for learning to surf and kayak. It’s worth noting that the current at this beach can be rather powerful, so swimmers are cautioned against venturing too far from shore.

Today, the northern stretch of the coastline still reveals several World War II pillboxes discovered by beachgoers, with that section of the bay known as Johnny Finton’s Harbour.

It’s not difficult to understand why many have dubbed Cayton Bay Beach North Yorkshire’s hidden treasure, nestled amongst undulating hills. Visitors can wander for hours across the sand whilst savouring peaceful coastal walks, taking in Cayton Bay’s magnificent beauty.

Rocky formations at one end offer possibilities for climbers, whilst vast stretches of sand and sea extend along the shoreline. It truly is regarded as an idyllic beach – and when the weather’s on your side, you could easily imagine you’ve been transported to some far-flung paradise abroad rather than Cayton Bay Beach.

Holidaymakers can’t help but rave about this ‘hidden gem’, with one sharing on Tripadvisor: “What a stunning place the walk to it was unreal. It looked like a holiday beach water was gorgeous just stunning all round we had a lush day here definitely going back”.

Another beach fan said: “A beautiful stretch of England’s East Coast, a bay that allows a peaceful retreat in outstanding natural beauty. Nice sandy beach with grassy hills to sit. A great cafe (Salty Dog) with nice staff offering a wide range of treats at expensive prices.”

A satisfied visitor wrote: “A stunning beautiful beach, great for a walk when the tide is out. The children love running on the beach. It is a steep walk back up but well worth it.”

Meanwhile, one guest added: “Stunning scenery. Gorgeous beach. Lots of surfing going on. Great for walking the dog when the tide is out. You need to be reasonably fit to get back up the hill.”

It’s worth bearing in mind that both the descent to the shore and the ascent back are quite challenging, and those with restricted mobility, along with wheelchair and pushchair users, may struggle considerably with the route.

Additionally, there are numerous steps near the final stretch of the walk leading to the beach, which takes you through a picturesque woodland setting.

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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.