Beaches, Cayton

Cayton Bay

Wild exposed beach popular for surfing.

Located around 3 miles south of Scarborough, Cayton Bay beach is generally pretty quiet. Comprising a large sweep of fine sand backed by cliffs this beach has a wild air about it.

Popular with surfers and windsurfers alike the bay here is exposed to the full force of the North Sea. The beach is home to one of the longest established surf schools anywhere in the UK. The Scarborough Surf School has a been running surf lessons at Cayton since 1989.
There is also plenty of natural interest at Cayton Bay. A firm favorite of both bird watchers and fossil hunters, the cliffs here were formed in the Jurassic period around 150 million years ago.
Towards the northern end of the beach are some WWII pill boxes. This part of the bay is known as Johnny Finton’s Harbour, although nobody seems very sure who Johnny was!
However, this section of beach is perhaps best known for being a naturist spot. But before you do throw your clothes and caution to one side it appears this is not officially condoned. In fact Scarborough Council have erected signs stating that naturism is prohibited here and “offenders” may be prosecuted. So be warned or maybe try Fraisthorpe beach a few miles to the south.