Tucked away on the Moors and hidden in coves, these secret beaches are the go-to for in-the-know sun-seekers…
Can you beat a good old-fashioned day at the seaside? We don’t think so! Brits flock to the coast as soon as the sun appears, but what if you want to find a quieter sandy spot? That’s where these secret beach escapes come in! Little known, out the way and hidden in the most unusual places, we’ve been and hunted them out so you know where to go when you want to avoid the big crowds. So grab your towel, dig out the sunscreen and plan your next sunny seaside adventure just a few hours from Leeds.
Sandsend
Neighbouring Yorkshire beaches at Whitby and Runswick Bay might be more famous, but the quiet Sandsend has plenty to offer. We love popping by this lovely, long stretch of golden sand for many reasons – the views in the east towards Whitby Abbey, the chance to see the two rivers that flow into the sea at the end of the beach and coastal pathways that offer a lovely beach walk into Whitby.
Part of the beach is closed off in the summer for bathing, so you can swim to your heart’s content. When done, there’s nothing quite like a trip to The Hart Inn – fish and chips is a must.
Sandsend, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3SU.
Cayton Bay
Looking for a peaceful hidden beach in Yorkshire that has more than a few stories to tell? Head to Cayton Bay. This is a really picturesque spot with a long, sweeping beach that is still home to a series of WWII pillboxes that remain on the north end. Away from the display of the sands of time, you can look out across the water and check out the surfers and windsurfers using the North Sea as their playground.
When you’re done, your 200-yard trip back to the car park can be interrupted with a visit to The Tow Inn pub, famous for its extra large Whitby scampi.
Cayton Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3NJ.
Hunmanby Gap
Filey’s an ever-popular seaside destination, but just south, you’ll find Hunmanby Gap, a favourite spot of ours when we want a bit of peace. This expanse of bright yellow sand is usually quiet and surprisingly rule-free, so the dogs can stretch their legs and you can even enjoy a barbecue in the sunshine – just take your rubbish home with you! There are spectacular views over the North Sea, Filey Brigg and Bempton Cliffs.
The cliff-top car park gives easy access and is also home to the famous Hunmanby Gap cafe – the homemade cakes always make our trips one to remember.
Hunmanby Gap, North Yorkshire, YO14 9QP.
North Landing
North Landing is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Yorkshire. You can wander the coastline to reach this natural cove with its own small expanse of sand, white pebbles and small rock pools. The eye-catching white chalk cliffs surround you as you look out across the blue of the North Sea, go for a dip in the water or catch sight of the rare wildlife that calls the area home.
It’s easy to access too, with a car park at the top of the cliffs and steps that lead you down on to the beach. We love the walk from the top – on a sunny day the view is incredible.
North Landing, Bridlington, North Yorkshire, YO15 1BJ.
Gaddings Dam
Credit: Gaddings Dam Preservation Company
Gaddings Dam is the highest and maybe the most secret beach in the UK – and it’s nowhere near the coast. This is your chance to check out an earth embankment dam atop the Yorkshire Moors, between Todmorden and Walsden. It’s only small, but picturesque, so it feels just like the real thing – it’s particularly special when the sun is setting. Careful though, the rocky floor means it’s risky for wild swimming and a no-go for diving.
It does require a bit of effort to get to, from a hilly footpath via the car park in Lumbutts, but it’s well worth it – just make sure you treat the area with respect.
Gaddings Dam, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, OL14 6JJ.
Gaddings Dam Safety Information. The dam has no road access and can only be reached by foot, on a half-hour walk on either of two steep, very rugged footpaths. Please choose your footwear appropriately. The dam does not have facilities for swimmers, such as toilets, lifeguards, changing rooms, or cafes. Please park carefully and respectfully. Please do not cause problems for emergency vehicles, the local bus, or residents. Illegally parked cars have been towed away, and parking tickets have been issued. Please follow the marked paths. Some visitors have created a direct track to the Dam, which is now very eroded and dangerous. There have been serious accidents requiring fell rescue teams and ambulances. If possible, try to reach the dam on foot or on public transport. An hourly bus, the T6 or T8, departs from Todmorden bus station at 10 minutes past the hour and goes to the beginning of the footpaths.
