Cayton Bay

The beach at Cayton Bay sweeps out in a wide, golden crescent just south of Scarborough, and it's one of those Yorkshire coast spots that actually delivers without the crowds choking the seafront proper. You get proper sand here - the kind that doesn't vanish at high tide - backed by low cliffs with enough character to make the walk worthwhile without being a slog.

It's ideal for families who want the seaside without the funfair noise, though the water gets choppy when the wind picks up from the north. Walkers love it because the cliff-top paths connect to larger coastal trails, and you can push on towards Osgodby Point if the mood takes you. The beach itself is free, naturally, and you can spend anywhere from two hours to most of a day depending on whether you're just paddling or serious about exploring the rocks at low tide.

Timing matters here. Summer weekends pull day-trippers from Scarborough, but off-season the place is genuinely peaceful. Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light and the fewest families with inflatables.

If you're based at Centenary Way or Humble Bee Farm - both just a few miles inland - Cayton Bay is an easy run for a half-day escape. The camping spots are decent bases for working your way along this stretch of coast. Haven Primrose Valley is slightly further out, but still within reach if you want a beach day wedged between park activities.