Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Best season
June to September
About Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay is a cliff-backed bay about three miles south of Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast. The main beach is a popular clothed beach reached from the cliff-top car park. Naturists use the north end of the bay, known locally as Johnny Flintons Harbour. To get there, turn left at the bottom of the steps and walk to the far north-western end, past a Second World War pillbox where a faded naturist sign can still just be seen. That end is out of the way and gets few clothed visitors. The bay faces east, and cliffs to the south-west put the beach in shade from mid-afternoon, so mornings and middays are best. The only facilities are at the car park above. We found no recent account of the crowd or how much the area is still used, and the British Naturism description was last updated in 2020.
Getting there
From Scarborough town centre, take the A165 Bridlington road south for about 2 miles to the Cayton village sign on the right. About 200 m further on is a pay car park on the left. A steep path leads down the cliff to the beach. At the bottom, turn left and walk to the far north end past the pillbox. Toilets and other facilities are at the car park only. The steep path makes the beach suitable only for people who can manage steep ground.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity is not illegal in England in itself. The north end of Cayton Bay is an unofficial naturist area whose only marker is an old, faded sign by the pillbox. We found no designation by the council and no recent reports of enforcement.
Naturism at Cayton Bay sits under United Kingdom's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United Kingdom public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 54.2523, -0.3684
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude part of Cayton Bay?
At the far north end, called Johnny Flintons Harbour. Turn left at the foot of the steps and walk past the WWII pillbox.
Is there parking?
There is a pay car park on the A165 just south of the Cayton village sign, with a steep cliff path down to the beach.
When does the beach lose the sun?
From mid-afternoon, because of the cliffs to the south-west, so go in the morning or around midday.
Sources
- British Naturism - Cayton Bay Official
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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