The Farrier pub in Cayton was featured on Channel 4’s Four In A Bed and provided an incredible meal (Image: Google)
A stunning rainbow arches over our snug new abode for the weekend, setting the scene for an idyllic Friday evening. With succulent steaks sizzling on the barbecue, wine glasses generously filled, and Glastonbury anthems emanating from the television, our escape to the well-run Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite along the picturesque North Yorkshire coast couldn’t be more perfect.
Our choice of accommodation isn’t a caravan or motorhome but one of the site’s opulent glamping options – a cabin replete with all the modern conveniences, courtesy of the club’s Experience Freedom packages. Admittedly, we might feel like we’re cheating the ‘great outdoors’ experience by settling into a chalet-like dwelling complete with a kitchen and a colossal TV that would be envied even at home.
But it offers a splendid opportunity to soak in the region’s breathtaking rural and coastal scenery while still indulging in the creature comforts we can’t live without.
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Cayton Village Club Campsite (Image: Cayton Village Club Campsite)
The cabin is spacious, featuring a cosy living room with a plush banquette, additional seating areas, and a fully-equipped kitchen with an oven and gas hobs. Outside, there’s a delightful decking area furnished with a table and chairs, adjacent to your personal barbecue station.
It comfortably sleeps six, boasting a pull-out bed on the ground floor and a snug yet inviting ‘master’ bedroom upstairs. Plus, the convenience of a private shower and bathroom within the cabin means no shared facility woes.
Glamping with Experience Freedom offers all the joys of camping without any of the fuss, and it’s available in locations such as Brighton, Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds, the Isle of Wight, and the Lake District.
The stunning views in Cayton Bay (Image: Getty Images)
Nestled just four miles from Scarborough, the quaint village of Cayton boasts a selection of fine pubs, shops, and a fish and chip shop, all within a stone’s throw. On our inaugural evening, we sparked up one of the two disposable barbecues included in our package and savoured steaks, burgers, and a sumptuous English breakfast featuring sausages sourced from the very affordable T S Horsley butchers near Scarborough station, complemented by oven-baked potatoes.
The next night, we treated ourselves to dinner at the highly acclaimed Farrier pub in the village, a mere two-minute stroll from the campsite. Having featured and triumphed on Channel 4’s Four In A Bed in 2021, it was no shock that the cuisine was exceptional.
My partner relished an exquisite pork neck dish, while I indulged in a delectable venison main course. However, it was the sensational desserts—a banoffee mud pie and another offering various “tastes of mint”, reminiscent of a Mint Aero—that truly astounded us.
Cayton Bay is an idyllic place for visitors to unwind while on a break (Image: Getty Images)
As avid food television viewers, we’re certain these delights wouldn’t have seemed amiss on MasterChef: The Professionals. Although the meal wasn’t cheap, we had no gripes as we ambled back to our cabin, pondering how to walk off the indulgence.
Fortunately, this stretch of coastline is ideal for a leisurely hike. The picturesque trek from Cayton beach along the Cleveland Way to Filey takes a couple of hours, winding along breathtaking cliffs overlooking the North Sea.
Filey itself is a hidden gem, boasting beautiful houses with sea views and a selection of charity shops to browse. Despite being a rural area, we found the bus connections surprisingly convenient, with the bus stop located right outside our campsite.
A clifftop view from the Cleveland Way footpath which passes along the top of the cliffs that form the backdrop to Cayton Bay in North Yorkshire. (Image: Getty Images)
We spent one day exploring Bridlington, which was just under an hour’s journey through quaint old villages. This classic British resort town boasts an extensive seafront, delicious fish and chips, and a charming atmosphere.
Our final day was spent in Scarborough, a town affectionately known as “Scarbados”. We discovered that it’s a vastly underrated destination, with stunning architecture, an old-fashioned funicular, and a range of great pubs, including the popular Scholars bar, which serves an impressive selection of quirky ciders, including rhubarb and blueberry flavours.
As southerners, we were delighted to find that a round of drinks cost less than £10. Scarborough also boasts a thriving arts scene, with a visit to the Scarborough Art Gallery (£5 annual pass) being a highlight of our trip.
A charming view over Scarborough South Bay (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s easy to see why this town has been a popular destination for so many people over the years. After all the gallivanting, the campsite provides a serene haven for tired adventurers to unwind.
Although our visit was outside of school holidays, making it difficult to make a definitive judgement, the atmosphere felt incredibly calm and peaceful during our stay. Fellow campers were amiable, respectful, and appeared to retire early, with hardly any noise discernible post 9pm.
In years gone by, we might have been at Glastonbury on this mid-summer weekend. While this experience is clearly not as wild, it suits us perfectly these days.