Whitby is well-known as one of the UK’s most beautiful seaside towns. Brimming with tourists year-round, while Whitby is a perfect choice for a staycation, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for something more secluded and less crowded.
Enter: Saltwick Bay. If you’re on the hunt for a unique coastal holiday this summer, this underappreciated beach is well worth a visit.
Situated just 1.8 miles (approximately a 10-minute drive) from Whitby, Saltwick Bay sees far fewer visitors throughout the year.
If you arrive early enough, you might even have the entire bay to yourself. This hidden treasure of a beach provides the perfect seaside getaway for those seeking something a little out of the ordinary.
The Yorkshire beach is truly a sight to behold, boasting golden sands, azure waters, and a wealth of fossils waiting to be discovered. You can even see the shipwrecks of the Admiral Von Tromp and the SS Rohilla hospital ship at low tide, as well as the submerged ruins of the SS Brentwood.
It’s the perfect spot for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
You can expect to uncover ammonites, belemnites, and Whitby Jet – a gemstone formed from fossilised Araucaria trees – on this beach. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, you might even stumble upon genuine dinosaur footprints imprinted in the rocks.
Saltwick Bay, with its unique allure, sparse crowds and truly awe-inspiring sights, is sure to enchant visitors of all ages. The bay is renowned for its reptile fossils, which can be spotted in the cliff face approximately one metre above beach level.
A stroll along the shore may also reward you with a sight of ammonites – intriguing coiled-shelled cephalopods. However, it’s important to remember that Saltwick Bay is a site of special scientific interest, so hammering the bedrock is strictly prohibited.
The wreckage of the Admiral Von Tromp lies on the shore, shrouded in mystery. It’s believed to have set sail from Scarborough Harbour in 1976, bound for Barnacle Bay, but it never arrived at its intended destination.
Instead, it ran aground on the rocks at Saltwick Bay. This enigmatic sight can be seen at low tide, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to witness this maritime curiosity.
Saltwick Bay Beach is accessible via a steep, erosion-affected path featuring 199 steps that can become slippery when wet, and is located just past Whitby Abbey. For those seeking a shorter stroll, parking near the abbey for a nominal fee is an option.
From there, continue along the Cleveland Way behind Whitby Brewery across the headland. At low tide, the MV Creteblock wreck becomes visible.
An alternative route to Saltwick Bay is via Tate Hill Sands beach, situated just off the harbour – but this should only be attempted at low tide. If you do choose to opt for this path, ensure you’re wearing appropriate footwear as conditions can be quite slippery.
Despite the caution required to reach this secluded beach, the journey is well worth it for the stunning views alone. The unique landscape and dramatic coastline make Saltwick Bay a photographer’s paradise.
While accommodation directly in Saltwick Bay may be scarce, nearby Whitby offers a plethora of hotels, cottages, and B&Bs catering to various budgets – though do bear in mind prices are likely to surge during peak seasons.
Whitby itself serves as an ideal base for exploring the bay, boasting a variety of independent shops, cosy pubs and delightful cafes. The town is also home to its own impressive cliffs and is enveloped by the spectacular North York Moors National Park countryside.