Are you tired of the same old tourist traps? As locals who’ve explored every nook and cranny of this stunning stretch of Yorkshire coastline, we’re thrilled to share our insider knowledge of the secret spots that make Scarborough and its surroundings truly special. While visitors flock to the main beaches and Castle, there’s so much more to discover just a stone’s throw from our Prospect House Farm Campsite!
Hidden Coastal Treasures
Cayton Bay
Just south of the hustle and bustle of Scarborough lies the peaceful Cayton Bay, a surfer’s paradise that many tourists miss entirely. The wide, sweeping beach offers dramatic views of the coastline without the crowds. Local tip: visit at low tide to explore the fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life, and if you’re lucky, you might even find a fossil or two in the Jurassic rocks!
Cornelian Bay
Accessible only on foot and often overlooked, Cornelian Bay is a slice of tranquillity between Scarborough and Cayton Bay. The beach got its name from the cornelian gemstones once found here. Pack a picnic and enjoy having most of this beach to yourself, even in peak season. The cliff-top path offers breathtaking views that are worth every step of the journey.
Hayburn Wyke
This magical spot, where a woodland stream cascades onto a boulder-strewn beach, is truly one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Located a short drive north of Scarborough, you’ll need to take a gentle woodland walk to reach this hidden cove. The ancient woodland is carpeted with bluebells in spring, and the secluded pebble beach feels like your own private discovery.
Enchanting Woodland Walks
Raincliffe Woods
Just on the outskirts of Scarborough, these ancient woodlands offer miles of peaceful trails away from the coastal crowds. Look out for the remains of an Iron Age settlement and keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, especially at dawn or dusk. The Forge Valley section follows the River Derwent and is particularly beautiful, with wooden boardwalks taking you through wetland areas rich in birdlife.
Dalby Forest Secrets
While Dalby Forest itself is well-known, few visitors discover the hidden Bridestones – mysterious weathered sandstone formations tucked away in the forest’s eastern edge. Or seek out the enchanting Ellerburn Bank nature reserve, a tiny limestone grassland bursting with rare wildflowers and butterflies during summer months.
Charming Villages & Local Eats
Hackness
This picturesque village nestled in a valley just 5 miles from Scarborough feels worlds away from the seaside bustle. Visit the Saxon church with its unique box pews, then take a look at the stunning wedding venue, The Hackness Grange Hotel, which has a beautiful lakeside setting.
Hutton Buscel
Time seems to stand still in this traditional Yorkshire village with its beautiful stone cottages. The village pond makes a perfect spot to relax, and the ancient All Saints Church contains fascinating medieval carvings.
Unusual Experiences
North Yorkshire Water Park
Beyond the usual watersports, savvy locals head here for twilight paddleboarding sessions in the summer – gliding across the lake as the sun sets is a magical experience that few tourists ever get to discover. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!
Cliff Top Stargazing
The North York Moors National Park is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, but few visitors realise that some of the cliffs just north of Scarborough offer perfect stargazing platforms away from the town’s light pollution. Bundle up warm, bring a flask of something hot and prepare to be amazed by the celestial display on clear nights.
Brompton by Sawdon’s Secret Victorian Garden
This hidden gem is only open to visitors on selected days through the National Garden Scheme, and you do need to pay. However, timing your visit is well worth the effort. The walled garden contains historic varieties of fruits and flowers, with designs virtually unchanged since Victorian times.
Seasonal Secrets
Wild Swimming Spots
When summer temperatures soar, locals cool off at the series of natural pools formed by May Beck near Fylingdales. The cool, clear water surrounded by woodland creates a refreshing retreat that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Autumn Foraging
The hedgerows and woodlands around Scarborough become a food lover’s paradise in autumn. Look for sweet chestnuts in Raincliffe Woods, blackberries along the disused railway line (now a walking path) near Scalby, and, if you’re lucky, field mushrooms in the meadows after rainfall.
Winter Seal Spotting
While Ravenscar’s seal colony is becoming better known, fewer visitors discover the smaller groups that can be spotted from the cliffs at Cromer Point during winter months. Bring binoculars for a chance to see these magnificent creatures without disturbing them.
Your Perfect Base for Exploration
After discovering these hidden gems around Scarborough, you’ll need somewhere special to rest and recharge. Our luxury glamping pods at Prospect House Farm offer the perfect blend of comfort and connection to nature, with stunning views across the countryside towards the sea.
Our local knowledge doesn’t stop with this blog – we’re always happy to share more insider tips during your stay!
Check out our luxury glamping options and start planning your adventure to discover Yorkshire’s hidden gems.
Book your stay today and experience Scarborough like a local – we can’t wait to welcome you!
Have you discovered any hidden gems near Scarborough that we’ve missed? We’d love to hear about your finds in the comments below!
