If you're looking for adventure on a coastal walk this summer, there's one beach worth visiting. Saltwick Bay, very close to North Yorkshire's popular seaside town Whitby, has so much natural charm that you can even find fossils there.
It's just a few miles from a busy neighbour, but this hidden cove has plenty to discover. From towering cliffs to sinking ship relics, it is the perfect place for history lovers and adventurers too. And people of all ages will love what it has to offer.
This little-known, sturdy bay overlooks the North Sea coast, just a 10-minute drive from the bustling town of Whitby. But what you'll find on Saltwick Bay is a more intimate charm, less crowds and impressive sights.
For example, it is famous for its fossil reptiles. The reptile fossils are located on the face of the cliff about 1 metre above the beach level. Take a walk along the foreshore as well. This is because you are most likely to find ammonite.
However, it is worth noting that Saltwick Bay is a place of special scientific interest, so hitting the bedrock is not permitted.
Saltwick Bay also has a creepy abandoned shipwreck on the coast. The remains of Admiral Fontromp can be found on the coast, but there is a bit of mystery surrounding what happened to Actualt.
It is believed that in 1976 he set sail from Scarborough Harbor on a Barnacle Bay course set. However, they never reach that destination and instead are grounded at Rocks on Saltwick Bay.
The mysterious sights are visible at low tide, so if you want a glimpse of it, make sure you reserve time to visit accordingly.
Beach fans are full of praise on TripAdvisor, leaving many with 5-star reviews that shine. A happy visitor wrote: “A stunning beach from Whitby to the top of a beautiful cliff. There are several steep stairs down, but it's well worth it.
Another rave review: “A beautiful place, a quiet emerald sea, you almost think of you on a Greek island. A steady walk from Whitby Abbey along the cliffs, about 30 minutes, a steep descent and awful, it's idyllic.”
