Avoid Tourists At One Of The UK's Best-Kept Secret Beaches With Magical Lush Views

For a country with such a famously damp climate, the UK has a surprisingly large number of excellent beaches. From the gorgeous panoramic views of the iconic Rhosilli Bay to Kynance Cove in Cornwall, one of the best beaches in the world, stunning stretches of sand are not in short supply in the British Isles. There are secluded beaches that look like tropical paradise, wide-open sands that stretch for miles, and unique, iconic pebble beaches like Chesil or the hard-to-find treasure of Pwll Du.

Sadly, because of the climate, when the weather is good enough for a day at the beach, it can feel like the entire country heads for the water. This means the most famous spots fill up quickly, and it can be hard to find space to spread out a blanket, let alone avoid tourist crowds. Luckily, there are still a few hidden coves, tucked-away bays, and secret beaches where you can enjoy magical views and a relaxing day without rubbing elbows with hundreds of people. One of the best of these hidden gems is Hayburn Wyke.

Situated on England's northeast coast in the county of North Yorkshire, north of seaside resort town Scarborough, Hayburn Wyke is an out-of-the-way spot. It's on the edge of North York Moors National Park, around 45 miles from the cities of York and Middlesbrough, both of which can be reached in an hour-and-15-minutes by car. The nearest airport, Leeds Bradford, is further, nearly 80 miles away, and two hours by car.

It's hard to separate the beach at Hayburn Wyke from the coastline, the landscape, and the hike to get there. They are inextricably interlinked and combine to make the experience quite magical. The best place to start is Hayburn Wyke Inn, outside the small village of Cloughton, a delightfully traditional British pub that's a useful starting point for a walk, and a wonderful place to end it too! 

The circular five-mile trail takes you through Hayburn Wyke Woods, a National Trust preserve filled with lush greenery and dense foliage. About halfway along the route, just as you reach the beach, you'll find yourself at Hayburn Wyke Waterfall, a stunning cascade in the middle of nowhere which flows around a large rock formation at the top before crashing down into a wonderful splash pool perfect for a wild, refreshing dip. The trail continues onward, joining up with the famous Cleveland Way, which runs for 109 miles along the North Yorkshire coastline. 

About an hour after embarking, you'll find the beach, just below the waterfall. The towering cliffs sweep down to the rocky beach below, offering remarkable coastal views, crystal-clear waters, and no other people in sight. It's an amazing beach for a swim, but only for the brave, as the sea temperature tends to be on the chilly side in the north of England! If a frozen dip isn't for you, you can enjoy exploring rock pools or taking in the scenery.

The major attraction of Hayburn Wyke is its remote, secluded location — this is a hidden beach that really lives up to its description! You might pass a few hikers on Cleveland Way while headed to the beach, but it's likely you'll have the whole spot to yourself. There's no road access, so the only way to get there is on-foot, which keeps away the crowds, and it's a long way from anywhere. 

However, the North York Moors themselves are spectacular, and if you're making the trip to Hayburn Wyke, it's worth factoring in time to explore the region. There are amazing hiking and biking trails for outdoor adventurers, and visitors during late summer will be greeted by miles and miles of heather, painting the landscape in swathes of mauve and purple. It's a breathtaking environment and a wonderful place to get off-grid and try your hand at wild camping (or glamping for the less ruggedly adventurous).

You're also only a few miles away from Whitby. This picturesque fishing village has a fascinating history, being one of the most famous whaling ports of the 19th century, as well as one of the best places to eat fish and chips in the UK. It's also something of a pilgrimage destination for goths, due to its appearance in Bram Stoker's "Dracula." While vampire sightings might be rare, the chilling, grim beauty of the ruins of Whitby Abbey on the cliffs overlooking the town is well worth seeing.