Hayburn Wyke Beach

About Hayburn Wyke

Hayburn Wyke is a secluded coastal valley and beach on the North Yorkshire coast of England, situated between the towns of Scarborough and Whitby. It lies within the North York Moors National Park and is part of the protected Heritage Coast, which recognises the area’s scenic and environmental importance. Despite being relatively close to settlements such as Cloughton and Burniston, Hayburn Wyke feels remote and tranquil, largely because it can only be reached on foot via woodland paths and coastal trails.

The landscape at Hayburn Wyke is one of its greatest attractions. Steep cliffs frame a narrow shingle beach, while dense woodland fills the valley behind it. A particularly striking feature is the waterfall formed by Hayburn Beck, which flows through the valley and spills directly onto the beach. Waterfalls reaching the sea are rare along England’s east coast, making this a distinctive and memorable sight. After heavy rainfall, the waterfall becomes especially dramatic, adding movement and sound to the otherwise quiet setting.

The area has a modest but interesting history. In the past, Hayburn Wyke supported small industries, including a mill powered by the beck and nearby quarrying activities. Evidence of these uses has largely faded, but the shape of the valley and old pathways still hint at human involvement in what is now a largely natural landscape. Over time, as industry declined, the area returned to nature and became valued for recreation rather than production.

Today, Hayburn Wyke is popular with walkers, particularly those following the Cleveland Way National Trail, which passes close by along the cliff tops. The beach attracts visitors seeking peace rather than traditional seaside entertainment, as there are no shops, cafés, or facilities. Wildlife is another important aspect of the area, with seabirds nesting along the cliffs and a variety of plants and animals thriving in the woodland and coastal habitats.

Overall, Hayburn Wyke is admired for its unspoilt character, natural beauty, and sense of escape. It offers a strong contrast to the busy holiday resorts nearby and provides an opportunity to experience the North Yorkshire coast in a quieter, more reflective way.

Are dogs allowed on Hayburn Wyke Bay beach?

Yes, but you should always clear up after your dog as there are no refuse facilities.

Getting to Hayburn Wyke

Address: Hayburn Wyke, Scarborough YO12 6LD

Hayburn Wyke is located just 7 miles North of Scarborough, but is a world away from the busy North Bay and South Bay beaches.

On foot

One of the best things about Hayburn Wyke is that it is located on the popular Cleveland Way trail, so can be visited alongside other Yorkshire beaches.

From Scarborough

You will need to make your way to SEA Life Centre on Scalby Mills Road. Once you reach the SEA Life Centre, you will see a pub with some outdoor seating. Head towards the pub and you will notice a small bridge which allows you to cross over onto the Cleveland Way trail. Then, you simply follow the trail until you reach Hayburn Wyke, which is identifiable by the stream leading to a waterfall on the beach.

From Ravenscar

Starting from Ravenscar village, you want to navigate to Raven Hall. From here, follow Station Road, heading away from the toilets (sea on your left hand side) until you see a white house. Opposite the house, you will find a pathway and a sign for Cleveland Way (Scarborough). When you reach the end of this path, take your right, keeping the sea on your left at all times until you reach Hayburn Wyke.

By car

The closest parking to Hayburn Wyke is just as you turn towards the Hayburn Wyke Inn from Hodgson Hill (you can use: Cloughton, Scarborough YO13 0AU for your sat nav). You can sense the route by the obvious signs, there are bars and cafes along the way that use custom neon signs, which looks very conspicuous.Eventually, you will see a sign for the pub from the main road (Hodgson Hill) and immediately, you’ll see a grassy area where you can park up. From here, you will need to walk downhill and then through woodland in order to reach the beach itself. The walk is likely to take 15 – 20 minutes depending on your skill level.

By bus

There are local bus services from Scarborough, Whitby and Ravenscar that drop you off on the nearest main road, allowing you to jump on the nearest trail down to Hayburn Wyke. Both the X94 from Whitby and the 115 from Scarborough have stops nearby. You’ll still need to make your way down through the woodland as there is no way for vehicles to access the beach.