Saltwick Bay Beach

About Saltwick Bay Beach

Saltwick Bay is a dramatic and historically rich stretch of coastline located just southeast of Whitby on England’s North Sea coast. Framed by rugged cliffs and open countryside, the bay forms part of the spectacular shoreline within the North York Moors National Park. Known for its striking rock formations, fossil-rich rocks, and sweeping sea views, Saltwick Bay is a favourite destination for walkers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts.

One of the bay’s most recognisable features is the large offshore rock known as Black Nab, a dark, jagged outcrop that rises prominently from the sea at low tide. The surrounding shoreline is made up of layered shale and sandstone cliffs dating back to the Jurassic period, around 180 million years ago. These rock layers have made Saltwick Bay one of the best fossil-hunting locations on the Yorkshire Coast. Visitors frequently discover ammonites, belemnites, and other ancient marine fossils scattered among the rocks, especially after storms have exposed fresh material.

Saltwick Bay also has a fascinating maritime history. The remains of the Admiral Von Tromp, a German trawler that ran aground during the First World War, can still occasionally be seen at very low tide. This adds an atmospheric reminder of the bay’s connection to the sea and the dangers once faced by ships navigating this rugged coastline.

The bay is accessible via footpaths from Whitby or from nearby clifftop car parks. The Cleveland Way National Trail runs along the cliff tops above, offering panoramic views across the North Sea and back towards Whitby Abbey, whose silhouette can often be seen on the skyline. The descent to the beach can be steep in places, but the sense of isolation and natural beauty makes the effort worthwhile.

Are dogs allowed on Saltwick Bay Beach?

Dogs are allowed to be walked on Saltwick Bay beach as it’s not a popular family beach, but the walk down can be quite steep, meaning it might be strenuous coming back up, especially for older dogs.

Getting to Saltwick Bay Beach

Address: Saltwick Bay, Whitby YO22 4JX

Saltwick Bay beach is located near the Whitby Holiday Park, but the beach can only be reached on foot, although if you are travelling by car, you will need to park in Whitby, which can be accessed from York, Hull and Middlesborough.

On foot

The only way to visit Saltwick Bay beach is to take the walk down the coastline from Whitby Abbey direction, or Robin Hood’s Bay if you’re travelling North up the Cleveland Way. The walk from Whitby should take around 20 minutes, if you start at Whitby Abbey or around 1 hour 45 minutes if you walk from Robin Hood’s Bay.

The walk down to the beach itself is only accessible using some steep steps. There are handrails in places, but if you are less steady on your feel, I recommend using a hiking pole or similar.

By car

There are several parking spots close to the cliff top of Saltwick Bay, on your left just before you reach the fork in the road near the holiday park. You can walk down to Saltwick Bay beach from Whitby and use Abbey Headland car park located next to Whitby Abbey which is free in the low season. The walk from Abbey Headland car park to Saltwick Bay beach takes around 20 minutes.

By bus

There is no bus that goes near to Saltwick Bay beach, but you can get a bus to either Robin Hood’s Bay or Whitby, depending on which directing you’re coming from. If you’re travelling from the Middlesborough area, you can use the X4A to get the bus into Whitby or the X93 into Robin Hood’s Bay. If instead you’re heading from the Scarborough area, you can use the X93 bus to reach either Whitby or Robin Hood’s Bay and then walk the remainder of the way.