The beautiful little UK seaside village locals don't want tourists to know about

Many of the most beautiful UK seaside towns and villages are well known to most tourists. The likes of St Ives, Lyme Regis, Brighton and Whitby are inundated with visitors every year, leading to overcrowding and an increase in the cost of living.

These issues can leave locals feeling frustrated as their hometown becomes overrun by people from across the UK. However, some seaside towns and villages do creep under the radar, remaining fairly quiet during the peak holiday months. A fishing village in North Yorkshire has been kept under wraps for years and locals are keen to keep their magical home away from the limelight.

Sandsend, located just three miles from Whitby, is known for its quaint village charm and beautiful golden beach. The village has sweeping views of the coastline and is the perfect place for a quiet stroll.

According to the CN Traveller, Sandsend has been "fiercely guarded" by locals, with Yorkshire families using the village for relaxing holidays for years. However, a new luxury wellness retreat named Saltmoore opened at the end of last year, putting the secrecy of Sandsend at risk.

The long beach at Sandsend is particularly popular during the warmer months. Families visit to sunbathe and swim while children can build castles in the golden sands.

Sandsend is far quieter than neighbouring Whitby, which attracts over a million visitors every year. Whitby was named as the UK's hottest destination for the 2025 summer holidays by Skyes Holiday Cottages after reporting a 4% year-on-year increase in bookings.

However, Sandsend can offer similar scenic coastal walks with a number of routes available, including the popular Cinder Track. The famous Whitby Abbey is also visible from the beach.

As well as a picturesque beach and stunning views, the village of Sandsend also has a number of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops for people to enjoy. There is also a range of accomodation on offer, including hotels, B&Bs, and rental cottages.

Just three miles south of Sandsend is the North York Moors National Park. There are a number of outdoor activities available to visitors, such as hiking and cycling trails.

Welcome to Yorkshire said: "Just up the delightful Yorkshire Coast from the busier town of Whitby, Sandsend still has the same amazing sandy beach, but is an altogether more peaceful spot, for those looking to get away from the crowds for a while.

"With its stunning sandy beach, rugged cliffs, and quaint cottages, Sandsend offers a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional English charm."