The landlocked northern market town that has ‘a secret beach in the clouds’
YORKSHIRE is famous many things, including its rugged beauty, famous literary connections and great tea.
But you might be surprised to learn that it’s also home to a large sandy beach – nowhere near the sea.
Todmorden Beach is set in West Yorkshire and is the highest beach in the UK.
Also known as Gaddings Dam, the beach was rescued from closure by a group of local volunteers over two decades ago.
The easiest way to reach the beach is by car, with parking available opposite a pub called the Shepherd’s Rest Inn.
From there, visitors will need to climb a steep path to reach the secluded beach.
It can also be accessed by train from Manchester to Todmorden, then taking a bus to the Shepherd’s Rest Inn.
A return ticket from Manchester to Todmorden costs £11 for a full-paying adult without a railcard.
Families who are looking to swim will be relieved to hear that the water is regarded as clean.
But there are no lifeguards on duty, so anyone who is swimming is encouraged to stay near the walls, and diving isn’t recommended because of rocks under the water.
Because there are no shops or cafes on Todmorden Beach, visitors will need to carry all their holiday essentials with them up the steep path.
But the Shepherd’s Rest Inn is at the bottom of the path and serves pub classics like gammon, with prices starting from £12 for a main meal.
In recent years, several day-trippers have shared their views of the hidden beach on TikTok.
Kylehorrocks2017 on TikTok referred to Todmorden as a “secret beach” and also called the beach “a beautiful gem” after a visit there last year.
While TikTok user tresmondo described it as a “must-visit beach in the clouds”.
Other visitors have also been raving about the beach on Tripadvisor too.
One person wrote: “The views at the top are gorgeous, and the water was clear and at a lovely temperature.”
While another added: “Perfectly formed with soft clean sand lovingly cared for and a delight to visit.”
A third said: “Gaddings Dam is a fab place to go for a walk, swim, and picnic.”
Other nearby activities include Stockeld Park, an outdoor adventure park in Wetherby, and Xscape Yorkshire, which has been described as an entertainment hotspot.
Yorkshire isn’t the only unusual location in the UK that has a beach.
There’s a sandy beach in London and you can even get there using the tube.
The UK has some other amazing beaches to add to your bucket list too.
Blackpool Sands in Devon was listed as the best in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller and even has its own music festival in the summer.
And Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, was voted one of the best beaches in the UK in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023.
One beach in the UK even has its own wild ponies.