With the Easter holidays upon us in Yorkshire, many people are likely looking for the best beaches in the county. However, beaches will be busy this time of year, especially with the kids being off, so how about a visit to a 'secret' beach near Leeds.
If you fancy avoiding the big crowds you might want to take a trip to Gaddings Dam, on the outskirts of Todmorden, West Yorkshire. It takes around an hour to get to this beach from Leeds.
The beach boasts real sand and water that is often warm enough to swim in. Gaddings Dam is an earth embankment dam that was built in 1833 to provide water for the former mills below the area.
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The dam was due to be drained in 2001 due to it being in poor condition. However, thanks to a group of locals, the dam was saved and restored.
The beach is made from sand that comes from the weathered gritstone which is blown into the dam by wind and waves. Gaddings Dam, also known as 'Todmorden Beach' can be found above the villages of Lumbutts and Mankinholes, south of Todmorden off the A646 Halifax Road.
The dam has a four-star rating on Tripadvisor with people saying it is a 'stunning' attraction and while small, it's perfect if you want to avoid the big coastal towns.
One review called it a 'hidden gem' saying: "We took the easy route up from the White House Inn and the views were stunning. We have had mixed reviews from others who have visited some great some not but when we got to the little beach and it is little, we were pleasantly surprised. Perfectly formed with soft clean sand lovingly cared for and a delight to visit. The sun was out which attracted a few brave souls to have a dip in the clear water…we left that bit to our pooches Pippa and Eric "
Another spoke of the dam being perfect for a stroll, one reviewer wrote: "Gaddings Dam is a fab place to go for a walk, swim, and picnic. It's a lovely walk to get there (there are a few routes up so you can choose the best way for your group - there is parking in nearby Todmorden but it will be a longer walk from there, nice route though!)"
It's best for people who like a walk as the area is accessed via a steep walk. Another Tripadvisor review read: "A long hard walk to top of the hill but the views are worth it. Only a small piece of sand but you can sit all around the dam. We went on a very hot day so a lot of people swimming. Came down the easy way which is to the right as you look at the hill. Took half hour longer to get down but so much easier. Loved it"
Due to the walk, there is no road access to Gaddings Dam. It can only be reached via walking to the top of the moors, there is a car park nearby at Shepherd's Rest pub on Lumbutts Road but it can only fit around a dozen cars so make sure you are well protected for a walk in the summer heat.
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