The days will soon be a little longer, the temperature a little warmer and East Yorkshire’s 53 miles of breath-taking coast will be waking up to spring. Sweeping golden beaches, iconic nature reserves and gentle countryside plains await.
Spring is a fantastic time to visit as the weather is pleasant but the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived so you can explore the pretty seaside towns, coastal walks and fascinating wildlife in relative peace. Events season is just kicking off too, providing plenty to keep you entertained during your visit.
Superb seaside towns
Bridlington, where the Yorkshire Wolds meet the sea, is a gem among seaside towns. With glorious wide sandy beaches, ancient streets lined with traditional shops, and a 900-year-old working harbour, this charming coastal town has it all. Spend the morning browsing the delightful old town before heading to the award-winning promenade.
Nearby Sewerby Hall is the place to enjoy spring daffodils by the clifftops. The Grade I listed mansion enjoys the most spectacular views over Bridlington and offers 50 acres of magnificent grounds to enjoy. Lunch in the Clock Tower Café followed by a stroll through walled gardens and the woodland trail is an ideal way to while away an afternoon.
Back down on the harbour, don’t forget to hop aboard the Yorkshire Belle for a sightseeing cruise to discover nearby bays, iconic landmarks, towering chalk cliffs and magnificent wildlife. The views of our heritage coast when seen from this perspective are truly breath-taking.
A short drive from Bridlington, you’ll find beautiful Burton Agnes Hall. This imposing Elizabethan stately home has stayed within the same family for more than 400 years. As well as many grand rooms to uncover, the award-winning walled gardens and woodland walk contain thousands of plant species which come to life in spring. Enjoy a light stroll whilst appreciating the bright blooms and birdsong which fill the air.
For a relaxing coastal hideaway, head to the small seaside town of Hornsea. It is home to Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake which boasts over 250 species of birds and plenty of opportunities for sailing and fishing. You’ll find plenty of history to explore here too. The award winning Hornsea Museum hosts a world famous collection of over 2,500 pieces of Hornsea pottery and allows you to experience life as it was back in the 1880's.
To witness the East Yorkshire coast at its most wild and untamed, a visit to Flamborough Head is called for. If you love the great outdoors, you’ll feel right at home here. There are plenty of coastal paths to wander, it’s a great spot for bird watching and if you’re confident in the water you might even want to try sea canoeing. With two imposing lighthouses close by and Danes Dyke, a scenic nature reserve on your doorstep, there are endless opportunities for exploration.
Get lost in nature
Bempton Cliffs, near Bridlington, is one of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles - almost half-a-million seabirds soaring above and towering chalk cliffs.
During spring you can see guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars and shags nesting here as well as the largest seabird in the UK, the majestic gannet. And of course we can’t forget everyone's favourite, the puffin!
Another must see for bird lovers is Spurn Point. This unique coastal national nature reserve features a long sandy spit stretching three and a half miles into the Humber Estuary from the Holderness Coast.
The iconic black and white Spurn Lighthouse looks proudly over the reserve which can also be explored aboard a Spurn Safari! A giant ex-military Unimog vehicle acts as a mobile wildlife hide offering a different vantage point to visitors wishing to observe the many rare birds that inhabit the area.
Food for the sole
When you think of the coast, most people immediately think of fish and chips and for good reason (It is a British tradition afterall!) but East Yorkshire’s culinary offering goes far beyond the many award-winning fish and chip shops across the region. The crab and lobster landed in Bridlington and along our coast is not only enjoyed locally but is so special that it is shipped to restaurants around the world, so make sure you try some whilst you are here. Head to Salt on the Harbour to enjoy some locally landed seafood whilst enjoying views across Bridlington harbour.
For a fine dining experience head to Dock Side in Bridlington where celebrated Yorkshire chef, Martyn Shaw, serves dishes produced from the finest local ingredients. Expect slow cooked spring lamb, delicious Sunday roasts and an impressive choice of fish dishes.
Aside from the seafood of which we are so proud, you’ll find cosy pubs such as the dog-friendly Ship Inn near Bridlington serving fine food and award-winning ales and tempting tea rooms such as the Georgian Tea Rooms on Bridlington’s High Street. Here you can graze through tiers of savoury and sweet treats before browsing eclectic antiques which can be found on the first and second floors of the same building. And of course a visit to the coast isn’t complete without a refreshing ice cream!
Plenty to keep you entertained
With spring comes the start of events season and East Yorkshire beaches, towns and attractions are filled with music, fantastic floral displays, thrilling shows and mouth-watering food.
From hundreds of stunning orchids on display at Burton Agnes Hall to afternoons of fine music and vintage afternoon teas in the orangery at Sewerby Hall. Car fanatics will love Bridlington’s classic car show which culminates in two days of retro vehicles roaring across the resort’s south beach. Or why not take your visit to East Yorkshire’s coast to new heights with a trip to Bridlington’s annual kite festival? Soaring above the dramatic cliff tops, watch as some of the world’s largest inflatable kites take to the skies.
So what are you waiting for? Spring into spring with a visit to East Yorkshire’s coast.