Top 10 things to do along the East Yorkshire Coast

Discover amazing attractions along the East Yorkshire coast from the Grade I listed Sewerby Hall and Gardens which has its own zoo to awe-inspiring birds of prey displays at Bridlington Animal Park. Or why not find your wild side on a visit to Bugtopia in Hornsea and immerse yourself in a tropical rainforest experience right here in East Yorkshire? 

If you’re interested in culture and history, a visit to Bridlington’s Priory Church, Bayle Museum and the many art galleries which can be found in the Old Town are a must. 

There’s no better way to experience the East Yorkshire Coast than on your own two feet so stretch your legs and enjoy a walk along our cliff tops, through our nature reserves and on our spectacular beaches. Whether you prefer a slow relaxed stroll or a challenging walking route, you'll love getting out along our coast.

Take in the breath-taking white chalk cliffs and spot sunbathing seals at Flamborough, wander the ancient woodland at Danes Dyke, move along the Bridlington Mile Makers walks, meet with furry friends at Fraisthorpe (one of East Yorkshire’s most dog-friendly beaches), stroll the promenades at Hornsea and Withernsea or discover dramatic scenery at Spurn Nature Reserve. The opportunities are endless!

The King Charles III England Coast Path is a trail of epic proportions. When completed, it will be the world’s longest coastal walking route, encircling the entire English coastline: an impressive 2,795 miles. Linking world-famous landmarks with hidden corners, it will allow walkers to discover beaches, clifftops, cities and nature reserves.

The path is opening is sections and the first of the sections within East Yorkshire is now open! The Bridlington to Filey section of the path covers 21 miles, taking in the UKs largest bird colony and coves used by 18^th century smugglers.

The open sections are shown on an interactive map on the National Trail website. As new sections open they will be added to the website map.

Volleyball championships on the beach, some of the world’s largest inflatable kites taking to the skies above the cliff tops, high-octane biker gatherings and annual music festivals. This is just a taste of what you can expect when you visit East Yorkshire’s coast. The coast is central to life in our region so it’s no surprise that some of our biggest and most popular events take place here.

As well as large public events, check out what’s on at Bridlington Spa, East Yorkshire’s premier arts venues which attracts world-class talent from the world of music, comedy and theatre. Sewerby Hall and Gardens welcomes families year-round with a varied programme of events, including art exhibitions, dog shows and medieval jousting! Wildlife lovers will adore a visit to RSPB Bempton Cliffs who run events including twilight walks, wildflower walks and children’s treasure hunts and Hornsea Floral Hall hosts everything from comedy nights to beer festivals.

Find out what’s on along the East Yorkshire Coast

Take in some of the East Yorkshire coast’s most beautiful views, whilst helping to support science and monitor the coastal landscape. Twenty six hand-carved photoposts are located from Sewerby and Bempton to Spurn Point, allowing you to place your mobile phone into position and capture the perfect costal picture. Over time, the connected trails will help to collect data about our changing coastline and build a visual timeline, helping us gain a better understanding of coastal erosion, natural habitats and the environment. 

Scan the QR code at each location to find out more about the photoposts and upload your snap to social media using the hashtag listed on each beacon.

Learn more about the Active Beacons: Photopost project

The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is an exciting route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders that links the North and Irish seas, passing through the Pennines, alongside rivers and canals and through some of the most historic towns and cities in the North of England.

A really nice section of the trail follows the line of the old Hull Hornsea railway line for ten miles to the seaside town of Hornsea. The route is a permissive bridleway and offers a hard surface for riders. Two areas along the trail have been recognised for their conservation value and both the South and Sigglesthorne Station local nature reserves can be discovered on the trail.

Learn more about the Trans Pennine Trail

Picture the scene. You’re stood at the edge of a huge lake, the sun glistening off the surface of the water as it moves slowly and hypnotically. In the distance, rowing boats glide across the lake and fishermen wait patiently for their next catch. Birds congregate, providing a chorus of song. Welcome to Hornsea Mere, the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire!

Peaceful, picturesque and the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing stroll and be close to nature.  

Learn more about Hornsea Mere

You can’t go to the coast without tucking into a delicious cooling ice cream, and with an impressive 30 flavours to choose from, Mr Moo’s award-winning ice cream is always a hit with the whole family. From firm favourites such as chocolate and strawberry to something a little more unusual to tantalise your tastebuds, there’s a flavour to keep everyone happy. Larger appetites can be satisfied with one of Mr Moo’s enormous sundaes which taste every bit as good as they look. With happy, ice cream filled bellies, take a gentle stroll across their farm to the nearby beach.

Learn more about Mr Moo's

A guide for ships navigating the waters off the East Yorkshire coast, our lighthouses are an important part of our maritime past and are fascinating to visit.

You’ll find two lighthouses at the southern end of Spurn Point, one being an iconic black and white construction which is instantly recognisable in our region. Withernsea’s Lighthouse is one of only a handful of lighthouses built inland, standing 127 feet (38m) high in the middle of the seaside town, and you’ll find two more lighthouses in Flamborough, an older one which is the oldest surviving light tower in England and a newer one built on the cliff edge.

With the exception of the older lighthouse at Flamborough, all are open to members of the public (please check individual opening times).

Find out more about East Yorkshire’s lighthouses

If you love to surround yourself in nature, you won’t be disappointed with the wildlife offering along East Yorkshire’s magnificent coast.

Whilst walking along the cliff tops of Flamborough, seals can be often be seen happily sunbathing on the shores below. Visitors are often treated to the antics of large seal colonies as they search for food, socialise and snooze.

Nearby Bempton Cliffs is home to one of the UK’s most impressive wildlife spectacles, with more than half a million seabirds gathering here each summer to nest and raise a family. Take in the sights and sounds of hundreds of thousands of gannets, kittiwakes, razorbills and puffins filling every nook and cranny of the 400 foot chalk cliffs between April and October each year. For a different viewpoint, you can take a RSPB seabird cruise and get up close to the birds as they soar through the sky and dive for food. Aside from visiting seabirds, Bempton Cliffs is home to a diverse range of wildlife including barn owls and voles which are fascinating to see at any time of the year.

From Flamborough to Bridlington, dolphins are often be seen playing out at sea over the summer months. Keep an eye on the waters during your visit and you may be lucky enough to witness them swimming alongside the boats and putting on a joyful jumping display.

Spurn Nature Reserve is another mecca for wildlife, famous for bird migration, but also dragonflies and butterflies, thanks to its wildlife rich mosaic of beach, saltmarsh, grassland and open waters.

Of course, we can’t talk about the East Yorkshire coast without including our beaches! Whatever type of beach experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

Ranging from the coves and secluded bays of Flamborough head, to the vast golden bays of Bridlington and Hornsea to the sand spit of Spurn Point. If the sand between your toes as you wander by the waves, gathering with your friends, games with the kids or letting your dog run free on the beach is your happy place then come to East Yorkshire’s coast and explore.

Learn more about East Yorkshire's beaches.