Top 10 things to do in Bridlington

Learn more about Bridlington’s North Beach and South Beach.

Overlooking Bridlington’s beautiful south beach, Bridlington Spa is a magnet for world-class talent and offers a programme shining with stars. So take your seats and enjoy the very best in music, drama, comedy and touring musicals

Superstars including David Bowie and The Rolling Stones have performed here and the venue continues to host major acts such a Pulp, Nile Rogers and Kaiser Chiefs.

Whilst enjoying the entertainment be sure to take in your surroundings as the venue is a real head-turner. The Royal Hall is a magnificent 1930s art deco ballroom, whilst the Spa Theatre is an ornate Edwardian two-tier theatre.

Learn more about Bridlington Spa

Situated in a stunning location on Sewerby cliff top, Sewerby Hall and Gardens truly offers something for everyone. The spectacular, award-winning gardens are lovely to wander at any time of the year and the zoo is always popular. Capuchin monkeys, donkeys, pygmy goats and playful penguins help make up the animal family who just love a fuss from visitors. Be sure to catch feeding time at the penguin enclosure as their personalities really shine when there’s fresh fish on offer!

The Grade I listed Sewerby Hall itself is furnished with impressive pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum and takes you on a journey back through time as you explore its grand rooms.

The Clock Tower Café is the perfect place to stop for refreshments (we can recommend the scones with jam and clotted cream) and you’ll also find a year-round programme of exciting events taking place at Sewerby Hall Gardens. From medieval jousting at Easter to orangery concerts over the summer and a magical festive Winter Woodland over Christmas.

Learn more about Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Ahoy there! Head out to sea on board one of the many boat trips offered from Bridlington’s 900-year-old working harbour. From fishing trips to pirate ships, speed boat rides to disco cruises on the Yorkshire Belle and opportunities to get up close to puffins and gannets on an RSPB seabird cruise. Whether for education or entertainment, sit back and enjoy the views of the stunning East Yorkshire coast from the gentle rolling waves of the North Sea. You might even get lucky and spot a pod of dolphins which are no strangers to our region!

When most people think of Bridlington, their first thoughts are of its award-winning beaches and enjoying fish and chips by the sea. But there’s more to this popular seaside town that meets the eye. A town trail is the perfect way to learn more about its past and present and familiarise yourself with the area. 

Wander Bridlington’s ancient streets as part of the Old Town Trail, visit big screen worthy spots used in the filming of the Dad’s Army movie, or see the places which tell the story of Bridlington’s maritime heritage.  There are lots of trails to choose from and they’re a great free activity.

Find out more about Bridlington’s trails

For the most fun way to travel along Bridlington’s seafront over the summer months, choo-choose Bridlington’s Land Train! 

The south train runs between South Cliff Holiday Park/Bridlington’s Park and Ride to Bridlington Spa every 20 minutes and the north train runs between East Riding Leisure Centre to Sewerby Hall and Gardens every 30 minutes.

All aboard to enjoy a fun ride with spectacular views of the bay. They’re even dog friendly so your pooches can rest their paws too!

Learn more about Bridlington’s land trains

Aside from the traditional amusements which line the promenade, there’s plenty to do in Bridlington to keep you entertained. Test your wits at Bridlington Escape Rooms and solve the puzzles to be crowned victorious, meet a whole host of animal friends and witness birds of prey in action at Bridlington Animal Park, learn the secrets of traditional candy making, including how they put the lettering inside a stick of rock at John Bull’s World of Rock, and slide, swing and spin your way around the funfair which overlooks the sea front. 

A visit to Bridlington isn’t complete without sampling some traditional seaside treats! Fish and chips enjoyed with vinegary fingers overlooking the harbour is all part of the seaside experience. Don’t forget to save room for something sweet afterwards though as sugary donuts, creamy ice creams and fluffy candy floss call!

But Bridlington’s food scene goes far beyond award-winning fish and chips. The crab and lobster landed in Bridlington 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 Dockside Kitchen 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 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.

Dating from 1113 AD, Bridlington’s Priory Church was originally part of one of England’s leading monasteries. Once twice the size of what remains today, it easily rivalled other great Yorkshire churches, including Beverley Minster. The surviving nave of the church is now a thriving parish church with a wealth of historic features. 

A ’Great Gale’ monument marks a mass grave and remembers the Great Gale disaster of 1871 when 30 ships were wrecked in Bridlington Bay and 70 seafarers and lifeboatmen lost their lives. More recently, a tapestry was created depicting the major events over the life of the church and a ‘Lamb of God’ tree carving was created as part of the church’s 900 year anniversary celebrations in 2013. 

Whilst you’re in the area, the Bayle Museum, which was the Gatehouse to Priory Church in the 14th century, is definitely worth a visit too.

Learn more about the Priory Church

There are some fantastic places to explore on Bridlington’s doorstep which are simply too good to ignore if you’re in the area.

Danes Dyke is a 148 acre nature reserve on Flamborough headland. Take a walk through a stunning wooded ravine and discover ancient earthwork on your adventure into the past.

Flamborough’s North Landing offers a stunning secluded beach backed by towering cliffs. It’s a favourite spot for kayakers and snorkelers and families discovering marine wildlife in the rockpools. Around a 2 mile walk away is Flamborough Head and its lighthouse which has acted as a waypoint for coastal traffic since 1806. For amazing views, climb the 119 steps to the top.

Bempton Cliffs’ natural beauty makes it a fantastic place to visit any time of the year but between April to October a wonderful wildlife spectacle unfolds here. Each year, the cliffs welcome over half a million nesting seabirds, and amongst them are everybody’s favourite - the puffin. Spot them raising their families in the crevices of the cliffs.