Top six beaches to visit in East Yorkshire

Flamborough North Landing is a gem on the East Yorkshire coast, renowned for its dramatic scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Nestled between towering white chalk cliffs, this secluded beach is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

What makes Flamborough North Landing special?

• Scenic beauty: The beach is framed by striking chalk cliffs, creating a stunning backdrop. The clear waters and unique rock formations add to its attractiveness.
• Wildlife watching: The cliffs and surrounding areas are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. It's a great spot for birdwatching, especially during the breeding season which takes place from March to October.
• Opportunities to explore: The beach is perfect for exploring rock pools and caves. At low tide, you can walk along the shore to discover hidden coves and fascinating marine life.
• Walking trails: There are several coastal paths and trails offering breathtaking coastal views. The walk from Flamborough Head to North Landing is particularly popular.

Nearby amenities

• Cafés and pubs: After a day of exploration, you can relax at nearby cafés and pubs and enjoy some delicious local seafood.
• Parking: Plenty of parking is available close to the beach.

Learn more about Flamborough North Landing
 

Bridlington is blessed with two award-winning beaches, meaning double the seaside fun!

North Beach is the livelier of the two, with a wide range of shops, cafes and amusements close by.  

Just south of Bridlington harbour, South Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its northern counterpart. It's an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still enjoying excellent facilities.

What makes Bridlington’s beaches special?

• Family friendly: The wide expanses of golden sand is ideal for building sandcastles, playing beach games, and sunbathing. The shallow waters are safe for swimming, making it a great choice for families with young children.
• Promenade: The long promenades are perfect for a leisurely stroll, cycling, or people watching. They’re lined with traditional seaside shops, cafés, and ice cream parlours.
• Events and activities: Bridlington hosts various events throughout the year on its beaches, including Race the Waves and beach volleyball.
• Water sports: South beach is popular for water sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding.
• Accessibility: Both beaches are easily accessible, with ample parking and facilities for disabled visitors.

Nearby amenities

• Bridlington Spa: This historic venue overlooks Bridlington’s south beach and offers a programme of world-class entertainment, from theatre to music and comedy.
• Sewerby Hall and Gardens: Standing proudly on the cliff tops overlooking the north beach, Sewerby Hall is a Georgian country house complete with a zoo, museum and 50 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
• All the fun of the fair: A small fairground provides thrills and screams along part of the northern promenade
• Accommodation: If you’re making a weekend of it, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options in Bridlington, from hotels and charming B&Bs to self-catering apartments.

Learn more about Bridlington's North and South beaches.
 

Fraisthorpe Beach is a hidden gem, offering a serene and unspoiled stretch of sand perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.

What makes Fraisthorpe special?

• Seclusion: This beach is less commercialised, providing a peaceful retreat. The wide, flat sands are ideal for long walks, horseback riding, and dog walking.
• Natural beauty: The beach is surrounded by farmland and low cliffs, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting. It’s an excellent spot for photography.
• Beachcombing and fossil hunting: Fraisthorpe is known for its interesting rocks and fossils, making it a great location for beachcombing and exploring the natural history of the area.

Nearby amenities

• Cosy café: After your visit to the beach, stop by the nearby Cowshed Café for a drink and bite to eat. Dogs are welcome here too.
• Parking: There is a convenient parking area close to the beach.

Learn more about Fraisthorpe beach
 

Hornsea beach, with its mixture of sand and shingle, is a great destination for those looking for a peaceful and scenic visit to the coast. The town’s friendly atmosphere and excellent amenities make it a firm favourite.

What makes Hornsea special?

• A relaxed atmosphere: Hornsea offers a more laid back experience compared to some of the busier beaches in the region, making it perfect for a leisurely walk.
• Family fun: The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag, making it safe, clean and accessible and perfect for family days out.

Nearby amenities

• Award-winning fish and chips: Hornsea has some fantastic places to stop and enjoy fish and chips and Whiteheads is one of East Yorkshire’s favourites, having won multiple national awards.
• Promenade: The promenade is ideal for a relaxed stroll, with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the sea views. It’s also lined with lovely little cafés.
• Parks and gardens: Hall Garth Park is a lovely green space close to the beach, perfect for a picnic

Learn more about Hornsea beach
 

Spurn Point, a unique and dynamic stretch of sand and shingle, is one of East Yorkshire's most fascinating coastal destinations. Located at the southern tip of the Holderness Coast, this narrow spit of land extends into the North Sea and Humber Estuary, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and abundant wildlife.

What makes Spurn Point special?

• Dramatic landscape: Spurn Point's landscape is constantly changing due to the forces of the sea. This ever-shifting environment creates a unique coastal experience, with new landforms and vistas appearing over time.
• Rich wildlife: The area is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly during migration seasons. It’s home to a variety of birds, including avocets, terns, and waders. The surrounding waters also attract seals, which can often be seen basking on the shore.
• Historical significance: Spurn Point has a fascinating history, including its role in maritime navigation and defence. The old lighthouse, lifeboat station, and military structures provide intriguing glimpses into the past.
• Adventure opportunities: The remote and wild nature of Spurn Point makes it perfect for adventurous visitors. Whether you're exploring the long stretch of beach, cycling along the paths, or taking guided wildlife tours on board an ex-military Unimog, there’s plenty to discover.

Nearby amenities

• Visitor centre: The Spurn Discovery Centre offers information about the area’s history, wildlife, and geology. It also has a café and facilities.
• Spurn Lighthouse: the iconic black and white lighthouse stands at the edge of this dynamic landscape. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline.

Learn more about Spurn Point
 

Withernsea is a traditional seaside town with a charming Blue Flag beach that has retained its nostalgic appeal.

What makes Withernsea special?

• Family fun: The beach is ideal for families, with soft sands and gentle waves.
• Pier Towers: Providing an iconic backdrop to Withernsea beach, these twin castellated structures were once the entrance to a grand Victorian pier but now provide a touch of historical intrigue to your day at the beach.
• Promenade: The wide promenade is perfect for a stroll, with plenty of amusements and fish and chip shops.
• Community events: Withernsea hosts plenty of community events and festivals, particularly during the summer months, bringing a lively atmosphere to the town.

Nearby amenities

• Valley Gardens: The beautifully maintained gardens close to the promenade provide a lovely spot for a picnic or a relaxing break from the beach.
• Withernsea Lighthouse Museum: The iconic Withernsea Lighthouse, located just inland from the beach, offers stunning panoramic views from the top. It also houses a museum dedicated to local history and the lifeboat service.

Learn more about Withernsea beach
 

While East Yorkshire boasts some remarkable beaches, the broader Yorkshire coastline is home to several other stunning seaside destinations that are well worth a visit too.

Filey is a charming seaside town with a beautiful, sweeping bay that stretches for over five miles. This sandy beach is perfect for long walks, beach games, and picnics. Filey Brigg, a natural rock formation at the northern end of the bay, provides excellent opportunities for exploring rock pools and observing marine life. The town itself retains a quaint, old-world charm with its Edwardian architecture, traditional promenade, and lovely gardens.

Cayton Bay, located just a few miles south of Scarborough, is a favourite among surfers and nature enthusiasts. This unspoiled beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs and rolling hills, offers a more secluded feel compared to the busier resorts. Cayton Bay is also a great spot for fossil hunting, thanks to the rich geological formations found in the area.