Discover Bridlington

Thinking of visiting Bridlington and curious as to what it's like? You're in the right place! Located on the stunning East Yorkshire coast, Bridlington is a place where traditional seaside charm meets modern-day adventure. With its historic harbour, bustling promenades, family-friendly attractions and wildlife-rich surroundings, Bridlington oozes appeal. Whether you're wandering through its quaint Old Town, hopping aboard a land train, or enjoying fresh seafood by the sea, you'll find a mix of nostalgia, nature, and seaside fun around every corner. Let's dive in...

Award-winning beaches

If you’re dreaming of sea air and soft sand, Bridlington’s two award-winning beaches should hit the spot. Backed by pretty promenades and traditional beach chalets, the two beaches straddle either side of the town's historic harbour.

Bridlington North Beach is a mix of sand and shingle, with the dramatic cliffs of nearby Flamborough Head as its backdrop. It's perfect for families with plenty of nearby cafes, shops, amusements and even a fun fair at one end and easy access to the magnificent Sewerby Hall and Gardens towards the other end.

Whether you're enjoying an ice cream, taking in the cliffside views, or relaxing in a beach chalet, North Beach offers a classic British seaside experience.

South beach has a longer stretch of soft, golden sand with fewer pebbles, making it ideal for beach games, sunbathing, and gentle strolls. It has a more laid-back atmosphere but still offers a good choice of cafes as well as a children's lido.

If you prefer a quieter scene but still want some home comforts close by, South Beach is likely to be your favourite.

Or you could enjoy the best of both worlds and visit both beaches - they're just a 10 to 15 minute walk from one another.

Attractions and things to do in Bridlington

So, you’ve made it to Bridlington - now what? Whether you're here for a quick day trip or settling in for a longer stay, there’s loads to see, do, and explore.

With its clifftop setting and gorgeous sea views, Sewerby Hall and Gardens is a Georgian country house surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. You can explore the historic house and museum, meet the residents at its small zoo (the penguins are a must-see) and wander the woodland and picnic areas.

Bridlington Animal Park offers a hands-on wildlife experience just outside the town. Home to meerkats, wallabies, reptiles, and birds of prey, why not join in an interactive feeding session or listen to one of their animal talks?

Discover how traditional seaside sweets are made at John Bull’s World of Rock. Watch live demonstrations of rock and fudge making and you can even try your hand at crafting your own sweet treats.

For all the fun of the fair, head to the North Beach promenade for traditional fairground rides, amusements and plenty of family fun. Scream if you want to go faster!

Explore more attractions and things to do in Bridlington.
 

Bridlington's historic harbour

At the heart of Bridlington lies its busy harbour - a living reminder of the town's rich fishing heritage. With roots dating back to the 12th century, the harbour is both a working fishing port and the perfect place to marvel at panoramic sea views and treat yourself to fish and chips. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like sitting by the sea with salty fingers, warm chips in hand, and that unmistakable seaside breeze in your hair. It’s the taste of a proper day out by the sea.

You can also enjoy an exciting boat ride from the harbour, from thrilling speedboats to scenic cruises and family-friendly pirate adventures. Ahoy there, matey!

You'll never go hungry in Bridlington

Alongside all the traditional British seaside favourites - fish & chips, ice cream, candy floss and waffles, Bridlington offers a huge choice of restaurants, cafes and tearooms, And as you'd expect in a town renowned for its busy fishing industry, fresh seafood is never far from the menu. Bridlington is known as the lobster capital of Europe, landing 300-tonnes each year and these delicious Yorkshire delicacies are enjoyed as far afield as the Azores! No need to travel that far to try them though, you’ll find Bridlington Bay Lobster taking pride of place in many of Bridlington’s restaurants.

Bridlington's Old Town

Fancy a break from the buzz of the beach? It's time to uncover the charm of Bridlington’s Old Town, a beautifully preserved area rich in history, character, and culture. Wander through quaint Georgian streets, explore independent boutiques, and experience a different side of seaside life.

High Street is home to a fantastic mix of vintage galleries, quirky shops, and local artisans. Whether you're searching for handcrafted ceramics, bespoke jewellery, or one-of-a-kind gifts, Bridlington’s Old Town offers something really unique and special.

Throughout the year, the Old Town plays host to a variety of events too, from vintage weekends and heritage festivals to lantern walks and art trails - perfect if you're looking to soak up the local culture.

Pick up a copy of the Old Town Trail and you’re all set for a journey through Bridlington’s past. 

Learn more about Bridlington's Old Town.

Events and festivals in Bridlington 

If it’s cultural, quirky, or coastal, Bridlington probably has a festival for it! 

Held at Sewerby Fields each spring, Bridlington Kite Festival fills the skies over the cliff tops with giant inflatables and stunt kites. A fantastic free family-friendly event.

If you prefer a faster pace, Race the Wave is a vintage vehicle extravaganza on Bridlington South Beach, where classic cars and motorcycles race along the sands in a nostalgic nod to motoring history.

Not to be missed this Christmas, Sewerby Hall and Gardens puts on a magical display of lights, sounds, and seasonal wonder. Their enchanted Winter Woodland is a festive favourite for families and couples.

But this is just a taste of what to expect from Bridlington's events scene. From festive ice trails to bustling food festivals and medieval jousting, there's always something going on to keep you entertained.

Discover what's on in Bridlington.

Getting to and around Bridlington

Whether you're arriving by train, car, or coach, Bridlington is easy to reach and even easier to explore once you're here.

Bridlington Railway Station is centrally located and well-connected via Northern Rail services from Hull, Scarborough, and York. From the station it’s just a 10-minute walk to the town centre, or around a 15 minutes walk to the seafront and harbour. Taxis are available outside the station too and a bus stop is close by on Hilderthorpe Road.

If you're visiting by car, why not use the convenient park and ride service? Located just south of the town on South Cliff Road, you can park for free and enjoy a great value, stress-free ride into town. The park and ride runs daily during peak season and on weekends and drops you off near Bridlington's South Beach. This is a great option during busy summer months when town centre parking can be limited.

Once in town, there's only one way to travel around - Bridlington’s famous land trains! There are two different routes and stops include Bridlington Spa and Sewerby Hall and Gardens. The land trains run from spring to autumn and provide stunning coastal views. They're even dog friendly too!

Bridlington Tourist Information Centre

If you're not sure where to start, pop into the Bridlington Tourist Information Centre - you’ll find it inside the iconic Bridlington Spa, right by the South Beach. Whether you're looking for local tips, event info, or just want to grab a map and a souvenir, the friendly team here can help.

Learn more about the Bridlington Tourist Information Centre.

Bridlington Passport - exclusive discounts for staying guests

Make your stay in Bridlington even more rewarding with the Bridlington Passport - a free discount card available to guests who book accommodation with a member of the Bridlington Tourism Association (BTA).

The Bridlington Passport is your ticket to exclusive offers and discounts at a wide range of local attractions, shops, cafés, restaurants, and more. It’s a simple way to save money while exploring everything Bridlington and the surrounding area has to offer.

How do you get one? It’s easy! Just book your stay with a BTA member accommodation provider - whether it’s a hotel, guest house, B&B, or holiday apartment. Your host will give you the Passport for free when you check in.

Learn more about the Bridlington Passport.

Discover what's nearby

While Bridlington itself offers plenty to see and do, the surrounding area is packed with natural beauty, wildlife hotspots, and coastal adventures. If you're looking to explore a little further, RSPB Bempton Cliffs is one of the UK’s top wildlife destinations. The cliffs are home to over half a million seabirds during nesting season, including iconic puffins, gannets, razorbills, and kittiwakes. Take a self guided tour, find the perfect view and appreciate the incredible sight of nesting seabirds, swooping around the impressive coastline.

Flamborough Head is also close by offering rugged cliffs, sea caves, and panoramic coastal views. It's the perfect spot for a clifftop hike, exploring lighthouses, and spotting seals.

Tucked between Flamborough and Bempton, Thornwick Bay is a hidden gem known for its rocky shoreline and sea caves, wildlife spotting, fossil hunting and rock pooling. Adventurous walkers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape will love it here.

Located just north of Bridlington, Danes Dyke is a tranquil woodland and coastal nature reserve. It has ancient woodland trails, a secluded beach and is rich in wildlife and seasonal flowers. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or spotting birds and butterflies.