Summer in East Yorkshire

Summer has a way of slowing everything down, if you let it. The feeling of warm sand between little fingers, the sound of the sea shushing worries away, the rare and golden moment when the whole family is simply... happy. These are the glimmers we're all looking for. East Yorkshire has been offering this kind of summer for generations. The thrill of a first rock pool find at Flamborough, the smell of vinegar on chips eaten straight from the paper on Bridlington Harbour, a Hornsea ice cream dripping faster than you can eat it - these aren't just places, they're feelings. The authentic British seaside experience that so many families dream about but worry no longer exists? It's here. It's always been here.

Whether you're planning a full week away, a long weekend with the kids or simply a day trip to clear your head and fill your lungs with sea air, East Yorkshire gives you space to breathe, room to roam and the kind of simple joys that stay with you long after the summer ends.

This summer, we're inviting families to create moments that matter. Let's help you plan yours.

Where the sea meets something special

From the dramatic chalk cliffs of Flamborough to the golden sands of Bridlington and the Blue Flag beaches at Hornsea and Withernsea, the East Yorkshire coast is one of England's most beautiful and rewarding coastlines. Keep your eyes on the skies at Bempton - every year, thousands of puffins return to nest on the clifftops, and spotting your first one is a genuine family moment.

East Yorkshire is a place for rock pooling adventures, long beach walks, proper fish and chips eaten with the wind in your hair, and that giddy rush of small people running full pelt towards the sea.

A summer spent by the East Yorkshire coast is a summer well lived.

Explore the East Yorkshire coast

Two children building sandcastles on Bridlington's south beach

 

A little girl on a space hopper at the Withernsea Pirate Festival in East Yorkshire.

A summer full of events worth planning for

From open air cinema evenings at Burton Constable Hall to the brilliant chaos of DenFest at William's Den, family race days at Beverley Racecourse, the Withernsea Pirate Festival and family productions at Bridlington Spa, East Yorkshire's events diary fills up fast in July and August.

Whatever your family loves, there's a good chance it's happening here this summer. Keep an eye on our what's on listings to catch everything that's on and start planning your perfect days out now.

See what's on over the summer holidays

 

Don't miss this summer

Withstock Jul 25

Withstock

Withstock 2026! Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July. 12noon to 11pm, Valley Gardens, Withernsea, East…

 

Made for family moments

East Yorkshire was practically built for families. There are adventure playgrounds tucked into woodlands, seal colonies to spot from clifftops, caves to explore, wildlife parks to wander through and heritage railways that make little ones' eyes go wide.

Best of all, many of the region's finest experiences won't break the bank. The Yorkshire Wolds are on the doorstep so pack a picnic, find a footpath and let the kids lead the way. And some of the best family memories cost nothing at all.

Discover our full guide to family friendly East Yorkshire: the attractions, the activities and all the things that make this region so easy to fall in love with as a family.

Discover family friendly East Yorkshire

 

A family walking outside Sledmere House

Unmissable family attractions

Woldies

Woldies

Woldies is on a mission to help families get closer to nature, learn about local wildlife and…

 

A bell tent amongst the greenery of Little Otchan Glamping in East Yorkshire

Wake up to East Yorkshire

There's something about sleeping close to nature that makes summer feel even more magical. East Yorkshire has a brilliant range of camping and glamping options, from traditional tent pitches close to the coast to cosy glamping pods in the Yorkshire Wolds, shepherds' huts on working farms and full-facility holiday parks perfect for families who want a little more comfort alongside their adventure.

Fall asleep to the sound of the countryside. Wake up with nowhere to be but outside.

Find your perfect place to stay

 

 

Accommodation picks for a summer to remember

 

A little rain never stopped a great summer

Let's be honest, this is Britain. The odd rainy day is practically part of the package. But in East Yorkshire, a change in the weather doesn't mean a change in plans. It just means a slightly different kind of adventure.

From hands-on museums to indoor soft play, bowling, arts and crafts sessions and cosy tea rooms that were practically invented for a wet afternoon, there's no shortage of ways to keep the family entertained when the skies turn grey.

Discover rainy day ideas for kids in East Yorkshire

A family exploring Bugtopia in Hornsea

 

Summer inspiration

A sunflower field

East Yorkshire’s top spots for picking sunflowers

  • 1 minute read

Sunflowers, with their bright yellow petals and towering stalks, are a true symbol of summer. There's something about wandering through a field of them that instantly lifts your mood. In East Yorkshire, several farms and attractions offer the chance to pick your own sunflowers to take home and…

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Views of the boats docked in Bridlington Harbour.

Top 10 things to do in Bridlington

  • 1 minute read

Endless fun awaits on your visit to Bridlington. From thrilling boat rides to world-class entertainment and whizzing along the seafront on board a colourful land train. Here is our round up of the top things to do in Bridlington. As you’d expect from a seaside town, the beach is a focal point of…

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a family paddling in the sea at Withernsea Beach with the pier towers in the background.

Family Friendly Summer in East Yorkshire

  • 1 minute read

The summer holidays are finally here and … how on earth are we going to fill them! The place to start is East Yorkshire. The region is full of fun days out, exciting activities and award-winning attractions, but sometimes it's nice to make the most of the great outdoors. Here’s some hints and tips…

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A child wearing yellow wellies jumping in a puddle

10 rainy day activities for kids in East Yorkshire

  • 1 minute read

East Yorkshire is just as prone to typical British weather, and sometimes on the East Yorkshire Coast the weather can be even more unpredictable, which can mean the regions has its fair share of grey days, rainy days and sea fret. And when you’re here for the day or a few days it’s handy to know…

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Children going down slides at Bridlington Funfair

6 places to take the kids in Bridlington

  • 1 minute read

This historic house is set in 50 acres of award-winning gardens and woodland. There’s a zoo with penguins, parrots and a whole host of other animals waiting to greet you, as well as the Clock Tower Cafe where you can enjoy lunch and a slice of cake (or two!). You can tour the Grade I listed house…

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