Bridlington’s beautiful beaches

Bridlington has two stunning beaches of gleaming golden sands, with a picturesque, bustling harbour in the middle. The harbour is a hive of activity with fishing boats bringing in the day's catch, pleasure cruises along the heritage coast, speedboat rides across the bay and North Sea fishing expeditions on offer.

Family fun

For traditional entertainment try the funfair, kids' corner and donkey rides. Family attractions include Beside the Seaside, an entertaining look at Bridlington's history, and Bayside Pleasure Park, a mini theme park right on the promenade. On the edge of town is Sewerby Hall and Gardens, featuring a Museum, children's zoo, pitch and putt, putting green, craft units and tearooms.

The Old Town

If you head away from the beach into the Old Town and you will find a gem that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, where Olde Worlde pubs and antique shops rub shoulders with art galleries and tearooms. Why not follow the 'Old Town Trail' or visit the Bayle Museum which documents the history and heritage of the 'Old Town'.

North and South beach

North Beach is a Quality Coast Award 2011 winning sand and shingle beach surrounded by wide promenades backed against the impressive Flamborough cliffs. This beach provides the ideal location to relax and just watch the constant bustle of the busy harbour or browse around the splendid array of boats. South Beach is an extensive sandy beach which overlooks Bridlington Bay with the golden sands extending to Spurn Point at the mouth of the River Humber. Bridlington South Beach was given a Quality Coast Bucket and Spade Award for the first time this year. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of traditional restaurants as well a variety of modern establishments.

Outstanding natural beauty

Discover a fascinating coastline recognised for its geographical, natural and archaeological importance. Travel by car, bike, bus or on foot or take a sightseeing boat trip for an alternative view of this spectacular region. There are many natural beauty spots to be enjoyed around the Bridlington area, such as Danes Dyke, Spurn Point, Flamborough Head and RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Bridlington also has a glorious maritime past, and this facet of the town is celebrated in the Maritime Trail. Pick up a free guide from the Tourist Information Centre and embark on a voyage of discovery through the seafaring past.

Flamborough Head

Sea battles have been fought off Flamborough Head’s shoreline, notably in 1643 between seven of Queen Henrietta’s Dutch ships and four parliamentarian ships. In 1779, when two British naval ships engaged the American pirate, Commodore John Paul Jones’s fleet for over two hours, they inflicted heavy losses and Jones’s ship, Bonhomme Richard, is believed to have sunk after the battle to the north just off Filey.
The rocky coastline and stormy seas make this part of the East coast perfect for sea canoeing, especially with its many caves which were a haven for smugglers.

Fruits of the sea

There’s nothing like the seaside to increase your appetite and Bridlington is no stranger to making the most of the fruits the waters of the North Sea yield. The picturesque Old Town has more than its fair share of chippies and the esplanade lined with seafood stalls offering whelks, mussels, crabs and much more. The restaurants along the seafront source the best local sea bass, sea trout, scallops, crab and there are a host of ice cream parlours offering delicious sweet treats to tempt the most discerning of palates.

Traditional tearooms and al fresco dining

Nestling in the old town are some hidden places to take a break. Make a beeline for the Georgian Tea Rooms and sample some delicious home made cakes, pastries and desserts, enjoy a Yorkshire high tea or something even more substantial.  Outside there is a large garden and antique fountain - ideal to eat "al fresco" or just to rest quietly and drink in the tranquility of this very special part of Bridlington. Alternatively, discover a mix of bistros, Mexican and authentic Victorian restaurants hidden in the streets of the Old Town.

Boats and beaches

Life in Bridlington is centred around the harbour. Pleasure boats steam in and out of the harbour mouth, taking visitors to the splendour of Flamborough Head and its lighthouse in the summer. To the South of the bay, the sandy beaches give way to pebbles and plenty of rock pools – a perfect chance for youngsters to explore the marine life.

Indoor attractions

Make sure you stop in at The Spa Bridlington. Here you can catch a great show, see some fantastic stand up and explore this historic building. It is a much loved and cherised landmark on the Bridlington seafront. As well as traditional seaside entertainment there is the more modern attraction of Bridlington Leisure World – an indoor water park with wave pool, water slides and tropical rain storm. Close by is Bondville Miniature Village featuring more than 1,000 hand-made and painted characters and unique villages including a steam train crossing a tiny river and a harbour with fishing boats and cruisers.

Something a little different

Visit John Bull Candy Kingdom where kids get to roll their own rock with their initial inside, and make chocolate lollies – a unique way to spend an afternoon. Cruckley Animal Farm near Driffield is a real working farm where you can watch feeding, milking and sheep clipping – perfect for younger kids.

Bayle Gate and Bayle Museum

Bayle Gate is located on the site of an old priory, and was once one of the wealthiest houses in England. Little remains of the priory, except for the 800 year old gate house which now houses the museum. This attraction offers a unique chance to find out about Yorkshire in the fifteenth century, and brings the long history of the town and its people vividly to life.

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Built in 1714, Sewerby Hall and Gardens is a Grade I listed country house is set in 50 acres of landscaped gardens in a cliff top location. The magnificent building takes you on a tour of architecture throughout the eras, including the Amy Johnson memorabilia room. These days, the magnificent ground floor Orangery and The Swinton Room provide wonderful settings for concerts & piano recitals, meetings, art workshops and tea dances.

Coastal history

A few miles away from the town, Burton Agnes Hall has become famous for its splendid Jacobean gate house with wondrously decorated ceilings and carvings. It’s home to a valuable collection of paintings and impressive gardens which include a maze and giant board games. The nearby Danes Dyke on Flamborough Head, a 2.5-mile (4 km) long man-made dyke, dates back to the Bronze Age. Some writers believe that Bridlington was the site of a Roman station. A Roman road can be traced into the town and Roman coins have been found there.

The Old Town

Bridlington's Old Town, with its quaint shops, restaurants and cafés, is a charming destination. Guided walks are said to be the best way to really explore this part of the town. Or you can simply meander through the ancient narrow streets and alleyways whilst soaking up the atmosphere; ideal if you’re looking to pick up an antique or curio to provide a memory of your trip to Bridlington.

Art and antiques

The Georgian Antiques Centre in the Old Town has a huge stock of greetings cards, jewellery, antiques, furniture and is ideal for an hour or so of happy browsing! The Old Town Gallery can also be found on the upper floor displaying the works of local artists including Trish Watson.