East Riding of Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Great Driffield Beaches

Overview

Great Driffield, a charming market town, serves as an excellent gateway to the stunning East Yorkshire coastline. While inland, it's just a short journey to a variety of popular seaside destinations. Visitors will discover that the nearby coast predominantly features beautiful, expansive sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, traditional seaside fun, and leisurely walks, especially when the tide is out.

The region offers diverse coastal experiences. For classic family holidays with award-winning sands, Bridlington Sea Front is a top choice. Nearby, Hornsea Beach provides a traditional Blue Flag seaside atmosphere. Those seeking adventure and consistent waves will find Cayton Bay an ideal spot for surfing and other activities.

For breathtaking natural beauty, the dramatic cliffs and wildlife at North Landing offer a picturesque escape. The East Yorkshire coast is also renowned as the 'Dinosaur Coast', with beaches like Mappleton Beach offering excellent opportunities for fossil hunting. While enjoying these coastal treasures, it's important to be aware that this is one of Europe's fastest-eroding coastlines, so always heed safety advice regarding cliffs. Our guide features a longer list of beaches, from lively resorts to quieter stretches, many of which welcome dogs, to help you find your perfect coastal spot.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Great Driffield a good place for a beach holiday?

Great Driffield itself is an inland market town, but it's an excellent base for a beach holiday as it's only a short drive from the popular East Yorkshire coast. Seaside towns like Bridlington and Hornsea, with their sandy beaches, are typically around a 20-30 minute drive away.

Hornsea Beach

What are the beaches like near Great Driffield? Are they sandy?

The beaches on the East Yorkshire coast near Great Driffield, such as those in Bridlington, Hornsea, and Fraisthorpe, are predominantly sandy. Many offer wide expanses of sand, especially at low tide, making them great for walking, families, and traditional seaside activities. Some beaches, like Danes Dyke, have a mix of sand and pebbles.

Danes Dyke Beach

How far is Bridlington from Great Driffield and how can I get there?

Bridlington is approximately 12 miles north-east of Great Driffield. You can drive there in about 20-25 minutes. There are also regular bus services (e.g., East Yorkshire route 41 or 121) and a direct train line connecting Driffield and Bridlington, with the train journey taking around 15 minutes.

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Great Driffield?

Yes, many beaches on the East Yorkshire coast near Great Driffield are dog-friendly. Fraisthorpe Beach, Wilsthorpe Beach, Skipsea Beach, and Barmston Beach generally welcome dogs year-round. Bridlington's North and South beaches have some restrictions during the peak summer season (typically May 1st to September 30th), but allow dogs in designated areas or outside of these dates. Always check local signage for the most up-to-date rules.

Fraisthorpe Beach

Barmston Beach

Can you swim in the sea on the East Yorkshire coast?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at many East Yorkshire beaches. Popular spots like Bridlington and Hornsea have designated bathing areas, and some beaches have RNLI lifeguard services during peak season. Water quality is regularly monitored at several beaches, with many achieving 'Good' or 'Excellent' ratings. However, always check local conditions, be aware of tides, and heed any safety advice or flags. Some beaches, like Spurn Point, are not suitable for swimming due to strong currents.

Which beaches near Driffield are best for families?

Bridlington's South Beach is very popular with families due to its wide sandy expanse, traditional seaside attractions, and facilities like deckchair hire and first aid stations in peak season. Hornsea beach also offers a classic family seaside experience with a promenade and nearby amenities. Filey, though a bit further, is also renowned as a family-friendly beach.

Bridlington South Beach

Hornsea Beach

Filey Beach

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Great Driffield?

Yes, if you're looking for quieter spots, Fraisthorpe Beach offers a vast expanse of flat sand and is generally less crowded than the main resort beaches. Barmston Beach is another option known for being peaceful. For very secluded experiences, you might explore areas like Waxholme Beach (near Withernsea) or some of the smaller coves around Flamborough Head, though access can sometimes be more challenging.

Fraisthorpe Beach

Barmston Beach

What are the parking facilities like at the main East Yorkshire beaches?

Most popular beaches like Bridlington, Hornsea, and Filey have ample pay-and-display parking, often close to the seafront. Bridlington also offers a Park & Ride service during the summer months. Some smaller or more rural beaches like Fraisthorpe may have parking in fields adjacent to the beach, sometimes with a day charge. It's always advisable to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.

Hornsea Beach

Filey Beach

Fraisthorpe Beach

People Also Ask

Can you find fossils on the beaches near Great Driffield?

Yes, the Holderness Coast, which is easily accessible from Great Driffield, is famous for fossil hunting. Mappleton Beach is a particularly well-known spot where eroding cliffs reveal Jurassic and Cretaceous fossils, including ammonites and belemnites. Spurn Point is another area where fossils can be found. Remember to check tide times and be mindful of cliff safety.

Mappleton Beach

Are there any beaches with watersports facilities near Driffield?

Yes, some East Yorkshire beaches offer watersports. Bridlington's South Beach is popular for activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing. Hornsea also has facilities for sailing and other watersports. For a wider range of organised activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and even an aqua park, you might consider Allerthorpe Lakeland Park (inland) or North Yorkshire Water Park (a bit further afield).

Bridlington South Beach

Hornsea Beach

What's the best way to get to the coast from Great Driffield using public transport?

From Great Driffield, you can take a direct train to Bridlington (approx. 15 mins) and Scarborough. There are also regular bus services operated by East Yorkshire buses that connect Driffield to coastal towns like Bridlington (e.g., route 41, 121, 136 to Skipsea) and Hornsea (may require a change). Check current timetables for specific routes and times.

Are there beach huts for hire at any of the nearby beaches?

Yes, beach chalets (huts) are available for hire in Bridlington. You can typically book these online or through the Coastal Services team at the Foreshores Office in Bridlington. They are popular, so booking in advance, especially for peak season, is recommended.

What is the 'Dinosaur Coast' and is it near Driffield?

The 'Dinosaur Coast' is a nickname for the Yorkshire coastline, particularly the stretch from Staithes to Flamborough Head, due to its rich Jurassic and Cretaceous geology and the abundance of fossils found there, including dinosaur footprints and marine reptiles. While Driffield isn't directly on this part of the coast, beaches known for fossils like Mappleton and those around Flamborough Head are within reasonable driving distance.

Mappleton Beach

Are there any warnings about coastal erosion I should be aware of?

Yes, the Holderness Coast in East Yorkshire is one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe. This means cliffs can be unstable, and it's crucial to stay away from the cliff edges (both top and bottom) and pay attention to any warning signs. Always check tide times before walking along beaches beneath cliffs to avoid being cut off.

Which is better for a day trip from Driffield: Bridlington or Hornsea?

Both Bridlington and Hornsea are great for day trips from Driffield and are a similar distance. Bridlington is larger, with two main beaches (North and South), a bustling harbour, traditional seaside amusements, and the Spa entertainment venue. Hornsea offers a more traditional, perhaps slightly quieter, seaside town experience with a long shingle and sand beach, a pleasant promenade, and Hornsea Mere nearby (Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake). The choice depends on whether you prefer a livelier resort (Bridlington) or a more tranquil town (Hornsea).

Hornsea Beach

Low / High	5.2°C/9.6°C
Feels Like (High)	5°C

Rain Chance	88%
Rainfall	4.5 mm
Rain Duration	6 h

Sunrise / Sunset	07:49/17:42
Sunshine Hours	8.1 hrs
UV Index	2.2
Cloud Cover	61%

Speed	31 km/h
Gusts	52.2 km/h
Direction	NW

Great Driffield Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Bridlington Sea Front

Hornsea Beach

Cayton Bay

North Landing

FAQ

Is Great Driffield a good place for a beach holiday?

What are the beaches like near Great Driffield? Are they sandy?

How far is Bridlington from Great Driffield and how can I get there?

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Great Driffield?

Can you swim in the sea on the East Yorkshire coast?

Which beaches near Driffield are best for families?

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Great Driffield?

What are the parking facilities like at the main East Yorkshire beaches?

Yorkshire's Fossil Coast

Mappleton Beach

Danes Dyke Beach

North Landing

Barmston Beach

People Also Ask

Can you find fossils on the beaches near Great Driffield?

Are there any beaches with watersports facilities near Driffield?

What's the best way to get to the coast from Great Driffield using public transport?

Are there beach huts for hire at any of the nearby beaches?

What is the 'Dinosaur Coast' and is it near Driffield?

Are there any warnings about coastal erosion I should be aware of?

Which is better for a day trip from Driffield: Bridlington or Hornsea?

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Great Driffield

Expansive Sandy Stretches

Fraisthorpe Beach

Barmston Beach

The Bay Beach

Bridlington South Beach

Explore More Local Beaches

Filey Beach

North Beach

Great Driffield Beaches Map

Great Driffield: Weather Today

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