East Riding of Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Hornsea Beaches

Overview

Hornsea, in East Yorkshire, offers a charming and traditional English seaside experience. Many visitors are curious about the main beach; Hornsea Beach is a delightful mix of sand and shingle, with more expansive sandy areas revealed at low tide, making it ideal for classic family holidays and leisurely walks. Swimming is a popular pastime here, and the water quality has frequently been recognised with a Blue Flag award.

The coastline around Hornsea presents a variety of appealing spots. For those seeking dramatic natural beauty, North Landing, a little further afield, offers breathtaking chalk cliffs and opportunities for rock pooling. Fossil enthusiasts will find Mappleton Beach to be a prime location, known for the ancient treasures that can be found along its shores. Nearby, the popular resort town of Bridlington features Bridlington South Beach, which boasts wide golden sands and a classic seaside resort atmosphere.

These highlighted beaches provide a glimpse into the diverse coastal attractions Hornsea and its surroundings have to offer. For a more comprehensive look at all the seaside locations available, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in this guide. It's worth remembering that the tides along the Holderness coast can significantly alter the beach landscape, often exposing wider stretches of sand at low tide. Discover the perfect stretch of Yorkshire coast for your next visit.

FAQ

Is Hornsea beach sandy or pebbly?

Hornsea beach is a mix of sand and shingle. You'll generally find more expansive sandy areas, ideal for sandcastles and walking, when the tide is out. The upper part of the beach, closer to the promenade, tends to be more shingly.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Hornsea? Is the water clean?

Yes, swimming is popular at Hornsea. The beach has often held a Blue Flag award, which indicates good water quality and beach management. However, always be aware of sea conditions and tide times. When lifeguards are on duty, swim between the red and yellow flags.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Are dogs allowed on Hornsea beach?

Dogs are welcome on parts of Hornsea beach year-round. However, seasonal restrictions apply to the main central beach area, typically from 1st May to 30th September, where dogs are not permitted. Signage at the beach will indicate the specific zones and dates. Areas north and south of the restricted zone usually allow dogs all year.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

What facilities are available at Hornsea beach?

Hornsea beach is well-served by a range of facilities, especially along the promenade. These include public toilets (including disabled facilities), cafes, fish and chip shops, ice cream vendors, and amusement arcades. There are also benches and a children's paddling pool (seasonal).
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Is Hornsea a good place for a family beach holiday?

Hornsea is widely considered a good destination for a traditional family beach holiday. It offers a classic seaside experience with its long promenade, sandy areas at low tide for play, nearby cafes and amusements, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The town also has other family-friendly attractions.

What's the parking like near Hornsea beach? Is it free?

There are several pay and display car parks located along the seafront (Marine Drive, South Promenade) and in the town centre, within easy walking distance of the beach. Some limited on-street parking might be found further away, but this is scarce in peak season. It's advisable to have payment methods ready for car parks.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Is Hornsea beach accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs?

The promenade at Hornsea is generally very accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, being wide, flat, and paved. Ramps provide access from car parks to the promenade. Access onto the actual beach can be more difficult due to the shingle, especially at high tide, and there isn't a beach wheelchair facility.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

When is the best time of year to visit Hornsea beach?

For the warmest weather and classic beach activities, the summer months (June to August) are most popular, though also the busiest. For pleasant weather with potentially fewer crowds, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) can be good alternatives. Always check tide times, as low tide offers more sandy beach.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

People Also Ask

What are the wooden posts (groynes) on Hornsea beach for?

The lines of wooden posts you see on Hornsea beach are called groynes. They are a form of coastal defence designed to slow down longshore drift and trap sand and shingle. This helps to build up the beach, reducing coastal erosion, which is a significant issue along the Holderness coast.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

How does Hornsea beach compare to Bridlington or Withernsea beaches?

Hornsea offers a traditional seaside town experience with a long promenade and a mixed sand/shingle beach. Bridlington is larger with extensive sandy beaches, a busy harbour, and more entertainment options. Withernsea also has a sand and shingle beach and is generally considered quieter, with its iconic inland lighthouse. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more relaxed setting (Hornsea, Withernsea) or a livelier resort with more sand (Bridlington).
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Are there lifeguards at Hornsea beach?

RNLI lifeguards typically patrol designated areas of Hornsea beach during the peak summer season (usually daily from early July to early September, 10 am to 6 pm). It's always best to check the RNLI website or local signage for the most current patrol information. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Can you find fossils on Hornsea beach?

While the Holderness Coast is known for fossils, finding them directly on Hornsea's main managed beach can be less common than at other nearby locations like Mappleton. However, it's not impossible, especially after storms or high tides, when searching amongst the shingle and at the base of cliffs (where safe and accessible).
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach
Mappleton Beach
Mappleton Beach

What is there to do at Hornsea beach apart from swimming and sunbathing?

Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy walks or cycling along the extensive promenade, build sandcastles (especially at low tide), go paddling, or try beachcombing. The promenade area also offers amusement arcades and cafes. Sea fishing from the beach is also popular outside restricted zones/times.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

What should I know about the tides at Hornsea beach?

Tides have a significant impact on Hornsea beach. Low tide exposes a much wider area of sand, which is better for walking, playing, and sandcastles. At high tide, the beach is narrower and predominantly shingle. It's crucial to check tide times before your visit to make the most of the beach and to be aware of how quickly the tide can come in, especially near groynes.
Hornsea Beach
Hornsea Beach

Are there any specific local beach rules or etiquette I should be aware of in Hornsea?

Besides the seasonal dog restrictions on the central beach, general beach etiquette applies: take your litter home or use the bins provided, be considerate of other beach users, and supervise children, especially near the water. Fishing is also banned in certain areas between May 1st and September 30th; check local signage. Pay attention to any safety warnings regarding tides or sea conditions.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Hornsea: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, July 27, 2025
Today might not be ideal for the beach. Expect some rain, so it's worth packing an umbrella. The wind will be moderate, occasionally stronger. The sky will be mostly cloudy. The maximum air temperature will be 19.3 °C. The sea temperature is 18.4 °C, so it will feel cool. The waves will be slight. The UV index will be 4.6.
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Air

Low / High12.6°C/19.3°C
Feels Like (High)16.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature18.4 °C
Wave Height0.3 m
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Rain

Rain Chance15%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:06/21:07
Sunshine Hours4.4 hrs
UV Index4.6
Cloud Cover89%
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Wind

Speed21.6 km/h
Gusts36.4 km/h
DirectionW

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