Is the East Yorkshire coast a good destination for a traditional seaside holiday?
Yes, the East Yorkshire coast is well-suited for traditional seaside holidays, especially for families. Resorts like Bridlington, Hornsea, and Withernsea offer classic seaside experiences with sandy and shingle beaches, promenades, amusements, and family-friendly attractions. Bridlington has two large beaches, while Hornsea and Withernsea offer Blue Flag beaches and traditional resort amenities.
Can you swim in the sea near Hull? Is the water clean and safe?
Swimming is possible at several East Yorkshire beaches, particularly during summer. Water quality is generally good, with several beaches like Hornsea, Withernsea, Bridlington (North and South), Wilsthorpe, and Flamborough South Landing holding Seaside Awards or Blue Flags, indicating cleanliness and safety management. However, the North Sea can be cold, and it's recommended to swim at lifeguarded beaches (available seasonally, typically July-September at main resorts) between the red and yellow flags. Checking tide times is important, as low tide often offers shallower, calmer water, while high tide can bring stronger waves closer to shore.
What's the closest beach to Hull city centre?
The closest significant seaside resorts to Hull are Hornsea (around 15 miles east) and Withernsea (around 17 miles east/southeast). Both offer beaches and traditional seaside town facilities. Other nearby coastal spots include Mappleton and Tunstall, which are a bit closer but are smaller and quieter.
How can I get to the East Yorkshire beaches from Hull without a car?
Regular bus services connect Hull to the main coastal towns. East Yorkshire buses operate routes to places like Withernsea (e.g., service 75/76 takes about an hour) and Hornsea. There are also bus services to Bridlington (e.g., service 121 takes about 90 minutes). Using the bus is a cost-effective way to reach the coast, with single fares often capped at a low price.
Are there caravan parks or hotels right by the beaches?
Yes, the East Yorkshire coast has numerous accommodation options close to the beaches. Many caravan parks and holiday villages are situated along the coast, offering direct or easy beach access, particularly around Bridlington, Hornsea, Skipsea, and Flamborough (like Haven Thornwick Bay). Hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages are also widely available in the main seaside towns.
Which beaches near Hull have sand?
Many beaches along the East Yorkshire coast feature sand, often mixed with shingle or pebbles, especially near the tide line or backing onto promenades/cliffs. Beaches known for good stretches of sand include Bridlington (North and South beaches), Hornsea, Withernsea (sand and shingle), Filey, Fraisthorpe, and Mappleton. Spurn Point is a long sandy spit.
Are dogs allowed on beaches near Hull?
Yes, many beaches in East Yorkshire are dog-friendly, especially outside the main summer season. However, popular resort beaches like Bridlington (North and South), Hornsea, and Withernsea often have restrictions, typically banning dogs from specific zones between May 1st and September 30th. Beaches like Fraisthorpe, Mappleton, Flamborough (North and South Landings), Cayton Bay, and parts of Filey are known for being welcoming to dogs year-round or having fewer restrictions. Always check local signage for specific rules.
Which East Yorkshire beaches are best for families?
Bridlington (North and South beaches), Hornsea, and Withernsea are considered excellent choices for families. They offer sandy stretches for playing, relatively safe bathing areas (especially when lifeguarded), promenades, nearby toilets, cafes, amusements, and attractions like Bridlington Animal Park or Hornsea Mere. Filey is also very popular with families for its large sandy bay and Cobble Landing.
Where can I go fossil hunting on the beach near Hull?
Mappleton beach is particularly well-known as a good spot for fossil hunting due to its eroding cliffs revealing Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks. Spurn Point and Runswick Bay are also mentioned as locations where fossils can sometimes be found. Remember to check tide times and be aware of cliff safety.
Are there quieter beaches away from the main resorts?
Yes, if you prefer quieter, more natural beaches, consider visiting Spurn Point National Nature Reserve (a unique sandy spit), Fraisthorpe (a vast sandy beach popular with walkers and horse riders), Mappleton, Tunstall, or Danes Dyke (a nature reserve leading to a secluded cove near Flamborough). These tend to have fewer facilities but offer more space and a wilder atmosphere.
What's the difference between Hornsea and Withernsea?
Both are traditional East Yorkshire seaside towns south of Bridlington. Hornsea has a Blue Flag beach (sand and shingle), a bustling promenade, nearby Hornsea Mere (Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake), and attractions like Hornsea Freeport outlet village. Withernsea also has a Blue Flag beach (sand and shingle with sea defences like groynes and rock armour), a recently rebuilt promenade, its distinctive inland lighthouse museum, and is generally considered a traditional family resort. Some sources describe Hornsea as perhaps having more investment recently, while Withernsea faces significant coastal erosion challenges south of its defences.
Should I worry about coastal erosion affecting the beaches?
The Holderness Coast, where many East Yorkshire beaches like Withernsea, Mappleton, and Tunstall are located, experiences some of the fastest coastal erosion rates in Europe. While main resorts like Withernsea and Hornsea have sea defences protecting the immediate town frontage, erosion is very active along undefended stretches and can impact access or the landscape south of defences. It's important to stay away from cliff edges and bases.
What facilities like toilets and cafes are usually available at the beaches?
Facilities vary depending on the beach. Major resorts like Bridlington, Hornsea, Withernsea, and Filey generally have good facilities including public toilets, cafes, shops, parking (often paid), and sometimes beach hut rentals or amusements along the promenade. Quieter beaches like Fraisthorpe, Mappleton, or Tunstall have fewer or minimal facilities, sometimes just a car park.
What's the best time of year to visit the beaches near Hull?
The summer months (June to August) are generally the best time for a traditional beach holiday, offering the warmest weather, warmest sea temperatures for swimming, and the longest daylight hours. Lifeguard services are typically operational during this peak season. However, spring and autumn can be lovely for coastal walks when the beaches are quieter, though the sea will be colder.
Are there any beaches good for rock pooling?
Yes, several beaches along the coast offer good rock pooling opportunities, especially at low tide. Flamborough Head, particularly North Landing and South Landing, is excellent due to its chalk cliffs and rocky shoreline with caves and pools. Robin Hood's Bay (further north) is also famous for its rock pools. Some rock pooling is possible at Filey Brigg and Runswick Bay too.
