Overview
For a relatively small region on the North Sea, East Yorkshire presents diverse changes as one travels through it.
To the south, reclaimed moorland is interspersed with historic canals that facilitated the transport of coal to the docks at Goole and Hull for export.
At the Humber estuary, one can observe the bustling activities associated with a thriving industrial hub.
However, venturing inland reveals a softer landscape characterized by smooth green hills and quaint villages, collectively known as the Wolds.
Visitors can explore historic market towns or head towards the coast, where family-friendly seaside attractions and rugged cliffs near Flamborough await.
Let us examine the top attractions in East Yorkshire:
1. Hull
Hull has served as a port since at least the 1100s and has evolved into one of England’s most fashionable towns in recent years.
While it remains a significant port, the decline of the fishing industry has led Hull to transform into a vibrant center for the arts.
Notable areas for exploration include the revitalized merchant warehouses in the Trinity Quarter.
This neighborhood has undergone substantial transformation, now featuring cafes, upscale boutiques, and many other appealing sites for curious visitors.
Hull is also home to numerous museums and attractions, such as the Maritime Museum, Streetlife Museum of Transport, the Deep (an exceptional aquarium), and the Ferens Art Gallery, which hosted the Turner Prize in 2016, among others.
2. Beverley
Rich in history and visually captivating, Beverley serves as East Yorkshire’s county town, enchanting first-time visitors.
The centerpiece of the town is undoubtedly the 13th-century Beverley Minster, a remarkable example of large-scale medieval craftsmanship, even larger than many cathedrals.
Beverley boasts a strong sense of community, evidenced by events such as the annual folk festival in June, in addition to beer and food festivals, the renowned annual fair, and a festive Christmas market.
Visitors should consider attending the weekly market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which remains a vital aspect of local life.
While in Beverley, take the opportunity to glimpse North Bar, a brick gate dating back to the 1400s and the only remaining fragment of the town walls.
3. Bridlington
As the premier resort in East Yorkshire, Bridlington offers all the classic attributes of an English seaside getaway.
Think of donkey rides, sandy beaches, a breezy promenade, and quaint attractions such as the Bondville Model Village.
Children particularly enjoy destinations like Bridlington, relishing the opportunity to ride the “land train,” construct sandcastles, and immerse themselves in amusement park rides.
Adults may find equal enjoyment while exploring the older part of Bridlington, which developed centuries before the coastal resort and is situated slightly inland.
4. Pocklington
A charming market town, Pocklington possesses significant character and is conveniently located just minutes from the City of York.
The town features inviting cafes and tea rooms that extend onto the sidewalks, making it an excellent place to wander leisurely.
The prominent landmark is All Saints Church, distinguished by a substantial tower dating back to the 1400s and a nave primarily built 300 years earlier.
For an enjoyable day trip, consider visiting Burnby Hall Gardens, which showcases a rockery, a Victorian garden, shrubbery, a walled garden, and lakes adorned with over 100 varieties of water lily.
5. Flamborough
Rich in both architectural and natural beauty, Flamborough is adjacent to a remarkable headland in the northern part of the county.
The notable landmark at Flamborough Head is the lighthouse, operational for over 200 years, which opens for visitors during the summer season.
The chalk cliffs along the promontory offer stunning views and reveal signs of human history: The earlier lighthouse from the 1600s and a 3.2-kilometer-long Bronze Age dyke that once protected the region from maritime threats.
Both North and South Landing beaches showcase the fierce beauty of the coastline where invaders would have arrived.
6. Hornsea
During warm summer days, Hornsea becomes vibrant, attracting day-trippers from all over Yorkshire.
Caravan parks offer an option for extended stays to enjoy the Blue Flag sandy beach alongside amusement attractions and the seafront promenade, complemented by numerous eateries including fish and chip shops and traditional tea rooms.
Children can interact with farm animals at the working Honeysuckle Farm, while the Hornsea Museum showcases nostalgic memorabilia, ranging from vintage school desks to historical shop signs and the renowned Hornsea pottery.
Hornsea Mere presents a picturesque inland lake, graced by the presence of Wassand Hall, a beautiful Regency mansion.
7. Goole
Often referred to as the “Port in Green Fields,” Goole is a functioning port situated inland, at the southern part of the county.
Initially established for the transportation of coal from South Yorkshire, the port has transitioned over the decades into a bustling container port.
This has endowed Goole with a unique character, featuring many remnants from the era of Victorian industry.
Among these is the Tom Pudding Hoist, an enormous machine that once lifted coal barges and deposited their contents onto ships at the docks.
It is fitting that the Yorkshire Waterways Museum is located in Goole, providing a captivating chronicle of the region’s canals and navigations.
8. Driffield
As the largest town within East Yorkshire’s Wolds, Driffield is celebrated for its scenic grasslands, rolling hills, serene ponds, and charming villages.
If your notion of relaxation centers around exploring country estates and historic residences, Driffield is a perfect match.
Noteworthy sites include Sledmere House, known for its meticulously designed gardens, and the distinguished Burton Agnes Hall, constructed during Elizabeth I’s reign in the early 1600s, boasting a garden featuring over 3,000 plant species.
To fully appreciate the captivating rural landscapes, consider embarking on a stroll along the Driffield Navigation or taking a ride on the Yorkshire Wolds Railway, where steam trains traverse the hills from April to October.
9. Withernsea
A modest seaside resort, Withernsea is renowned for its fish and chips and tranquil seafront strolls that provide a refreshing escape.
The town is highlighted by the Withernsea Lighthouse, constructed in the 1890s and decommissioned four decades ago.
Now it serves as a museum that features exhibitions about the town during the Edwardian period and the Hollywood Golden Age actress Kay Kendall, who was born in Withernsea.
Visitors can ascend the 144 steps for stunning coastal views and stop by local tea rooms for warm refreshments.
A short distance down the coast lies a Cold War relic at RAF Holmpton, where a large control bunker 30 meters underground has recently been opened for public tours.
10. Bempton
A tranquil seaside village, Bempton’s primary attraction is the Bempton Cliffs, which rise to over 100 meters in some areas.
Their durable chalk composition minimizes erosion, and the numerous deep crevices create an outstanding breeding ground for seabirds including puffins, guillemots, gannets, fulmars, and kittiwakes.
This stunning stretch of coastline has been designated as a nature reserve managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), making it a prime location for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Back in the village, the pond known as the Mere serves as a delightful picnic spot, where visitors can enjoy grassy fields in the company of ducks and geese.
