Summary
A charming coastal town in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Hornsea provides visitors with an opportunity to relish the simple pleasures of a day by the sea.
The beach, comprised of sand and shingle, is flanked by a sizable embankment complete with a promenade, gardens, cafes, a fish and chip shop, as well as distant views of the North Sea.
In addition to its coastal pleasures, Hornsea houses a highly-regarded local museum and numerous activities tailored for younger visitors, including an animal farm, a bug zoo, and a large freshwater lake with rowboat rentals.
To experience local history, visitors can explore two splendid properties nearby: the Regency Wassand Hall and the Elizabethan Burton Constable Hall.
Moreover, Hornsea marks the eastern terminus of the Trans Pennine Trail, signified by a ceremonial gateway adjacent to the sea.
1. Hornsea Museum
A reflection of Victorian rural life, the Hornsea Museum is located within an 18th-century farmhouse, supplemented by cottages and a collection of outbuildings, including a barn from the same era.
The farmhouse has been in the possession of the Burns family for nearly three centuries.
The museum showcases intact Victorian interiors, including a kitchen, parlour, and bedroom, all featuring original furnishings and decorations.
Moreover, the collection includes over 2,000 authentic pieces of Hornsea pottery, a Victorian street scene, model fishing boats, genuine craft workshops, vintage toys, and engaging exhibits on local history, specifically the old Hull and Hornsea Railway.
The museum also features a well-maintained garden with picnic benches and a play area for children.
2. Hornsea Beach
Hornsea’s beach features a gentle slope into the North Sea, showcasing a marked contrast between high and low tide, with water receding far beyond the wooden groynes.
Adjacent to the beach, a robust seawall was constructed to prevent erosion following the storm of 1906. A promenade on top of this wall offers telescopes for visitors to contemplate the North Sea and the distant Flamborough headland to the north.
Cafes and a chip shop are available for a warm beverage during out-of-season visits.
3. Hornsea Mere
Located on Hornsea’s western side is Hornsea Mere, the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire.
During World War I, Hornsea Mere served as a military base for the Royal Naval Air Service and later the RAF. Notably, some of the brick structures built by the RAF in 1919 remain and currently host a cafe and boatyard, which operates in the summer.
Formed during the last Ice Age, the lake attracts a variety of wintering wildfowl, such as goldeneyes, tufted ducks, and gadwalls due to its proximity to the sea.
The extensive reed swamps bordering the lake are ecologically important, hosting unique insects like craneflies as well as numerous reed warblers.
For visitors, the lake is particularly vibrant in summer, offering motorboat cruises, rowboat rentals, and an 18-hole putting green adjacent to the water.
4. Wassand Hall
Part of the Wassand Hall estate, Hornsea Mere offers picturesque views of this grand Regency residence located on the west shore.
The estate has been under the stewardship of the same family since 1530 and boasts woodlands, a walled garden, and stunning vistas over the lake.
Inside, visitors can view an impressive collection of porcelain, silver, and period furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, along with portraits of the estate’s owners spanning centuries.
If this intrigues you, check the official website for visiting information.
While regular opening hours are not established, Wassand Hall has a series of open days between late May and late August, primarily on weekends but also on select weekdays.
On these occasions, visitors can enjoy tea in the hall’s elegant conservatory.
5. Honeysuckle Farm
An excellent alternative to the beach for young children, Honeysuckle Farm is a family-operated animal attraction where children can interact with, feed, and care for a variety of friendly domestic animals.
This expansive 46-acre farm features a border collie, cows, sheep, goats, and horses.
Among the animals are two large draft horses utilized for cart rides around the farm.
Additional attractions include a straw barn, play structures, a hazel maze, slides, tunnels, and ponds.
Visiting earlier in the season allows for encounters with calves, kid goats, and lambs, while Honeysuckle Farm is renowned for creating its own ice cream from Jersey cows.
The milk is pasteurized and processed on-site, with this ice cream available exclusively at the farm.
6. Bugtopia Hornsea
Discover smaller creatures at this recently opened indoor zoo located on the southern outskirts of Hornsea.
Children can delight in unexpected animal encounters within enclosures like the Jungle Trail, a tropical butterfly house featuring species from around the globe, along with exotic birds hidden among the foliage.
The Phasmid Forest is notable for being the UK’s only stick insect walkthrough, where visitors can marvel at the impressive camouflage abilities of these insects.
For those seeking excitement, the hands-on 45-minute Explorer Show allows participants to hold tarantulas, scorpions, and Madagascan hissing cockroaches.
7. Bettison’s Folly
Overlooking the new residential area near the Hornsea Museum is a mid-19th-century folly designed to resemble a medieval tower.
Bettison’s Folly is constructed from locally fired “treacle” bricks, which are baked for increased durability and contribute to the tower’s irregular appearance.
The folly was commissioned by William Bettison, a brewer from Hull, situated in what was then his garden.
Historically, the structure served as a lookout for his servant, ensuring dinner was prepared upon Bettison’s return from town.
During World War II, the folly was equipped with a siren and served as a lookout post for air raids approaching Hull.
While the tower is rarely open for exploration, an informative display offers insights into the building’s unique history.
8. Hall Garth Park
This welcoming park occupies a central location in Hornsea, nestled between the sea and Hornsea Mere.
In addition to providing a serene setting for leisurely walks along winding paths, picnicking, and activities for children in the playground, Hall Garth Park also holds historical significance.
On the western side lies a dry moat and earthen bank that measures 70 meters in length and 40 meters in width.
This feature was constructed during medieval times for the rectory of St Nicholas Church.
While the rectory no longer exists, the Perpendicular-style church remains adjacent to the Hornsea Museum on Newbegin, housing a font, memorials, and a 13th-century effigy.
9. Hornsea Memorial Gardens
Situated closer to the beach on New Road, the Hornsea Memorial Gardens feature a beautifully designed rectangular park with a lawn bordered by trees and flowerbeds.
Initially laid out in 1877, the gardens were meant as a private square for the affluent homes surrounding it.
In 2008, the park was transformed into a garden of remembrance, incorporating a memorial to those from Hornsea who lost their lives in war, centrally positioned within the grounds.
Notably, a pair of stone lions, which once flanked the steps at Hull’s Criterion Cinema (1915), were relocated here after the building’s demolition in 1969.
10. Burton Constable Hall
Burton Constable Hall (1560) serves as a must-see destination for history enthusiasts, set in the picturesque East Riding countryside approximately midway between Hornsea and Hull.
This elegant Elizabethan manor is accompanied by a 300-acre 18th-century park designed by the esteemed Capability Brown and adorned with lavish interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Notable features include the striking Chinese Room with gilded dragons, inspired by a visit to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion in 1830. The Great Hall is celebrated for its exquisite plasterwork and sculptures depicting Hercules alongside figures such as Cerberus and the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Visitors can also appreciate the 17th-century wood paneling and marble fireplace in the Long Gallery.
Outside, highlights include the Palladian stables constructed in 1769 and an orangery built in 1782. Burton Constable Hall is open throughout the year from Tuesday to Sunday.
11. Trans Pennine Trail
Hornsea serves as the eastern endpoint for a long-distance path extending across Northern England to Southport on the Irish Sea.
This accessible trail accommodates walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, featuring a primarily flat and well-maintained surface that traces the route of decommissioned railway lines and canal towpaths.
Consequently, the trail is suitable for individuals of all skill levels, including those using pushchairs.
For avid hikers seeking a challenge, you can trek to Southport, located 207 miles away, and collect stamps along the way to earn a certificate.
From Hornsea, it is feasible to cycle to Hull in approximately an hour or embark on a walking excursion into the East Riding countryside, potentially reaching the village of Great Hatfield before returning.
12. Skipsea Castle
Located five miles up the coast are the earthwork remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle, a site potentially dating back to the Iron Age over 2,000 years ago.
Skipsea Castle, an English Heritage site, presents a clear mound and ditch, likely shaped from a pre-Roman hillfort.
Establishing the fortress in response to potential Danish invasions, Drogo de la Beuvrière founded Skipsea Castle in 1086 as one of the earliest Norman strongholds in Yorkshire.
After being besieged in the 13th century, the castle fell into ruin under the ownership of William de Forz, who rebelled against King Henry III. An information panel provided by English Heritage at the site allows visitors to envision the storied history of the siege that took place nearly 800 years ago.
13. Floral Hall
Prominently positioned at the northern end of the promenade and seafront gardens, Hornsea’s primary venue for performing arts is Floral Hall.
Established in 1913, this venue is notable for being entirely operated by volunteers and is focused on serving the community.
Visitors can enjoy the cafe any day of the week, taking the time to appreciate the scenic sea views and surrounding greenery.
Evenings feature various events such as a comedy club, a themed fancy dress disco every Saturday, and regular cinema screenings that include the latest film releases.
14. Hornsea Local Market
On the last Saturday of each month from April through October, the Hornsea Local Market operates from 09:30 to 13:30, showcasing a delightful selection of the finest produce and specialty foods from East Riding and beyond.
Available offerings may include locally sourced geese and ducks, handmade preserves, freshly roasted coffee, pickles, jams, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, cakes, pastries, and artisan bread.
Visitors can also savor hot savory options like pies, burgers, or sausage rolls.
In addition, various stalls display plants, flowers, jewelry, arts and crafts, and greeting cards.
15. Hornsea Carnival
Having been a highlight of the summer agenda since 1967, Hornsea Carnival occurs during the fourth weekend of July, injecting vibrant color and excitement into the seaside community.
The event features market stalls, street food, fairground rides within Hall Garth Park, along with cooking demonstrations, thrilling stunt shows, and live performances from local bands.
A fireworks display marks the opening of the carnival on Friday evening, with the main festivities taking place on Saturday, culminating in a parade through the town.
