The Hidden gems of the Yorkshire Coast

Check out the map to find out where they are! https://goo.gl/maps/y7NpJ5iF8ZazUa3K7

From Miami beach in my last post, to some beaches a lot closer to home this time, a little bit colder, but nonetheless worth visiting! I have had many seaside trips and days out to the Yorkshire coast many times. Whitby’s crooked houses, cobbled streets and iconic Abbey is a trip into the past. Scarborough is probably one of the best seaside resorts in England combining great attractions with impressive views. Then Bridlington’s traditional seaside harbour is filled with boat trips, all the fun of the fair and fish & chips. So instead of the usual visits to the main seaside resorts, last summer I ventured to some of the lesser known Yorkshire towns & destinations to see what they had to offer. I wasn’t disappointed either, discovering impressive sights, cute streets and marvellous scenery. On this trip we started at the very bottom, and I mean the very bottom point, Spurn Point, then taking in all the quaint coastal towns as we headed north.

Spurn Point

Starting at the very bottom on the Yorkshire coast, we headed to the narrow sand tidal island, Spurn Point. The incredibly thin piece of land stretches out into the North Sea making up the northern mouth of the Humber Estuary. As the strip is so thin and at times the tide creates a little Island, you can’t drive all the way to the end. Though the 1 hour walk is so beautiful that you don’t want to speed through it anyway. On your left, you can hear and see the North Sea’s crashing waves and in total contrast on your right, there is silence in the grass wetlands. Many hides are scattered along the point as it is as a haven for spotting rare bird species. Additionally, a few batteries are located are around as the land has been a vital part of the UK’s defence in the past. This unvisited but beautiful stretch of land is a true hidden gem, it’s a really unique feeling to have water surrounding you, yet you are still on the mainland.

Withernsea

Around a 30 minute drive through some remarkably quiet but cute villages brought us to Withernsea, which honestly I didn’t have high hopes for as I didn’t know anything about it at all. Though a short walk from the car and we were greeted with a grand castle-like structure that was once the spectacular entrance to the towns pier. Being located on the harsh North Sea, many ships crashed into the pier causing unrepairable damage so it no longer exists, however, locals have started to raise some cash to try and bring back the famous icon Withernsea was known for. At the moment, a couple of very small stores reside in the castle walls and you can walk under the archway when heading to the beach. If you want to learn more about the heritage, a fish trail with some unique sculptures on the way does just that or if you want to get a bird’s eye view of the town, the lighthouse is just a short walk inland. Yes you heard correct, Withernsea’s lighthouse is the only inland lighthouse in the entire UK. It is surrounded by some cute cottages and the tourist information & heritage centre are located beneath the tower. Unfortunately, it was closed on our visit, so check the opening times, but it looks like a great place to visit if in the area.

Hornsea

Again, we took to the road, this time along a more coastal route to Hornsea. This was probably my least favourite town of the tour, as there was not a lot to see or do, though the beach was one of the best we had seen yet, blue flag awarded in-fact. The beach also marks the end (or start depending on which way you go!) of the Trans Pennine Trail, a 215 mile route across North England’s beautiful and varied terrain which has it’s western end located in Southport. The activities really start in land though, with Hornsea Folk Museum a short walk into the town centre and 15 minutes further is where Hornsea Mere lies. On our visit, the wind was roaring over the water, with only some of the most adventurous giving the rowing, sailing and boat trips a go. On a more tranquil day, I can see this little nest away being a popular spot for sun-bathers or others who just want to watch the boats sail by.

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Filey

Fi(na)ley, sorry! the last stop on the tour which is also the largest and most well known of the four. Filey is often overshadowed by nearby Scarborough, but the charming streets and stunning coastline should not be forgotten. The long narrow peninsula, Filey Brigg, is popular with tourists because of the variety of creatures you can spot in the rock pools, the rare birds that make the brigg their home and even the dolphins and whales that have been spotted at shore. If you are up for an hour of fun then both types of golf, crazy and pitch & putt, are scattered around the town. We chose the one on the promenade with giant shrimp sculptures and a giant fisherman statue. On the south shore, Glen gardens is one of the finest parks on the Yorkshire coastline with a boating lake, bouncy castle, cafe and plenty of open spaces for activities.

Check out some of my other posts!

Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour

Another Yorkshire Gem, Pontefract Castle

The Best FREE view in London!