I spent many happy childhood holidays exploring the UK. Squeezing in a long weekend to discover a new city or driving to the coast, inevitably wrapping up in a raincoat as I determinedly walked along the beach. Ah, happy days… With our glorious isle being THE destination this summer, I re-discovered the Yorkshire coast and my long-lost memories of caravanning.

Basing myself in Skipsea, this gave ample opportunity to venture up and down the east coast, uncovering quirks of these sometimes quaint, sometimes touristy places. In one direction was the open ocean, waves rapidly rolling in – I can see why the coast is eroding so quickly here, with many a cliff edge sectioned off for safety. Yet looking back, I was greeted with the most beautiful fields of sunshine-yellow rapeseed – this is always a sign of summer for me!

First venturing inland, I would definitely recommend a visit to Beverely. This upmarket town has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK and is one of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets. Strolling the cobbled streets, the rich history of its founding in 700 AD, followed by Viking and Norman occupation, can be discovered on plaques around the town. Passing by a plethora of tempting cafes, you reach the Gothic Beverley Minster, an impressive structure with peaceful grounds to sit and take a break from the sun.

Returning to the coast, Hornsea is a perfect spot for combining nature and a seaside resort. Whilst the town is fairly ordinary, there’s a built-up promenade with a great expanse of beach to walk along or you can set up camp for a day of sunbathing, sandcastle making and dusting sand out of your sandwiches – all good fun! 

However, just outside of the town is Hornsea Mere, a positive oasis in the urban expanse and home to Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake. During the First World War, a Royal Navy Air Service of seaplanes was based here, but now the scene consists of grazing sheep and baby swans nesting as a tiny tour boat gently sails by.

If you’re in the market for a traditional British seaside town, complete with funfair, amusement arcades and fish and chip shops, then Bridlington is the place to be. Though if you’re looking for a quieter time, then you can walk on towards a peaceful part of the promenade or perhaps stop at the harbour to indulge in a spot of crabbing to relive your childhood adventures.

Whilst in the area, stop by Flamborough Head, where impressive chalky cliffs are topped by two lighthouses. The modern structure is impressive, but it’s the first lighthouse constructed from chalk in 1674 that steals the show. If you’re into history, then this was also the site of the 1779 Battle of Flamborough Head and has more recently been used as a film location in the 2016 remake of Dad’s Army, alongside ITV’s Scott and Bailey.

Travelling north into a foggy Filey, this fishing village had plenty of shops to explore as I meandered down to the beach where the path suddenly disappears and I was dipping my toes into the sand. However, my highlight was seeing a knitted ‘beach’ topping a post box, complete with a lobster and seagull banqueting on chips.

A trip to Yorkshire would not be complete without a visit to Whitby, infamous for Whitby Abbey’s connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Entering the town via the harbour, I was greeted by a faint whiff of the fresh catch that supplies the fish and chip shops that seem to line every street. Passing the gently bobbing boats, I reached a confluence point: left towards the town or right up to the Abbey.

Snaking through the narrow, cobbled street up to the Abbey, I passed by a plethora of shops that retain their historic charm, selling all kinds of treasures, including the iconic Whitby Jet. This gemstone is the lowest grade of coal, produced when wood is altered under extreme pressure. Every day is a school day!

There are a lot of steps up to the top, but when you arrive, it’s an impressive view back over the River Esk towards the town and out to sea. Wander along the cliff top past the weather-beaten graves or visit the Abbey (it’s now owned by English Heritage, so there’s a fee to enter), once home to England’s first recognised poet, Cædmon.

Back at street level, choose between shopping, visiting Whitby Museum, a wander along the pier and beach, or perhaps even a ghost walk to top off your visit to this historic town.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey along the Yorkshire coast and find something fabulously enjoyable to do on your holidays this summer. Don’t forget to share your travel tales with us at City Girl Network and wherever you go – happy holidays!

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Written by Charlotte Bird

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