Metlands Farm, Bempton, Bridlington, East Yorkshire, YO151JG
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Discover Things to See and Do on the East Yorkshire Coast

From birdwatching at world-famous nature reserves to scenic coastal walks, cosy pubs and family-friendly activities, there’s plenty to explore during your stay. Here are a few of our favourite spots nearby, from wildlife and walking to food, drink and days out.

On our door step is the famous RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, England’s largest seabird city. The favourites of the reserve are the Puffins (April to July), but also Kitiwak, Gannets, Kittiwakes and Guillemots. There is easy walking and viewing platforms to see the birds and you might even spot seals, dolphins or whales swimming by. Dark Skies events are sometimes organised here by Astro Dog.

Birdwatching and Wildlife

This stretch of the East Yorkshire coast is a haven for wildlife lovers, from seabird colonies and basking seals to whales and dolphins offshore.

Below are a few of our favourite spots to explore in the local area:

  • RSPB Bempton
  • Flamborough Heritage Centre & Flamborough Bird Observatory
  • Seal Colony @Flamborough South Landing
  • Spurn National Nature Reserve
  • Hornsea Mere

Whales and dolphins seen off shore frequently through the year from late August to October. Minke Whales and even Humpback Whales feed off the coast.

Beaches

Features two large, award-winning sandy bays separated by a lively historic harbour. These beaches offer excellent facilities, deckchair rentals, and easy accessibility.

Is a sprawling, dog-friendly sandy beach in East Riding, Yorkshire. Located just south of Bridlington, it features flat sands, shallow waters, and fascinating WWII pillbox ruins. It is a highly popular destination for walking, swimming, kite/windsurfing, and horseback riding.

A magnificent 5-mile stretch of golden sand that rarely feels crowded. It is ideal for long walks, rock pooling at Filey Brigg, and traditional beachside fun.

A wide, sweeping bay beloved by surfers, bird watchers, and fossil hunters. It provides a more natural, rugged beauty away from traditional resorts.

The ultimate classic British seaside experience Host & Stay. South Bay is vibrant and bustling with amusements and donkey rides, while North Bay offers a more relaxed atmosphere backed by stunning views of Scarborough Castle.

 A magical, historic fishing village nestled on the Dinosaur Coast. It is highly recommended for fossil hunting and exploring mystical rock pools.

A Blue Flag Award-winning beach Resorts situated just minutes from the town centre. It offers traditional children’s activities, beautiful views of the Abbey, and is famous for its fish and chips.

Coastal Walks

  • Route: Bempton Cliffs to Flamborough Head
  • Distance: ~7 miles
  • Highlights: Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Between March and October, the dramatic chalk cliffs host massive colonies of breeding seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes. The trail includes stunning stops like North Landing and Thornwick Bay (check out hidden smuggler’s caves at low tide).
  • Resources: For detailed maps and routes, check out the My Urban Trail Bempton Cliffs Guide.

  • Route: Fraisthorpe Beach to Bridlington
  • Distance: ~3 to 7 miles (depending on your turnaround point)
  • Highlights: A relaxing, completely flat walk along sandy, dog-friendly shores. Starting at Fraisthorpe Beach, you can hunt for shells and enjoy the sea air as you walk north toward the outskirts of Bridlington. You can finish the walk along the Bridlington promenade or jump on the land train to the Spa.
  • Resources: Full route breakdowns are available via the Simply Sea Views Guide.

  • Route: Danes Dyke to Flamborough Head
  • Distance: ~4-5 miles
  • Highlights: This walk takes you through a beautiful, ancient wooded ravine (Danes Dyke) before opening up onto spectacular, rugged coastal paths. You will walk along the Flamborough Heritage Coastline with sweeping panoramic views of the North Sea, passing the iconic Flamborough Lighthouse [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

 Bridlington South Promenade to Sewerby Hall

  • Distance: ~1.75 miles
  • The Vibe: A very straightforward and accessible route beginning from the East Riding Leisure center in Bridlington. You’ll stroll safely along the cliff tops, ending at the beautiful 19th-century Sewerby Hall and Gardens, which is perfect for a tea and cake break.

Robin Hood’s Bay to Ravenscar (History & Fossils)

  • The Route: A 7-mile circular route that takes you along the cliff top (via the Cleveland Way) and returns via the beach.
  • Highlights: Pass Boggle Hole (a renowned fossil-hunting bay), and enjoy breath-taking coastal views. You can often spot seals on the beach!
  • Location: North of Scarborough, detailed in the North York Moors National Park coastal guide. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Whitby to Runswick Bay

  • The Route: A 7-mile moderate walk taking around 3 to 4 hours.
  • Highlights: Incredible clifftop views, vibrant beach huts at Whitby, and the beautiful, sheltered bay at Runswick.
  • Location: Full walking maps and information can be found via The Whitby Guide. [1]

Hayburn Wyke Waterfall Walk

  • The Route: A 3.5-mile circular trail that drops off the cliff top into a hidden, ancient wooded cove.
  • Highlights: A stunning waterfall where the Hayburn Beck tumbles directly onto the rocky beach.
  • Location: Best accessed from the car park near the Hayburn Wyke Hotel.

King Charles III England Coast Path: 

  • Tackle the 21-mile Bridlington to Filey section, which takes in some of the most dramatic cliff scenery and coves on the coast

The Yorkshire Wolds Way

  • A 79-mile walking route that winds through the rolling hills of the Wolds and connects directly to the coastline

Activities in East Yorkshire

The town’s bustling harbour is a hive of activity with fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch, pleasure cruises along the heritage coast, speedboat rides across the bay and North Sea fishing expeditions on offer. Traditional seaside entertainment includes a funfair, amusements and donkey rides on the beach. 

Include a visit to Bridlington Old Town which successfully mixes fascinating architecture and cultural history with stylish galleries. Dating from 1113 AD, the Bridlington Priory Church was originally part of one of England’s leading monasteries. Bayle Museum was once the entrance to Bridlington Priory and is a Grade I Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. The museum incorporates collections which interpret the social history of Bridlington.

Scarborough is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the United Kingdom, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages. The town is famous for its beautiful North Bay and South Bay beaches, where tourists can enjoy seaside activities, scenic walks, and stunning coastal views. Scarborough Castle, which overlooks the coastline, provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history. Families can visit the Sea Life Centre to discover a variety of marine creatures, while nature lovers can explore the peaceful Peasholm Park with its boating lake and landscaped gardens. The town also features a bustling harbour, traditional amusement arcades, theatres, and a vibrant promenade, making Scarborough an ideal destination.

Filey is a charming seaside town on the Yorkshire coast, known for its traditional holiday atmosphere and natural beauty. Its five-mile sandy beach is one of the town’s main attractions, offering plenty of space for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the sea views. Nature enthusiasts can visit Filey Brigg, a rocky peninsula that is popular for birdwatching, rock pooling, and coastal walks. The town’s picturesque promenade and gardens provide a peaceful setting for visitors.

Whitby ruins overlooks the town and inspired parts of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Visitors can climb the famous 199 Steps to enjoy spectacular views of the harbour and coastline. Whitby is also known for its picturesque fishing port, sandy beaches, and traditional seaside attractions. The town’s narrow streets are filled with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh seafood, including its renowned fish and chips. With its fascinating history, beautiful coastal walks, and welcoming atmosphere.

Discover Places to Eat and Drink in East Yorkshire

From fresh local seafood to cosy country pubs, East Yorkshire has plenty to offer hungry guests. Here are a few of our favourite places to eat and drink nearby.

Food and Drink in Bridlington

  • Salt on the Harbour – A popular harbour-side choice for fresh seafood and fish dishes. It is frequently recommended by visitors and locals.

  • The Lamp Restaurant – Known for quality local produce, seafood, and hearty British cuisine in the Old Town.
  • The Old Forge – Located in nearby Sewerby, serving home-cooked British food and often recommended as one of the area’s best all-round restaurants.
  • C.R.E.A.M Bridlington – A newer, highly rated restaurant in the Old Town area.

  • Geccho’s Restaurant – A highly rated Mediterranean restaurant with a varied menu and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Manchot Tapas Bar & Restaurant – Excellent tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes, ideal for sharing.

  • Little Sicily – A favourite for authentic Italian food, pizzas, and pasta. Frequently recommended by visitors.

  • Supattra Thai Restaurant Bridlington – Award-winning Thai cuisine with authentic dishes and excellent reviews.
  • Aloha Bridlington – Family-friendly steakhouse and grill with harbour views.

  • Good Souls – One of the town’s best-rated cafés for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
  • Bridlington Richie’s Cafe – A seafront café with excellent views and a varied menu.
  • The Old Lifeboat Station – A lovely spot for coffee, light lunches, and sea views.
  • The Cow Shed Fraisthorpe

  • The Nut & Nettle – Highly rated plant-based café serving vegan meals and cakes.

  • The Moon Tap – A well-regarded real ale pub with a good selection of beers.
  • The Board Inn – A characterful pub in Bridlington Old Town, often recommended for its atmosphere.
  • Harbour Tavern – A lively seafront pub with harbour views.
  • The Martonian Inn – Pub with extensive menu, excellent Sunday carvery
  • Ship Inn Sewerby – Extensive menu, good beer garden
  • The White Horse Bempton – Tradional village pub.

Food and Drink in Filey

  • Inghams Fish Restaurant – One of Filey’s best-known fish and chip restaurants, regularly recommended by visitors and locals. It has thousands of reviews and is often mentioned in discussions about the town’s best fish and chips.

  • San Marco Restaurant – A long-established Italian restaurant serving classic pasta, pizza and meat dishes. Frequently recommended as one of the best restaurants in Filey.

  • The Star – Traditional pub with good food and a selection of ales. Often recommended by visitors to the area.
  • Royal Oak Pub Filey – Popular for hearty pub meals and a relaxed atmosphere.

  • The Boat Shed – Known for pizzas, cocktails and a lively atmosphere. A favourite for an evening meal.
  • Benny’s Bar & Grill Filey – Popular for steaks, burgers and grilled dishes.

  • The Egg & Spoon, Filey – Excellent for breakfast, brunch and light lunches.
  • The Lighthouse – A well-loved tea room serving cakes, afternoon tea and lunches.
  • The Coffee Shed – Great coffee and light bites in the town centre.
  • The Pines Coffee Lounge & Diner – Popular for breakfasts and homemade lunches.

Food and Drink in Scarborough

  • Lookout on the Pier – A popular harbour-side spot with sea views, fresh seafood, breakfasts, and light meals. It’s frequently recommended by locals for fish dishes.
  • The Seafood Social – Known for fresh local seafood and sustainable sourcing.

  • Giannis Italian Restaurant – One of Scarborough’s best-known Italian restaurants, serving pizzas, pasta, seafood, and classic Italian dishes.
  • Lanterna Restaurant – A more intimate Italian dining experience, ideal for a special evening meal.

Scarborough has a fantastic mix of traditional seaside pubs, cosy real-ale venues and lively modern bars. Popular choices include:

• The historic Scarborough Arms in the Old Town, known for its welcoming atmosphere and selection of ales
• Newcastle Packet on Sandside, a characterful pub overlooking the harbour.

For craft beer enthusiasts:

• The North Riding Brew Pub is highly regarded for its own brewed ales and cosy Victorian setting
• The Frigate offers a relaxed, traditional pub experience close to the seafront.

Family-friendly venues:

• Tunny Catch and Crown Tavern provide good food alongside a wide range of drinks, while pubs including
• The Angel Inn, The Turks Head and The New Lancaster remain favourites with both locals and visitors.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet pint, harbour views, live entertainment or locally brewed real ales, Scarborough’s pub scene offers something to suit every taste.

  • Askim’s Turkish Restaurant Scarborough – A local favourite offering Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in the town centre.
  • Lezzet Mediterranean bistro – Well-regarded for Mediterranean dishes, grilled meats, and sharing platters.
  • Licorella on York Place – Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired dining with tapas-style options.

  • Embers – One of Scarborough’s most highly rated restaurants, known for wood-fired cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Clark’s Restaurant – A highly regarded independent restaurant specialising in local produce, seafood, and small plates.
  • The View Restaurant – Offers locally sourced Yorkshire produce alongside excellent views across North Bay.

  • North Street Kitchen – Excellent for brunch, lunch, and homemade food.
  • Eat Me Cafe – A popular café and restaurant near the theatre, ideal for lunch or a relaxed evening meal.
  • Marisco Lounge – A reliable all-day dining option on the harbour with a varied menu.

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