Where to visit in East Riding and Hull
Top places to visit in Yorkshire
What is the East Riding of Yorkshire?
East Riding is one of the four historical sections of the County of Yorkshire. Starting from the Humber in the south up towards the town of Filey on the coast. Its sandy beaches are a main attraction but its coast is at constant threat of erosion.
Places to visit in East Riding
Kingston Upon Hull
Otherwise known simply as Hull this city lies in the historic region of East Riding which is different to the modern council system area of East Riding. Geographically this is the biggest city of the area.
Things to do
The Deep
The Deep is a large collection of aquariums filled with sea creatures galore including sharks, penguins and the UK’s only Greensaw Fish. A full can be spent wandering between its tanks or even admiring the views of the Humber from large windows.
The Humber Bridge and Humber Bridge Country Park
This country park is very interesting with a history all about chalk quarrying. Here you can also get up close to and under the Humber Bridge-a large feat of engineering. The country park provides a good walk with dogs which is very popular with some unruly dogs. Facilities include toilets, in several places, along with places to park and a wellbeing hub on site. This hub is only open for part of the week and no long a visitors centre. Parking is free in the upper car park area accessed just after the bridge, providing a great stopping place or start to a holiday, and straightforward to find with signage. On the foreshore, there was a windmill, water views and access to a pub, a lovely spot for lunch, which had its own paid-for parking.
Far Ings Reserve, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
This wetland wildlife reserve on the Lincolnshire side of the Humber Bridge features multiple ponds with an abundance of water fowl and wildlife. Not dog friendly except for the very outside and its connection to the Viking Way footpath a long cross-country footpath which starts just under, and past, the Humber Bridge.
Places to eat
Doner Summer
Although its takeaway shop is now closed Doner Summer still deserves a mention in this list as if you are lucky with timings they do still have frequent pop-ups in the city. Delicious vegan junk food.
The Country Park
A lovely pub with dog-friendly seating outside. By the water, and which has water views, this pub can be accessed by car or via the Humber Bridge Country Park. It has a wide menu with a variety of veggie and some vegan options.
Inland Areas of East Riding
South Cave
A beautiful and surprising village with a lot of history and a stunning little castle which is a hotel now. Various walks span out from the village or through it.
Beverley-capital of East Riding
Beverley, famous for its minster, is an inland town complete with multiple churches (including the minster), a pedestrianised town centre and a tourist information point. It is also the administrative centre of East Riding.
Things to do
Visit the shops
From chains to independent stores, Beverley town centre is bustling with options. We saw several dog accessory shops which our pooches thoroughly approved off.
The Minster
This large, impressive, ornately carved church puts Beverley on the map and it’s easy to see why. Particularly interesting are the statues of recognisable figures from history that populate the outside.
Beverly Westwood
An expanse of Meadows and mini woodlands stretching between a race course and a golf course on the outskirts of Beverly. Perfect place to stretch your legs, walk the dogs and if you are lucky grab an ice cream from the van.
Places to eat
Junk Soul Smothered at Atom Brewery
This is vegan junk food at its finest. The bold buns are delicious and filled with all sorts of vegan burger goodness. Perfectly complimented by delicious coffees or Atom Brewery’s own beers which for once actually taste of the fruits in their tasting notes!
Lucy’s Coffee Shop (Southwood Garden Centre)
A delicious spot for breakfast with veggie options. Set in a great little garden centre perfect for a potter whilst you digest your food.
Driffield
Driffield is a cute little town with a thriving high street, and a pretty train station. As well as lots of chains like Greggs, Wetherspoons (with large outside seating) and supermarkets like Lidl. Paid for parking in the centre. like much of Yorkshire has a very large church.
158 Squadron Memorial
This memorial can be found in the nearby village of Lissett. With history on the Halifax planes they flew the sheer number of names on the statues is a stark reminder of the losses of war. Well done, moving and poignant.
Beeford
Beeford is a large village intersected by a large, fast A road.
Places to eat
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
This is a great takeaway with a good selection of food, opens most days except Tuesday. Not overly greasy which was pleasant-we enjoyed the salt and pepper mushrooms!
Fish and Chips at Beeford
We didn’t sample much from this busy shop as unfortunately everything was cooked in beef dripping. It’s open only over the weekend and proves popular during these short opening times.
Coastal Towns of East Riding
The Spurn
Past Hull and to the most southerly point on the edge of the Humber between the estuary and sea lies The Spurn now a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve.
Gunpowder Plot Sculpture
Impressive to see from the road but not easy to stop at. A large metal sculpture was commissioned to ‘celebrate’ the link between the gunpowder plot and the village it’s based in.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust-Spurn Discovery Centre
A Toilet, Cafe, Pay and Display Carpark and Visitors Centre await you here. You can’t take dogs to the end but there is still plenty to explore with them. Lots of coastal erosion though so be aware.
There is a safari to the end ( a pre-bookable ride in an open vehicle) or a long walk past lighthouses watching out for tides.
Withernsea
Small coastal town with a cute castellated building on the beach. You can also spot a great puffin from the puffin trail here.
Things to do
Visit the beach or stroll into the town to see the inland lighthouse.
A site of coastal erosion markers points to where would have stood villages including two “sister” churches over the centuries lost to the sea.
Places to eat
We had a delicious bubble tea which was a surprise to find in the area.
Hornsea
A seaside town with a lot of history including pottery. Find the gift shops dotted amongst everyday stores. We enjoyed chips and gravy from one of the small takeaways on the shorefront.
Things to do
Hornsea Mere
This is the largest natural lake in Yorkshire. Once the site of aquaplane landings and World War history, it is now popular for boats and birds. Finding large flocks of Canada geese here among other water birds. A long walk can taken around the perimeter or a short walk in the centre by the car park.
The Beach
The beach here is big and sandy. Accessed by concrete steps at regular intervals, some of which date from the early 1900s so look a little worn. There are frequent groins on the beach to protect from the weather
Places to eat
Lilys Beach Cafe
Whilst we didn’t eat here personally, we saw that this was dog-friendly and offered veggie options.
Skipsea
Things to do
Skipsea Castle
Now just a mound of castle remains and walls. Still worth a visit for amazing views and a slice of history. The parking area is small and slightly difficult to access. Dogs are welcome but there are cattle on the site.
Skipsea Beach
The beach here is both sandy and pebbly. The effects of cliff erosion can be seen down on the beach. There are also old concrete structures on the shoreline-pill boxes from atop the cliffs fallen down with erosion. Access can be via Mr Moos for paying customers. The path to the beach can be a little muddy but passes points of historical WW2 interest.
Places to eat
Mr Moos
A delicious spot for breakfast. Parking at Mr Moos is free for customers and there is a customer access ‘farm walk’ to the beach. We particularly enjoyed their deluxe milkshakes which came in a variety of flavours and options. Outside seating is dog-friendly under a marquee structure. Veggie option breakfast was delicious and filling.
Fraisthorpe
This beach, with a pay and display car park, is a large expanse of sand. Here concrete blocks form sea defences against the eroding tide. Also, excitingly, we saw a seal on the beach! If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife like this on the sand remember to keep your distance and keep dogs away.
The Cow Shed is currently closed, but The Calf Shed offering takeaway and the toilets remain open.
Bridlington
A lovely seaside town set high on cliffs but with beach access. Walk up along the top of cliffs towards to Sewerby Hall for beautiful sea views and potential whale spotting! Or walk south for classic promenade views past the Bridlington Spa and RNLI centre.
Things to do
The Beach
The beach here is beautiful and sandy, with the cliffs growing in height as you walk north. Large numbers of seabirds can be seen here as it is close to RSPB reserves on Flamburgh Head.
The Harbour
History and fun can be found in the Harbour area with museums, amusements and plenty of seaside snacks.
The Seafront Land Train
Although a little pricey this Land Train makes for a great dog-friendly experience zipping along the coast. We walked up to the end by Sewerby Hall and paid for a full journey bag. Our dogs actually enjoyed this open-sided ride. We were then able to continue by foot to explore the South side. In busier summer months there is a second land train running which connects to the park and ride as well.
Places to eat
The Beach Hut
A great spot for breakfast overlooking the sea. Dog-friendly seating inside and with vegetarian and vegan options. Nicely decorated with great beachy vibes. Oat milk is available for cappuccinos!
Blu Savannah
This cafe on Sewerby cliff top offers a wide range of drinks from coffees to coolers, to gelato milkshakes and even pup’chinos’. Bench seating allows you to sit out and take a break from the walk.
Bridlington Old Town
When we visited the Old Town, separate from the main settlement of Bridlington itself most shops were shutting for the day. But here a flourishing high street- at the time celebrating Oktoberfest-can be found. Walking past historically housed shops and pubs will lead to The Bayle and Priory. Well worth a visit. Parking for the old town is free.
Places to eat
Tiffin & Co Chocolate Cafe
This cafe looked particularly delicious and served a range of afternoon teas.
Flamborough
This large headland has everything from lighthouses to posh manors to bird-covered cliffs.
Things to do
RSBP Bempton Cliffs
We visited at the end of the Gannet season rather than the busier Summer nesting season. However, there was still lots to see. We took much longer along the cliff-top path than the advised time. Short-eared owls, whales, dolphins, seals, gannets, kestrels and so many other seabirds kept us staring over the cliff edge. Some paths are accessible and there is a cafe in the visitors centre.
We have been here twice now. Once in October to see Gannets and once in June to see Puffins. Seeing Puffins on a busy weekend was a completely different experience. But still amazing!
Flamborough South Landing Beach
This small cove-like beach is accessed by a somewhat steep slope. At the top, you will find a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust centre-The Living Seas. Whilst at the bottom a RNLI shop and launch leads to a chalk bolder covered beach. This lovely sandy beach was secluded and empty when we visited, but probably could be busy in the middle of a summer’s day.
Drinking Dinosaur
A great spot to see seals. The tide was in when we visited and they were all hunting in the sea. When the tide is out they are known to relax on the beach.
Places to eat
Headlands Restaurant Cafe and Bar
This busy establishment had a range of traditional seeming Yorkshire seaside fare. Veggie and vegan options were lacking, but what we did have was very nice.
There is also Cliff End Cafe and Yolo Cafe
Filey
A bigger seaside town of two separate levels. A small amount of traditional beach shops lined a promenade. I’m unsure of what else the town has as it was difficult to park, full stop, let alone in a way that allowed you to access all the different areas.
Things to do
Rudston Monolith
In the nearby village of Rudston is a beautiful church with a historic graveyard featuring amongst other historic artefacts a Roman grave and an 8m high (and further 8m deep) Monolith. Older than than Stonehenge but just as intriguing.
For more Filey-specific things to do this is a great article from The Hound and The Toddler.
Places to eat
Harry’s American Diner
Harry’s is everything you want an American diner to be. Booth seating, delicious Americana food and shakes (including vegan options). When we visited it had some of the best Halloween decorations I had seen in a restaurant!
Royal Oak Filey
Again we didn’t eat here but the restaurant is dog friendly with a menu including several vegan options. Something we struggled to find elsewhere!
Alex
I love to travel and pick up a tshirt from every magic location I visit! Suffering from a chronic illness travel isn't always too accessible but when I travel I always look for travel with extra magic!
