Family Walks Along the East Yorkshire Coast

The East Yorkshire coastline is one of the most dramatic and underappreciated stretches of shoreline in England, and it happens to be right on our doorstep. From the towering chalk cliffs of Flamborough to the wild, shifting spit of Spurn Point, there is a walk here to suit every family — whether you are pushing a buggy, chasing a toddler, or trying to wear out a restless ten-year-old. Here are our favourite family-friendly coastal walks, complete with the essential details: where to park, where to find ice cream, and where the best rock pools are hiding.

Bridlington Promenade to Sewerby Hall — This is the perfect starter walk for families with young children or buggies. The path runs along the seafront from Bridlington's north beach all the way to Sewerby Hall and Gardens, a distance of roughly a mile and a half each way. The route is flat and fully paved, with the sea on one side and the dramatic chalk cliffs rising on the other. There are ice cream vans along the promenade in the warmer months, and Sewerby Hall itself has a café, playground, and small zoo — making it a brilliant destination to aim for. Parking is available at several pay-and-display car parks along Bridlington's seafront. Flamborough Head — For families with slightly older or more adventurous children, the walk around Flamborough Head is unforgettable. Start at the car park near the lighthouse and follow the clifftop path towards the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs. In spring and summer, the cliffs are alive with thousands of nesting seabirds — gannets, puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots — and the spectacle is genuinely awe-inspiring. The paths are well maintained but not suitable for buggies in places, so a carrier is advisable for very young children. There is a good café at the RSPB centre and another at the lighthouse.

Spurn Point — This extraordinary natural spit stretching three miles into the Humber Estuary is unlike anywhere else in the country. The walk along the narrow strip of sand and shingle is a real adventure for older children, with the sea on both sides and the ruins of old military buildings to explore. Keep an eye on the tides, as parts of the path can flood at high water. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust visitor centre near the entrance has facilities and information, and the drive down through the Spurn peninsula is an experience in itself. Parking is available at the reserve, and Trust members go free. Hornsea Seafront — Hornsea offers a straightforward, enjoyable walk along its promenade and beach. Start near the Freeport shopping village, where there is ample free parking, and walk south along the seafront. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle, and children love poking about in the rock pools at low tide near the sea defences. There are several cafés and fish and chip shops along the front, and Hornsea Mere — the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire — is just a short walk inland if you fancy extending the outing.

Withernsea to the Lighthouse — Withernsea has a charmingly old-fashioned seaside feel, and a walk along its beach towards the iconic inland lighthouse makes for a lovely family outing. The lighthouse, now a museum, stands in the middle of the town and is well worth a visit — children can climb to the top for panoramic views of the coast and surrounding countryside. The beach itself is sandy and spacious, ideal for kite flying and sandcastle building. Ice cream is easily found along the main street, and there are public toilets near the seafront. Whichever walk you choose, a few practical tips will make the outing smoother. Always check the tide times before setting out, particularly at Spurn Point and along the rockier stretches. Pack layers — the coast is almost always a few degrees cooler and windier than inland. Bring a bag for collecting interesting shells and stones, as the children will inevitably want to. And most importantly, take your time. The East Yorkshire coast rewards those who slow down and pay attention. There is always something to see.