The 7 best beaches in East Yorkshire
Bridlington, on the coast of East Yorkshire is a fantastic place to visit either for a day or longer with its extensive dog-friendly beaches, and places to eat and visit which welcome dogs.
This is our list of recommended beaches in the area which are only a short drive from the cottage. If you want to travel further afield we can point you in the right direction.
1 – North Landing
A small, picturesque beach in a natural cove on the north side of Flamborough Head. It is flanked by stunning chalk cliffs.
The beach is a mixture of pebbles and soft sand and is a great place to hunt for marine wildlife in the rockpools at low tide.
Dogs are allowed all year round.
In summer it’s used by snorkelers and swimmers but be aware that there is no lifeguard cover.
The bird life is amazing with Cormorants, Kittiwakes, and Razorbills, and sometimes if you’re lucky you can see Puffins.
The beach is accessed at the end of the B1255 where a reasonably priced car park can be found. There are toilets and a café. The path down to the beach is quite steep and is therefore not suitable for those with mobility problems.
2 – Fraisthorpe Beach
This super flat, sandy beach is situated approximately 4 miles south of Bridlington and is perfect for walking, with dogs allowed all year round. It is also popular with horse riders.
The beach is backed by low clay cliffs and features some spectacular views and cliff top scenery.
In summer this is a popular place for swimming in the sea but be aware the is no lifeguard present.
The beach is accessed from the village of Fraisthorpe and there is a pay-for car park available at Auburn Farm just above the beach.
The Cowshed Cafe on the cliffs is dog-friendly and offers a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
3 – Bridlington South Beach
This has to be my favourite beach in the area with its wide expanse of sand to the south of Bridlington. The beach is over a mile long and connects with Fraisthorpe beach.
The beautiful sandy beach has plenty of places to stop for a coffee along the promenade and can get a little busy nearer the town, but if you’re looking for somewhere quieter head south away from the crowds.
Parking can be found in Bridlington town, with on and off street pay and display parking available. There is also a large car park near South Shore Holiday Park.
Dogs are not allowed on the area closest to the harbour between 1st May and 30th September but are allowed all year round from south of the lifeboat launch site. Look out for signs to make sure you are in the designated dog-walking areas.
4 – Danes Dyke
This pebble beach is on the southern side of Flamborough Head and is dog-friendly all year round. It’s flanked by rocks and backed by cliffs and it does become sandier closed to the sea. At low tide it’s a great place to hunt for marine wildlife in the exposed rockpools.
From the beach, looking south there are some stunning views across Bridlington Bay and beyond.
There is a pay and display car park with toilets and a refreshment kiosk, which is accessed via a track off Bridlington Road. From this car park there are a number of paths through the woodlands where there is a chance of spotting squirrels or even the odd deer.
The descent to the beach might be difficult for those with mobility problems
5 – Bridlington North Beach
With great views of the impressive chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head, this sand and shingle beach is a popular family beach.
Situated on the north of Bridlington there is a land train to Sewerby along the cliff tops.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach south of the Coastguard station from 1st May to 30th September but are welcome further north all year round. Please check signs for correct details.
There is both free and pay and display car parking in the area, and there are plenty of cafes to grab a bite to eat or an ice cream.
6 – Thornwick Bay
This beach is in a small bay on the north coast of Flamborough Head.
The beach is mainly rocky with a few caves and a magnificent sea arch in the cliffs.
Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round.
Parking is 15 minutes’ walk away at North Landing.
7 – South Landing
Just over 3 miles north of Bridlington, South Landing Beach is within an area that has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
The beach is shingle and pebbles and is backed by grassy, chalk cliffs which provide visitors with a degree of shelter from the sea breezes.
At low tide, rockpools are teeming with crabs, small fish and other marine life. South Landing is also a good place for bird watching.
There are a number of walking trails in the area, including some cliff top walks with views over Bridlington Bay.
A car park with picnic site can be found just off South Sea Road. It is a steep descent, past the RNLI Flamborough Lifeboat Station down to the beach.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Whilst visiting this beach the nearby Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Living Seas Centre is worth a visit.