Bridlington, United Kingdom: Yorkshire’s Seaside Resort
The town of Bridlington sits along the North Sea and has some of Great Britain’s most scenic beaches, including Bridlington North Beach, Fraisthorpe Beach, and North Landing Beach. Visitors to this town of about 33,000 people often come to experience life on the beach for a few days without having to venture outside of the country.
There is a promenade along the beach that creates a lively atmosphere in the summer and visitors are sure to find something to do in that area, while the downtown portion of the city is full of pubs and restaurants for visitors to experience throughout their time there. The town gets busy in the summer, but most guests will say that it’s worth fighting the crowds to experience a true beach town on the North Sea.
Visit Old Town
Old Town is off the beaten path in Bridlington because it is a little ways from most of the seafront hotels and resorts in the area. That doesn’t mean that this part of the town is any less significant, however, as it is full of history and is a must-see for anyone who is into learning about the past. This part of town features a Medieval charm that can be experienced in its architecture, streets, and alleys because aspects of that era remain to this day.
This part of Bridlington moves at a slower pace and is full of heritage buildings and landmarks. A number of art galleries and pubs can be be found throughout the area, allowing guests who are into nearly any type of entertainment to find something to do without having to fight the crowds. Finding a hotel nearby is easy and allows visitors to escape the noise at night.
The Priory Church of St. Mary
The Bridlington Priory was founded in 1113 as an Augustinian monastery and has since been designated as a Grade I Listed Building. This building was one of the original Augustinian houses in all of England and was active until 1538 when Henry VIII dissolved every monastery in the country during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The priory was then used as a church for centuries before being restored in the mid-1800s.
Today, the church that remains is one of the top attractions in Bridlington because of its age and the beauty of its architecture. There are some hotels and guest houses in the area near this church, making it easy to stop by and take a look when spending a few days in the town.
The Bridlington Spa
No holiday in Bridlington is complete without a visit to the Bridlington Spa, the area’s top concert venue. This building was originally a Royal Hall Ballroom in the 1930s and has always been a regional hub and the host of numerous major events. Bands like the Rolling Stones and The Who have performed at the Spa in the past and the venue still attracts large acts to this day. There are hotels in the area, making it easy to centre a holiday in Bridlington around an event at this venue.
The entire building has been renovated in recent years and features all of the newest technology, which ensures that guests will experience a great show in a wonderful venue. While the main room holds 3,800 people, there is a smaller room that can be rented for weddings and smaller events, making this historic venue accessible for everyone.
Bempton Cliffs
Just outside of Bridlington and its plethora of seafront hotels is the Bempton Cliffs, which is known as one of the top birdwatching destinations in the entire country. This is largely because a colony of about 250,000 sea birds inhabits the area and when they decide that it’s feeding time, it can be quite the sight to see.
In the spring and summer, birds like herring gulls, shags, razorbills, and puffins are abundant in the region. There are six viewpoints on the cliffs that surround this habitat, as well, giving visitors the entire experience without putting themselves in harm’s way.
The Bempton Cliffs have nature trails that can be hiked after watching the birds. These trails are a great place to spot other local wildlife and learn more about the beautiful animals that live in this part of the country. The Bridlington seafront always has something new to experience, even for those who don’t want to spend their entire week at the beach.
The Drive to Sewerby
Just outside of Bridlington and a short drive from most hotels sits the town of Sewerby, which is home to a couple of popular attractions. For starters, the Bondville Model Village is a miniature town that draws in people from all over the country. The village is set up like a miniature city and the entire family is sure to enjoy a visit. There is also an on-site tea room, so visitors don’t have to leave when looking for something to eat.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens, a house that was built between 1714 and 1720, is also in the same area just outside of Bridlington. This house can be explored by visitors for a look into what life was live during that time period. The house acts as a museum, as well, and is full of memorabilia and décor from days gone by. These venues can be reached in minutes after leaving the hotel.