Between Hull And Scarborough Is A Charming Coastal Town With Award-Winning Beaches, Fresh Seafood, And Fishing

English seaside towns can take you by surprise. While these unassuming communities can, at first glance, appear drab and uninviting, they often reveal pretty coastlines and interesting experiences when you look a bit closer. Bridlington, located on the Yorkshire coast, is one such place with an aesthetic to match its coastal treasures. Bridlington is tucked in the middle of Hull, just 26 miles south, and Scarborough, 18 miles north, two other prominent seaside destinations. Despite this neighboring competition for attention, this historic town still contributes to the hundreds of millions of dollars the region receives in tourism revenue. Considered one of the United Kingdom's great resort towns, Bridlington still provides its distinct charms and attractions today.

This seaside town's past is a big part of its present allure. Its historic harbor is a great example of how these two sides work in unison. Bridlington Harbour has been serving the town for centuries, dating back to medieval times. Trade, fishing, and seafaring folk have long relied upon it, but it now also provides tourists with dining, entertainment, and coastal adventures. Many flock to the pier for fishing and sea views. Adventurous folks also head out on scenic cruises, high-speed jet boats, or the family-friendly pirate ship with actual water cannons.

Bridlington Old Town, spread out along High Street and about 10 minutes from the harbor, is yet another charming aspect. Centuries-old architecture and medieval-era remnants give it a strong character, from its restored Market Place to the local boutiques and grand buildings. However, the seaside is Bridlington's biggest draw, thanks in large part to its two award-winning beaches, restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, and fishing opportunities. 

The town's coastal positioning means its harbor intersects its two main beaches, North Beach and South Beach. Both beaches have received recognition over the years. Most recently, Bridlington North and South were awarded Seaside Awards from Keep Britain Tidy. While not as prestigious as the coveted Blue Flag title, the Seaside Award still recognizes the beaches' quality, cleanliness, and facilities compared to many others in the country. This includes prioritizing visitor safety, local ecosystems, and waste management. 

South Beach is long and sandy, with a promenade running parallel to its shoreline. One visitor highlighted South Beach's free children's paddling pool in a Google Maps review. It provides a good space for little ones to dip their toes and run about, even if it can get busy and a bit mucky at times. North Beach is similarly sandy but has tall bluffs at one end and a high promenade with stairs down to the water. This promenade has beachfront cafes and a fun fair with rides and games. "Sandy beach with a beautiful backdrop of white cliffs. Sandwich shops, fish and chips, and ice cream shops offer a wide selection of food close to the beach," one visitor said in a Google Maps review.

One of the best times to visit Bridlington's beaches is during the annual Bridlington Kite Festival. It's a weekend of kite flying, food, and family fun on the cliffside overlooking North Beach. Professional kite flyers turn the sky above Bridlington into a canvas full of vibrant characters and creatures. Elsewhere, young and old can take part in face painting, kite flying lessons, carnival rides, inflatable obstacle courses, and stalls selling lovingly made kites.

Fishing is a popular pastime in Bridlington, particularly along the harbor's two piers. You can cast a line from South Pier year-round, while fishing is only permitted on North Pier between October and March. Anglers catch a range of fish here during the year, from cod and whiting in winter to flounder in autumn and dogfish and mackerel throughout summer. People also enjoy beach fishing, reeling in rays, flounder, and whiting. East Yorkshire's wider coast is a renowned competition fishing destination, with other great spots found south of Bridlington. This includes Fraisthorpe, Hornsea, Mappleton, and Withernsea, all within one hour's drive away. Robin Hood's Bay, a village inside a national park, also offers challenging cod fishing an hour's drive north.

Whether you catch it or not, the seafood is still worth eating in Bridlington. Numerous restaurants around the harbor specialize in this local delicacy. The Old Lifeboat Station is a yummy spot for seafood dishes that are determined depending on what's fresh, including oysters, lobster, sardines, and their Indian-inspired specialty, samphire bhaji. Salt On The Harbour offers a diverse seafood menu featuring seafood chowder, oysters, crab and lobster bisque, prawn cocktails, and a whole lemon sole. The setting is a touch fancier, with outdoor and indoor seating overlooking boats in the harbor.

You can drive or catch a train to Bridlington in 40 minutes from Scarborough, another beautiful seaside town with beaches and a castle. If you're coming from Hull, one of Europe's most affordable destinations, give yourself about 50 minutes by car or on the train. Bridlington lives up to its seaside resort heritage with numerous beachfront accommodation options around its harbor, plus various hotels and B&Bs down its back streets.