Morning
When approaching the Hornsea route on the coast road from Withernsea, take the time to stop off at Mappleton. Many people pass through this tiny village but take the time to head
to the parking spot to take a break and take in the ruggedness of the Yorkshire Coast.
If arriving early or late at night, pull in to see the sunrise/sunset for stunning views across the bay.
The crumbling roads ravaged by the wind and sea, making for a dramatic sight. But, you can stretch your legs here and head down to the sandy beach beneath the weathered cliffs before heading into Hornsea.
Afternoon
Hornsea is a place with hidden histories, so let yourself slip into a slower pace of exploration.
Head down to the Promenade and stop for fish and chips at Sullivan's on the seafront. Then, continue your exploration of the rolling gardens and water features on the Promenade sitting behind the rugged sea defences.
Morning
A Route YC experience is incomplete without checking in at the Trans Pennine Trail marker on the seafront.
The trail is followed by walkers, horse riders and cyclists, making this an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts.
The entire trail is purpose-built following canals, riversides, disused railway lines and cycle paths, which provide a great way to explore the countryside, whether just an afternoon stroll or a journey across northern England.
Make sure you wrap up warm if doing this walk in autumn or winter. But if this challenge isn’t for you, you can follow part of this out towards Hornsea Freeport and then back into the town.
Afternoon
If you are looking for more of a stroll than a hike but are keen on something more active, head on to Hornsea Golf Club.
Initially opened in 1908, the course is superb coastal, including extensive gorse and wind-blasted thorn.
The terrain is gently undulating parkland with extensive tree belts to shelter the golfer from the stiff breezes, which are commonplace at seaside courses.
If golf isn’t for you, take in the views from the clubhouse and enjoy a drink and a light bite while watching others do the hard work!
Morning
Exploring the market town of Hornsea, once known as the ‘Lakeland by the Sea’, is an absolute must.
The market town streets hide many different historical finds, and one that has been brought to life over the last couple of years is the Hornsea Pottery Trail. However, before you start your hunt on the trail, we highly recommend visiting the Hornsea Museum, home to the original Hornsea Pottery Collection.
Take your time to peruse the collection, and then take a short stroll down to Green Owl to grab a hearty bite to eat.
Afternoon
The great thing about trails that run within towns is that you can complete them at your own pace, and there are plenty of great watering holes where you can stop to rest your feet!
Keep looking down and around as unique markers are placed on the pavement and walls when following the trail.
You can detour off to Hornsea Freeport to break up the trail with some retail therapy.
FACT: Hornsea Freeport was the original home to Hornsea Pottery manufactured in the area but is now home to retail and leisure operators and the only Freeport on the Yorkshire Coast.
Morning
Hornsea Mere is Yorkshire’s largest natural freshwater lake and the final remnant of a vast wetland that once featured many smaller meres and marshy areas.
Suppose you have ever wanted to learn to sail. In that case, you can book in with the Hornsea Sailing Club because with a maximum depth of 2.5 meters; it is an ideal lake for amateur sailors.
We have enjoyed visiting the Mere at all times of the year, seeing everything from tufted ducks to craneflies. However, more often than not, we visit with friends to relax on a rowing boat and have a spot for lunch.
Check the opening days and times to maximise your time here.
Afternoon
Pair your trip to the Mere with a short drive to Wassand Hall to explore the gardens and parks over the summer.
The Hall has a collection of 18th and 19th-century paintings and portraits, English and European silver, furniture and porcelain from the same period.
This is well worth the visit when open - especially if you are looking for a relaxing tea in the conservatory!
Morning
Heading north of Hornsea, you will come into the quaint village of Skipsea, which has a narrow sandy beach stretching up to Bridlington.
This is an excellent place for walks and wildlife watching and well worth the stop.
The effects of coastal erosion are very prevalent in this area, and large sections of the cliffs have been cut away and crumbled before being washed away by the sea.
This makes for a great place to either hunker down and watch the wild seas or do a spot of fossil hunting.
Afternoon
After your beach exploration, an unusual place to visit is just around the corner, Skipsea Castle.
Let us be clear; this isn’t a “castle” but more of a grassy mound, so don’t keep walking, hoping to see turrets!
Skipsea Castle has a fascinating history and is a great place to visit to see an area now reclaimed by the land. However, if you are heading back to Hornsea for the night, stop at Mr Moo’s - a must-visit place for all ice cream lovers!
Morning
No trip to the coast is complete without a beach day. Hornsea beach can be difficult to access at different points, making it excellent for birdwatching and fishing.
This is a great place for sea activities, with large groups of sea swimmers and surfers flocking to the area.
If you are looking for a bit more exercise and love history, it is well worth joining the Curiosity Trail – you will be surprised at what you would have usually just walked on by!
Afternoon
If you have braved the chill of the North Sea, put your feet up and enjoy a great meal at The Marine Bar, where you can continue to enjoy watching the crashing, wild waves in comfort.
If you’re lucky, you might just get a glimpse of the seals or whales in the distance!
FINAL DAY
Take a walk down Newbegin before you head off on the next leg of your journey and stop by a hidden landmark off Willows Drive called Bettison’s Folly.
Nestled in the Folly is an arts and crafts tower that was said to have been made as a lookout for Mr Bettison’s staff to climb on the lookout for him returning home. All of this just so the cook could make sure his dinner was ready!
It’s well worth the visit, but we’ll be heading to The Victoria for lunch instead of climbing any towers!
If you are ready to embark on a thrilling journey across the Yorkshire Coast, start planning here with our interactive map, where curiosity knows no bounds.
We have done the hard work for you and mapped unknown territories, hidden gems, and extraordinary activities that you can add to your itinerary.
How to use:
Please select one of our six routes
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Members can save their favourites to the itinerary builder so you don't lose any of your favourites
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So strap yourselves in for an unforgettable road trip that will redefine how you explore our magnificent Yorkshire Coast - all at your fingertips!
The Bridlington route is abundant with nature
reserves, packed with wildlife and is an area
that rewards with historical charm and natural
beauty. You can create experiences that are
as energetic as you feel. So why not combine
thrill-seeking moments with more peaceful walks
to observe nature in its natural habitat?
Filey is perfect for surfing, walking and cycling
from coast and countryside and
steeped in seafaring history and fables,
so even a trip to the pub will likely result
in a lively chat with locals.
Check out the Hornsea route to see the market
town beauty against an eaten and
collapsing coastline. This hauntingly
the beautiful area stands proud and gives a
true Lakeland by the Sea experience.
Perfect to be explored at a slower pace,
packed with walks, hikes and cycling
throughout, outdoor enthusiasts and nature
lovers should set up base at one of the
many holiday parks in and around the area.
Scarborough is known for being England
seaside resort. Sure, you can expect the
iconic coastal scenery that everyone's
familiar with but let us show you the
unspoilt, rugged coastal paths,
awe-inspiring woodlands, adrenaline-pumping
water sports and not forgetting fantastic
food that will challenge your ideas of
this quaint coastal town.
The Withernsea route will guide you
through the wonderful wildness of this
often overlooked stretch of coastline.
Its fast-disappearing coastline and
ghosts of lost towns are inspirational for
many - you can certainly see echoes
of Tolkien’s Middle Earth as you explore
this hauntingly beautiful area.
Adventure awaits on Route YC and
we've got everything from
adrenaline-filled zip wires, awesome
hikes, world-class cycling and some
of the best surf in the UK.
Renowned local artist, Emma Stothard famed
for her intricate sculptures using touch and
unyielding metals and willow are woven into
delicate structures celebrating wild and
marine life throughout the Yorkshire Coast.
This itinerary is a great way to combine.
Sculpture with must-stop places to see
wild and marine life up close.
Visit the heart of the Yorkshire Coast
shellfish industry, and explore the old
the historic area of Bridlington and find
areas of outstanding beauty and wildlife.
If you are a cyclist or a walker, there are
plenty of great routes which will combine
coastal vistas and rural gems. Just make sure
you leave time to take in a world-class
show at The Theatre and sample the local
catch at local cafes and restaurants.
Heading out on your Route YC road trip
with your dog? Whether you're looking
for dog-friendly accommodation, food
and drink places, great beaches, and
dog walks, we have you covered whilst
you and your best friend holiday on the
Yorkshire Coast.
Walkers, cyclists and nature lovers will
be spoilt for choice on the Filey route.
It will take you past rugged shorelines
which are steeped in myth and legend,
including the newly discovered
shipwreck of the Bon Homme Richard,
through to quaint villages and bays
with an incredibly unique restaurant
known for its pies for every day of the year!
There's nothing better than getting the gang
together and discovering somewhere new.
Our Group's Guide gives you the perfect base
on each of our six routes, along with
suggestions on where to eat and
what to do with your tribe.
Think you know Scarborough? Think again!
This historic town is a great base to explore
coast and countryside with everything
an adventurer needs. With bays dedicated
to watersports, highwires and indoor and
outdoor waterparks and an abundance
of walking and cycling routes, this is a
route for people who love being active!
If you are up for taking on Route YC,
here are some of our ultimate places
to park up and play when you are on the
the road for seven days that will take you
along the best areas for you to get your
fix of panoramic coastal views.
The main town of Whitby has become
synonymous with Dracula and Goth
Weekend let us show you so much more than that.
It is steeped in heritage and each
coastal cove offers a host of hidden
gems to explore, with some outstanding
food to boot.
Need some inspiration to get you started?
Here's our mini guide to show you what
we love about the Whitby route which
will take you through the gothic, seafaring
town, and back out into the National Park
which has inspired many a film and TV series.
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