Day at Bridlington Beach: Things to Do in 2026

My brother lives in Bridlington, so I spent plenty of time here growing up when we visited him. Last weekend, we went for the day while my other brother was on a weekend holiday at Thornwick Bay. Bridlington beach is a great destination for a short trip or a full day out — it’s award-winning, family-friendly, and packed with things to do along the East Yorkshire coast.

Here are some things you can do in Bridlington!

Updated March 2026 – All attraction details, prices, and tips have been reviewed and updated for 2026. Always check venues directly before your visit as opening times can change seasonally.

Bridlington North Beach

North Beach features a wide, sandy beach with safe swimming areas. It’s a lovely, clean shoreline and a dog-friendly section. There are rock pools where you can hunt for crabs at low tide. Colourful beach chalets line the seafront, making it a great place to relax, as well as a cute photo opportunity!

You can take in unbeatable views of the chalk cliffs from North Beach or hop on the land train up to Sewerby Hall and its beautiful gardens. The area offers easy access for prams and wheelchairs, with a nearby cafe serving ice cream and fresh seafood.

Bridlington South Beach

This area is known for its wide sandy shore and shallow waters. It gets busy during summer months, with visitors of all ages enjoying a lovely day out. There are plenty of gift shops and local restaurants close to the promenade; you can try great, reasonably priced food or grab an ice cream while watching fishing boats in the distance. The beach is situated near popular spots, including East Riding Leisure Bridlington and the renowned Bridlington Spa theatre, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

the grand entrance and gardens at Sewerby Hall near Bridlington

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Sewerby Hall and Gardens is a great venue for families. The hall is situated in a beautiful walled garden featuring lovely rose gardens, woodland walks, and open spaces for play. Kids can run around the large lawns or visit the nearby small zoo.

The grounds offer perfect picnic spots with stunning views of Bridlington Beach and the surrounding cliffs. You can visit their contemporary art gallery or enjoy fun events held throughout the year.

Please read my full Sewerby Hall and Gardens review here.

Bridlington Animal Park

Bridlington Animal Park lets you see many animals up close. You can meet birds of prey, sea birds, and other exciting creatures here. The park is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, goats, and meerkats.

Children will love the hands-on experiences. They can feed some of the animals or even hold a small pet! The staff are friendly and help make each visit an exceptional experience.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning nature reserve sits along the Yorkshire coast. It has impressive cliffs and seabird colonies that attract many visitors. From March to October, you can see puffins, gannets, and other birds nesting on the cliffs.

The visitor centre features interactive exhibitions that educate visitors about local wildlife. You can stroll along safe viewing platforms to take in fantastic views of the sea and cliffs. RSPB Bempton Cliffs provides a perfect opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying the fresh air.

Flamborough Head and Lighthouse

The stunning cliffs of Flamborough Head are a must-see. These white chalk cliffs rise high above the sea. They offer breathtaking views and a rich history. The Flamborough Lighthouse stands at a height of 100 feet. It was built in 1806 and continues to assist ships in navigating safely.

This lighthouse is a famous landmark along the coast. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history and workings. Families enjoy walking the paths around the area. Birdwatchers also love it here, as many seabirds nest on these cliffs during the spring and summer months.

Bridlington Old Town and Bayle Museum

Explore Bridlington Old Town for a taste of history. This area has charming streets with independent shops and cafes. You can see historical landmarks like the Bridlington Priory Church and the Augustinian Priory. Visit the Bayle Museum, situated in a Georgian-listed building. It offers insights into local history and culture. The museum features artefacts that tell stories about Bridlington’s past.

inside the cafe section at Jeromes and Pavilion Bar and Grill

Boat Trips from Bridlington Harbour

Bridlington Old Town and Bayle Museum lead you to the fun of boat trips from Bridlington Harbour.

Enjoy a ride on the Yorkshire Belle. This boat is famous for its scenic tours along the coast. It is a perfect place for families.
Book a fishing trip for some hands-on fun. You can catch local fish while enjoying fresh sea air. Great memories come from these outings.
Try a sightseeing cruise. These trips show off stunning cliffs and unique rock formations. You’ll learn about local history as you go.
Take a special trip to spot seals. Seal watching is popular in this area, especially near Flamborough Head. It’s exciting to see these animals up close.
Join a sunset cruise for a magical evening. Watching the sun set over the water creates beautiful moments with your family.
Kids can enjoy pirate-themed boat trips too!
If you fancy something faster, you can take a trip on a speedboat.

view from the deck of the pirate ship boat trip in Bridlington

Bayside Fun Park and Bridlington Fun Park

There are two fairgrounds next to each other, Bayside Fun Park and Bridlington Fun Park. They both offer your typical fairground rides such as dodgems, pirate ships, a caterpillar rollercoaster and more. Please note that you cannot use the same tokens at both parks. One uses silver tokens and the other uses red ones!

colourful fairground rides at Bayside Fun Park on Bridlington seafront

Amusements

Of course, there are LOADS of amusement arcades in Bridlington. You can’t go to the seaside without spending a fortune on the 2p machines trying to get a cheap plastic toy that’s worth about 50p.

view across Bridlington Harbour from the pirate ship boat trip

Our Trip To Bridlington

We went to Bridlington last Saturday and we parked on one of the side streets for free, then walked down to the fairground rides. My little boy loved the Caterpillar and Alligator roller coasters; he also rode the little kids’ train and car ride twice. My 9-year-old niece and nephew rode some of the bigger rides with my sister-in-law, including the pirate ship and the new Zero Gravity Ride.

When we went to the harbour, where we took my son on the pirate ship, it was only £3 per passenger and was just a short 10-minute boat ride. The older kids went on the speedboat, which was £6 each.

Next, we went to find food. We ate at Jeromes & Pavilion Bar & Grill. The area was spacious, featuring several distinct sections, including an outdoor seating area and a café. As the main eating area was busy, we ate in the cafe. They sell typical bar and grill food, as well as fish and chips. The cafe has a great selection of ice cream and cakes, as well! There is also a soft play area attached to the restaurant. But it was so busy on a Saturday afternoon. It’s excellent for letting older kids get some energy out while the adults enjoy a drink and food, though!

After our food, we walked along the north beach while my son threw rocks in the sea. He loves doing that and would do so for hours.

It was such a lovely day, warm but breezy, so it didn’t feel too hot.

Tips for a Day Trip to Bridlington Beach:

If you are driving, you can park for free on select side streets. We went to First Avenue, where you will find First-Eighth Avenue, where you can find a spot to park, then walk down to the beachfront.
Always check tide times to avoid getting caught out when the tide is in.
There are public toilets on both the North and South beaches. Don’t forget to check their location before you get there!
Remember, the fairground is divided into two separate parks, each using a different set of tokens.

Final Thoughts

Bridlington beach makes for a genuinely brilliant day out, whether you are after a lazy hour on the sand, a trip to the harbour, or a full afternoon at the fairground. It’s the kind of place that feels a bit timeless — fish and chips, 2p machines, kids covered in sand — and that’s exactly why people keep coming back. If you haven’t been for a while, it’s worth another look.

FAQs About Bridlington Beach

Is Bridlington beach dog-friendly?

Yes — Bridlington North Beach has a designated dog-friendly section. Rules can vary seasonally, so check local signage when you arrive.

Where should I park for Bridlington beach?

There is free parking on First Avenue and the surrounding side streets (First to Eighth Avenue). It fills up quickly on weekends in summer, so arrive early.

Is Bridlington beach safe for swimming?

North Beach has safe, supervised swimming areas and is regularly awarded Blue Flag status. Always check conditions on the day.

What is the best time to visit Bridlington?

Weekdays outside of the school holidays are quieter. If visiting in summer, arrive before 10 am to get the best spots and avoid traffic.

Are there facilities on Bridlington beach?

Yes — both North and South beaches have public toilets. There are also cafes, ice cream stands, and gift shops along the promenade.

Is Bridlington suitable for a family day out?

Absolutely. Between the beach, the fairground rides, the harbour boat trips, Sewerby Hall, and Bridlington Animal Park, there is plenty to keep children of all ages busy.

Rosie Beech says:

July 7, 2025 at 10:16 am

This looks like such a lovely day out – even for days when the weather isn’t so good because there is so much to do! I am craving a beach day before it all goes crazy with the summer holidays.
Rosie