Things to do in Bridlington

Coastal, Days out, Destinations

Posted by Stephane Lawes on 31st December 2024

A peaceful scene of bobbing boats and cloudy skies at Bridlington Harbour.

Perched on the coast in the East Riding of Yorkshire, the vibrant seaside town of Bridlington charms with its golden beaches, bustling promenade, family attractions and surrounding natural beauty. Nestled between the dramatic cliffs of Flamborough Head and the sandy shores of Bridlington Bay, this welcoming destination is fit for any seaside holiday.

Spend your days exploring the seafront, uncovering Yorkshire’s scenic coast paths or mooching through Bridlington’s characterful Old Town lined with independent shops and places to eat and drink. However you choose to spend your time here, our guide to things to do in Bridlington will arm you with all you need to know before your visit.

With so much to see and do across Bridlington, why not enhance your coastal getaway by booking a few nights in one of our holiday properties nearby? Click the link below to find family cottages, sea-view apartments, beachside retreats, and much more.

Holiday cottages in Bridlington


Skip to our favourite things to do in Bridlington


Looking out across a sandy and empty Bridlington Beach on a sunny day.

Spend the day at Bridlington Beach

Known as Bridlington Beach, Bridlington South Beach is the town’s most popular shoreline, offering a mile-long stretch of golden sand backed by quaint beach huts and a sweeping promenade. Spending a day here, playing on the sand or swimming in the sea, is no doubt one of the best things to do in Bridlington – this is a seaside resort after all! 

With its Blue Flag status and RNLI lifeguard patrols through the summer months, Bridlington Beach is a safe spot for families to swim in the water. Water sports are also popular here thanks to Bridlington Beach’s gentle tides and expansive shoreline – perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking and boating. 

With the town’s amenities, attractions and best venues just metres away, Bridlington Beach is the perfect base for sun-soaked days together. For more seaside options, Bridlington offers several other charming beaches all within 1.5 miles of the town centre, including Bridlington North Beach, Wilsthorpe Beach and Fraisthorpe Beach.

Good to know

  • Location: 62 South Marine Drive, Bridlington YO15 3JW
  • Opening times: Always open
  • Entry fee: Free entry 
  • Dog restrictions: Dog restriction at the harbour end (1 May–30 September)
  • Stay nearby: The Turrets | sleeps 14 + 2 dogs

Actors and actresses bow to a theatre audience at the end of a show.

Watch a show at Bridlington Spa

No British seaside town is complete without a grand, traditional theatre overlooking the water, and this is just what’s on offer at Bridlington Spa. One of the most popular entertainment venues in East Yorkshire, Bridlington Spa towers over the town’s golden beach and boasts a rich history of musicians, touring shows and other vibrant events. 

Offering a main arena, a historic ballroom and an Edwardian theatre, Bridlington Spa is the place to be for classic pantos, live music and travelling West End shows. Beyond the entertainment, an on-site café overlooks the ocean, providing a scenic spot for pre-show drinks or a post-performance meal.

Good to know

  • Location: South Marine Drive, Bridlington YO15 3JH
  • Opening times: 9am–4pm Monday to Saturday; 10am–4pm Sunday
  • Entry fee: See their website for a variety of ticket prices
  • Dog restrictions: Assistance dogs welcome; dogs welcome in the cafe
  • Stay nearby: The Blue Door Apartment | sleeps 2 + 1 dog

An aerial view of Bridlington Old Town and the surrounding town.

Explore Bridlington Old Town

One of the best things to do in Bridlington, beyond enjoying the town’s glistening seafront, is diving down the sideroads to uncover the characterful Bridlington Old Town. Here, narrow and winding streets create a maze of medieval buildings housing an eclectic range of places to eat and drink, as well as independent boutiques and centuries-old churches. 

Wander through Bridlington Old Town, soaking up the quaint, village-like atmosphere, ducking into quiet shops or seeking out a traditional pub for a pint of local ale. Whatever you choose to do here, you’re sure to enjoy the old-world charm. 

Not sure where to start? Head to the Tourist Information Centre and pick up a copy of the Bridlington Old Town Trail. Starting at the ancient Market Place, this will guide you through the area’s colourful history.

Good to know

  • Location: High Street, Bridlington YO16 4PR
  • Opening times: Always open; check online for business opening hours
  • Entry fee: Free entry
  • Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome; check online for business dog restrictions
  • Stay nearby: Skippers Rest | sleeps 12

Two children stroking goats at an animal park.

Visit Bridlington Animal Park

Just 2 miles out of town lies Bridlington Animal Park. This popular and immersive day out is no doubt one of the best things to do in Bridlington for families, groups of friends and anyone else with a passion for animals and the great outdoors. Small but well-regarded, this is one of the most popular attractions in Yorkshire

On your adventures through Bridlington Animal Park, you can expect to uncover camels, zebras, armadillos, lemurs, meerkats, wallabies and many more interesting animals. Beyond the 21 acres of close-up enclosures, guests can pay a little extra for unique animal encounters, including the meerkat experience, which invites you into the enclosure to learn more about the small mongoose. 

Enjoy refreshing food and drink in the Park Rose Café or wrap some sandwiches and take a break in Bridlington Animal Park’s picnic area. At the end of your busy day, stop off in the on-site gift shop to pick a memento to remind you of your trip.

Good to know

  • Location: Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington YO15 3QF
  • Opening times: 10am–4pm Monday to Sunday
  • Entry fee: Adult £9.95; child £7.95; senior £9.50
  • Dog restrictions: Assistance dogs welcome
  • Stay nearby: Grain Loft Cottage | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Sewerby Hall on a cloudy day, surrounded by a field of daffodils.

Uncover Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Set across 50 acres of clifftop parkland that overlooks Bridlington and the North Sea, Sewerby Hall and Gardens offers one of the best things to do in Bridlington for all those who love history and culture, natural beauty and family-friendly activities. 

Step through history as you start your adventure in the estate’s Grade I-listed, 18th-century house. Like a scene from Downton Abbey, this gorgeous building offers an insight into life as a servant and an Edwardian member of the upper class. Uncover royal artworks, Victorian furnishings and other fascinating collections. 

Outside, a seemingly endless choice of gardens offers days filled with floral scents and the sounds of nature. Discover the Walled Garden and the Rose Garden, or spot the wood carvings in the Pleasure Garden. For more outdoor fun, an on-site zoo boasts an exciting range of animals, while the wealth of scenic viewpoints, play areas and woodland trails will quench any thirst for adventure.

Good to know

  • Location: Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
  • Opening times: 9.30am–5pm Monday to Sunday
  • Entry fee: Adult £7; child £5; families £22
  • Dog restrictions: Assistance dogs welcome; dogs welcome in hall and gardens (on lead)
  • Stay nearby: Ocean Retreats - Apartment 2 | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

The sun sets over the ocean and Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve.

Walk to Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve

Whilst Bridlington is a buzzing hive of traditional amusements and vibrant venues, visitors should not overlook its natural beauty, particularly along the coasts surrounding the town. The best way to soak in this gorgeous scenery is by walking up to Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve

Set just 2 miles out of town and offering incredible views over Bridlington and the North Sea, Flamborough Cliffs is a designated Heritage Coast and a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its dramatic geology and incredible wildlife. 

Keen wildlife spotters should bring their binoculars, as Flamborough Head plays host to one of the most important seabird colonies in Europe – made up of auks, gannets, gulls and even puffins. Beyond the birds, chalky cliffs tower out of the sea, centuries-old lighthouses await discovery, lesser-known beaches lie waiting, and some of Yorkshire’s most scenic coastal footpaths invite adventure.

Good to know

  • Location: Flamborough Head, Bridlington YO15 1AP
  • Opening times: Always open
  • Entry fee: Free entry
  • Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome
  • Stay nearby: North View – Flamborough | sleeps 6 + 1 dog

A close-up of a small town in a model village.

Step into Bondville Model Village

One of the best things to do in Bridlington as a typical seaside tourist is paying a visit to the town’s model village – the only model village in Yorkshire! Set across an acre of peaceful gardens, feel like a giant as you discover over 800 model tenants and 200 buildings that include a harbour, castle, pubs and even a cricket club. 

Perfect for a family day out, Bondville Model Village goes the extra mile with its quaint tearoom offering traditional afternoon teas, and a vibrant café where you can expect to find charcuterie sharing boards and plenty more nibbles to refuel you during your giant adventure. 

Keep your eyes peeled for their special events and you’ll likely find an intriguing workshop or foodie celebration that suits the season of your visit.

Good to know

  • Location: Sewerby Road, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ER
  • Opening times: 10am–4pm Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Entry fee: Adult £8; child £6; senior £7
  • Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome
  • Stay nearby: Ocean Retreats - Apartment 4 | sleeps 6

Looking along the Yorkshire coastline from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Discover RSPB Bempton Cliffs

If your scenic ramble to Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve has inspired more coastal adventures, then one of the best things to do in Bridlington for lovers of the outdoors is exploring the dramatic RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Set 5 miles out of town, this is one of the best spots to observe seabirds – with over 250,000 gathering here during the breeding season. 

Beyond the birdlife, visitors should keep their eyes glued to the water, where they might see seal colonies or the occasional pod of dolphins or porpoises. As well as the wildlife, coastal walking trails await discovery, weaving through the verdant headland and leading ramblers to quiet viewpoints perfect for photos and picnics. 

If you haven’t packed a picnic, then an on-site café offers you a scenic solution. Or for less time on the ground and more time on the water, join the RSPB’s seabird cruise, which sails out of Bridlington Harbour and up to the edge of Bempton Cliffs’ gorgeous coastal habitats.

Good to know

  • Location: Cliff Lane, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF
  • Opening times: 9.30am–4pm Monday to Sunday
  • Entry fee: Free for RSPB members; adult £8; child £4
  • Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome (on leads)
  • Stay nearby: Rock Lobster | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Two full pint glasses sit on wooden barrels on a beach.

Pubs in Bridlington

What better way to round off a day of beach fun or seaside hiking than a visit to one of the many pubs in Bridlington? If this sounds like your perfect way to end the day, then you’ll love the wealth of pubs in Bridlington – below are just three of the most highly rated. 

The Prior John sits in the heart of town, offering one of the best pubs in Bridlington if it’s beach proximity you’re seeking. Perfect for a midday pause or end-of-day tipple, this typical Wetherspoons watering hole offers a wide choice of food and drink at a very reasonable price. 

For a solid choice of premium beers in the centre of town, head to The Three Brass Monkeys. Recently refurbished, this trendy bar proves popular for groups of friends looking for live sport, good music and local beer. For a more bougie experience, The Garden Bridlington presents a stylish setting for enjoying vibrant cocktails, premium lager and a lively atmosphere.

Our favourite pubs in Bridlington

  • The Prior John: 36 Promenade, Bridlington YO15 2QD
  • The Three Brass Monkeys: 8 Prince Street, Bridlington YO15 2NW
  • The Garden Bridlington: 25 Prince Street, Bridlington YO15 2NP

A fish and chip sign stands on a busy promenade on a sunny day.

Restaurants in Bridlington

On the hunt for restaurants in Bridlington? You’ll delight in the wealth of options spread across the town and along the seafront. Start your foodie tour by heading to Geccho’s – where Bridlington meets the Mediterranean. This chic restaurant offers an authentic menu of hearty dishes, and even provides a takeaway service if you fancy eating on the beach! 

If you’re looking for restaurants in Bridlington that offer a fine dining experience, look no further than the Dockside Kitchen Bridlington. This elegant restaurant offers lunchtime and evening menus, both full of locally sourced, fresh-from-the-sea delights. 

No seaside getaway is complete without sampling the local fish and chips, right? That said, one of the best things to do in Bridlington for foodies is heading to Octopus Cafe Fish and Chips, where you can expect to find classic battered dishes like locally sourced cod, haddock and scampi, or popular alternatives like jumbo battered sausage and chips.

Our favourite restaurants in Bridlington

  • Geccho's: 16-18 South Marine Drive, Bridlington YO15 3BZ 
  • Dockside Kitchen Bridlington: 9 Bridge Street, Bridlington YO15 3AH 
  • Octopus Cafe Fish and Chips: 8 Harbour Road, Bridlington YO15 2NR

Map of things to do in Bridlington

Find all our favourite things to do in Bridlington on our handy map below. Uncover the most popular attractions, most scenic walks and the best pubs and restaurants in Bridlington.

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Plan a seaside getaway to Bridlington

Has all this talk of sun-soaked beach days, clifftop walks, and crispy fish and chips inspired you to answer the calls of the sea? If so, it’s time to start planning your Bridlington getaway. Click the button below to search through our portfolio of properties across the town and surrounding coastline. Find sea-view apartments, cosy cottages and plenty more in our collection.

Holiday cottages in Bridlington

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.