Flamborough Outer Headlands

The chalk cliffs at Flamborough Outer Headlands rise dramatically from the North Sea, and they're absolutely worth the drive from Bridlington. White walls of stone drop straight into churning water - it's proper striking, especially on a grey day when the contrast makes everything look sharper. You won't find much in the way of facilities up here. There's a car park, a bit of rough grass, and then you're at the edge looking out. That's rather the point.

Walkers get the most from this spot. The coastal path runs along the top, and you can easily spend two hours tracing the headland in either direction without feeling rushed. The cliffs themselves are home to seabirds - guillemots, razorbills, fulmars - and if you've got binoculars and patience, you'll see them wheeling about the rock faces. It's free to visit and open year-round, though winter batters it about something fierce.

With young children it's less compelling. There's no beach access, no attractions to break up the time, and after twenty minutes of "look at the view" they'll be ready for something else. Stick them on the path though and they'll burn energy proper quick.

If you're staying at Haven Thornwick Bay or Flamborough Glamping nearby, it makes a cracking afternoon outing. Nothing fancy about it - no tearooms, no visitor centre - but that's exactly why it works. Real coast, nothing softened or packaged.