Mappleton Beach

The cliffs here are falling into the sea. Mappleton Beach, just south of Hornsea, isn't the kind of place you pop to for a leisurely paddle - it's where you come to watch geology in action. The soft chalk and clay cliffs are collapsing at a rate that's genuinely alarming, with entire sections tumbling down regularly. There's a certain dark fascination to it all.

You can walk along the beach itself, though the fallen debris makes it a bit treacherous. The real appeal is for anyone interested in coastal erosion or geology - this is a textbook case study. Photographers get something out of it too, particularly on overcast days when the light catches the exposed cliff face properly. Kids might find it interesting for twenty minutes, but it's not a day-long destination unless you're really keen on the subject matter.

The beach is free and accessible, though there's limited parking nearby. Allow an hour if you're genuinely interested, less if you're just having a quick look. Winter's actually better than summer here - fewer people and the erosion process feels more dramatic somehow.

If you're staying at Sea View Country Park or Cowden Holiday Park, both practically on the doorstep, Mappleton makes a sensible morning walk before heading into Hornsea proper for lunch. It's the kind of stop that works well when you've got time and genuine curiosity, rather than somewhere to schedule in advance. The Yorkshire coast has prettier stretches, but few as geologically compelling as this one.