Thornwick Pools

Just north of Bridlington, these natural rock pools are what you get when the North Sea decides to carve out its own little bathing spots along the Yorkshire coast. Thornwick Pools are a series of shallow basins in the limestone cliffs, filled by seawater at high tide and warming up considerably in summer. It's the sort of place that feels like a proper seaside secret, especially if you time it right.

The pools themselves are modest - we're talking ankle to knee-deep water that's reasonably clear on a good day. Kids absolutely love them because they can paddle without worrying about currents or being swept out. Adults tend to appreciate the geology as much as anything else; you can see the rock formations properly up close, and it's genuinely interesting if you're into coastal erosion and that sort of thing.

You'll want to arrive a couple of hours after high tide to catch them filled. Low tide renders them less appealing, to be honest. The walk down from the cliff-top car park takes about ten minutes, which means it's accessible without being a trudge. Bring old trainers or water shoes because the rocks are slippery and unforgiving.

Staying at Haven Thornwick Bay, just down the coast, makes this a natural morning activity before heading into Bridlington proper. It's free, takes an hour or so, and works well as part of a broader coastal ramble. Not a destination by itself, but absolutely worth the detour if you're already in the area with young swimmers.