Bridlington

Sand dunes stretch for miles in both directions here, backed by chalky cliffs that turn golden in the afternoon light. Bridlington remains wonderfully unpolished compared to its Yorkshire coast neighbours - a proper seaside town where fish and chips still come wrapped in paper and the arcades haven't been gentrified out of existence.

North Sands offers the best beach experience, with enough space for families even during peak summer weeks. The Paddling Pool provides a safer alternative for little ones when the tide's out. Victoria Gardens sits just back from the seafront - lovely for a morning walk before the day trippers arrive.

Culture vultures will find the Forum Cinema showing mainstream films, while the Floral Pavillion hosts touring productions and local shows. Harbour Heritage Museum tells the story of this fishing port's past, though it's small enough to see in an hour. North Marine Putting Greens offers decent crazy golf with sea views.

Flamborough Head lies just six miles north, where the dramatic white cliffs and lighthouse create some of the best coastal walking in Yorkshire. The drive along the B1255 takes you through rolling countryside dotted with traditional farms.

Bridlington train station connects directly to Hull and Sheffield, making car-free visits perfectly doable. The town centre runs parallel to the beach, so everything's within walking distance once you're here.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to wander into town for fish and chips or a pint, but far enough out to enjoy the peace of the countryside. Many parks sit between Bridlington and Flamborough, giving you the best of both worlds - seaside fun and dramatic coastal scenery.