Bridlington

Two contrasting faces define this East Yorkshire seaside town. The old town climbs inland from the harbour, all Georgian terraces and narrow streets that feel properly lived-in rather than dressed up for tourists. Down by the water, the traditional resort sprawl takes over - arcades, fish and chips, and that slightly faded grandeur that makes English seaside towns so enduring.

Bridlington's real strength lies in its position as a gateway to some spectacular coastal scenery. RSPB Bempton Cliffs, just a short drive north, offers some of the best seabird watching in England - those chalk cliffs are home to gannets, puffins, and guillemots between April and August. The drama doesn't stop there. Viewpoints like Bartlett Nab and Jubilee Corner provide cracking views across the North Sea, while the King Charles III England Coast Path offers proper hiking for those wanting to stretch their legs.

Culture vultures shouldn't miss The Richard Burton Art Centre, which showcases local and regional artists in a converted Victorian school. More historically minded visitors can explore the Medieval Village of Newsham, an archaeological site that tells the story of rural Yorkshire life centuries past.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A165 runs straight down from York, making it accessible by car, while Bempton station serves the surrounding area. Filey lies eight miles south, providing another seaside option for day trips.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this stretch of coast. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips or a pint, yet positioned to make the most of the dramatic clifftop walks and nature reserves that make this part of Yorkshire so special. The variety of accommodation - from traditional caravan parks like South Shore Holiday Park to more upmarket options like Flamborough Glamping & Vineyard - means there's something to suit most budgets and tastes.