Beautiful, brilliant Bridlington really does represent all that’s best about the British seaside. A Yorkshire town on Britain’s lovely east coast, it’s a place of history, heritage and a whole lot of fun for a family holiday.
Take a tour through the past and present of the place below.
What is the history of Bridlington?
Bridlington was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. By 1200, the town had been granted a Charter by King John. The Bridlington Priory was already established before then, founded as early as 1113!
The town’s history is a fascinating list of significant events. The Choir School was founded there in 1450. The Grammar School was established in 1637. By 1789, shipbuilding had begun in the town. The strong nautical links are evident in the noble tradition of Bridlington lifeboats. The town’s first lifeboat had been established 1806, and in 1824 the first RNLI lifeboat started service there.
Bridlington North Parade circa 1905 - Image by East Riding Archives
The railway arrived in the 1890s and holidaymakers started to visit in bigger numbers. There had been a in Bridlington for over two centuries and the tradition of welcoming visitors was already firmly established.
The twentieth century would see Bridlington grow. Cinemas were built, the Winter Gardens were opened and North Sea gas arrived. Through it all run the common threads of the sea as a place of fishing and work, and the seaside as a place of holidays and fun.
Fish is big business in Bridlington
Fish is indeed big business in Bridlington. It’s a proper seafishing port that is really well known for shellfish. So well known that it’s often called ‘The Lobster Capital of Europe’. Hardly surprising when you realise that over 300 tonnes of lobsters are landed there every year.
Bridlington Harbour is the base for a busy fleet of boats. As well as the legendary lobsters, these hard-working fishermen bring in cod, haddock and sole. Bridlington Harbour is a place of work, but it is also popular with holidaymakers. It’s a lovely spot, steeped in tradition and (let’s be honest) who doesn’t like watching other people work when you’re on holiday? And you really must take a look at the Harbour Heritage Museum while you’re there.
Bridlington Priory Church
© Copyright David Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Things to do in Bridlington
Bridlington is absolutely brilliant for things to do and see.
The Bayle Museum
The Bayle Museum’s collection is dedicated to the history of the town. The stunning Grade 1 Listed Building dates from the 12th century. By the 14th century, the building was the gatehouse to the Priory. Fabulously curated and very visitor friendly, the Bayle Museum is a must-see in Bridlington.
Bridlington Priory Church
Bridlington Priory Church is another must-do. It was Walter de Gant who founded the Priory in 1113. It’s believed that it was built on the site of a Saxon church. This place is one of the earliest Augustinian houses in England and its foundation is enshrined in history. It’s actually recorded in a Charter of Henry, who is not the only Royal connection here - we know that in 1319 Edward II spent the night there.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Sewerby Hall and Gardens are definitely worth a visit. A Grade I Listed Georgian house, Sewerby Hall is a couple of miles outside of Bridlington. It’s a real East Riding attraction and the 50 acres of grounds feature a zoo, pitch and putt course and aviary. The house also has a room dedicated to Amy Johnson, who was a legendary aviator (the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia!) and an East Riding girl.
Bridlington Old Town
Bridlington Old Town is definitely worth talking about. It’s sometimes said that it offers ‘another side to the seaside’.
It’s a quaint, pretty place with a Georgian High Street and lots of lovely shops. Not to mention some great places to eat and drink. The Market Square hosts a bustling weekly market. The Old Town Gaol is a 16th century gem and is open to the public.
There’s lots to learn there. If you’re visiting The Bayle Museum (as you must) you can extend your exploring around the Old Town. There’s even a guide to help you - check out the Old Town Trail.
Talk of the Town has to be Bridlington Spa
The original Bridlington Spa was built in 1896. Alongside being a theatre, it was very much a seaside pavilion, and its history has been something of a roller coaster. In 1906 it was almost destroyed by fire. Reopened in 1907, it grew until it was re-conceived as the new Spa Royal Hall in the 1920’s. It opened as such in 1926, an art deco masterpiece costing £50,000 - over £2,500,000 in today’s money!
Seaside shows were a staple of the Spa. As times changed and post-war England developed, so did the venue. The Spa started delivering a wider choice of entertainment for the new audiences. Between 2006 and 2008 it was refurbshed again, and in 2009 Oasis played there - tickets sold out within two minutes of the box office opening.
Today it’s the premier entertainment and events venue in East Yorkshire, with shows ranging from classic panto and sports competitions, to drag shows and major musical acts of the past and present.
Let’s Talk about Beaches…
We’re in a quintessential seaside resort - how can we not?
Bridlington South Beach
Bridlington is blessed with beautiful beaches. Not far from the Spa, and near the harbour, is South Beach. Overlooking the Bay this is a beach of golden sands. It’s ideal for all the seaside things we love to do and it’s safe for watersports including paddleboarding and surfing.
Bridlington North Beach
On the other side of the harbour there’s North Beach. Award winning, super clean, dog friendly zones, and with an Edwardian Promenade. Just about every box ticked. You can wander to the harbour, have fun on the funfair, feast on fish and chips or just sit and chill out. What’s not to love?
Danes Dyke Beach
And there’s Danes Dyke Beach on the outskirts of town, a lovely spot for a picnic or a woodland stroll. Or check out Flamborough, Thornwick Bay, WIlsthorpe and more.
Did you know?
A letter discovered in the archives of Honolulu has revealed that two Hawaiian princes went surfing in September 1890, in Bridlington! It’s true. Amaze your friends and fellow holidaymakers!
From South Beach to South Shore
Bridlington just gets better and better, the closer you look at it. The town, the beaches, the promenades and the amusements all add up to Bridlington being a great holiday spot.
No wonder it’s become a favourite place for people to have their own holiday homes. South Shore holiday park is certainly a top location, just south of the town boasting a holiday home community across 18 acres. The park was first opened in the 1950s and over time has developed into a prime location for holiday home owners.
As a long established park South Shore has become a real community and there’s no sense of transient occupation. When people buy a holiday home here they stay here. And why wouldn’t they? Your own holiday home at Bridlington.
Beautiful, brilliant Bridlington.
