We love living in East Yorkshire and are very proud of our home city and surrounding villages. Because of our love of travel, it wasn’t until we had kids that we realised we haven’t explored a lot of what’s on offer. Before adopting our children, if we had time off work together we would always pack up the car or adopting our children and explore a far off city. Last year we were unable to do this because they didn’t have passports. We were unable to get them until all the legal stuff had been sewn up. This year COVID has ruined almost everyone’s travel plans. Therefore, over the past 12 months, we have had the opportunity to visit attractions and have days out in East Yorkshire, our home county. And do you know what? It’s been bloody lovely.
Therefore, whether you live here or are planning a visit here we have put together a list of 8 family-friendly days out in East Yorkshire.
NB: If you plan to visit any of the attractions mentioned, it’s important that you check if they are open prior to your visit due to COVID
Take An Animal Adventure
Now animals for entertainment is not our thing. Therefore, before we visit anywhere where animals are involved we check the reason they are there. Together with the conditions, they are held in. Although with stronger laws in place and harsher punishment for animal abuse in the UK, we’d like to think (although we do double check) that attractions involving animals ensure they are treated well and there for a reason i.e. conservation, breeding programs etc.
One of Hull’s major attractions is The Deep. It is the world’s only “submarium”. Located at Sammy’s Point just off Castle Street in Hull City Centre, The Deep is home to thousands of sea creatures. Research into the marine environment and encouraging people to understand the world’s oceans are the main aims of The Deep. Each ticket bought (online or on the day) allows the holder to return as many times as they like within the following 12 months. Great if you live in the area or visit often.
Other animal adventures you can experience in East Yorkshire include:
- Honeysuckle Farm, Hornsea – Bewholme Ln, Hornsea HU18 1BY (Not currently open due to COVID)
- Bridlington Animal Park – Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington YO15 3QF
- Sewerby Hall Zoo, Bridlington – Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
- South Cave Falconry – Rudstone Walk, Farm, South Cave, Brough HU15 2AH
- Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve (for bird spotting and watching) – RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Cliff Ln, Bridlington YO15 1JF
Hit The Beaches For Seaside Fun
Located on the east coast of England, means East Yorkshire has several beach resorts. The largest and most popular is Bridlington. Bridlington is a great beach to head to if you like a traditional seaside resort. Here to can spend the day on the beach and follow it up with fish and chips and a trip to the amusement arcades. With plenty of B&Bs, guest houses and hotels in the area, a long weekend or even longer is a possibility.
Bridlington is also home to the Bridlington Spa, which when open, hosts many performances including live bands, plays, musicals and theme nights. It is currently not open due to COVID regulations, however, it’s a great venue to visit when it is, especially the annual pantomime.
The other two seaside resorts are Hornsea and Withernsea, both of which are tiny in compression to Bridlington. However, they still allow you to grab a bag of chips and ice cream. Smaller beaches, which are lovely, but lacking in surrounding facilities include Mappleton, Barmston, Fraisthorpe and Skipsea. If you opt for a visit to Skipsea be sure to visit Mr Moos Ice Cream Parlour located just on the outskirts of the village. They have strict social distance measures in place and plenty of outdoor seating. You will not be disappointed!
Admire The Architecture of The Churches
Michael D Beckwith / CC0
We love visiting churches (and other religious buildings). Even if you are do not follow a particular religion and simply love the architecture, there is plenty to visit if you are considering having days out in East Yorkshire.
There are two Minsters in East Yorkshire – one in Hull and one in Beverley. Hull Minster is England’s largest parish church, located in Trinity Square in the heart of Hull City Centre. It hosts and is part of several events through the year including food and gin festivals together with book fairs and music concerts etc. Beverley Minster is also one of the largest parish churches in England and many consider it to be a Gothic masterpiece. Again it plays host to numerous events throughout the year including the annual Christmas tree festival.
Other churches of note within East Yorkshire include Bridlington Priory church with its fantastic stain glass window, The Church of Saint Martin in Burton Agnes with its wonderful wood and marble carvings and St Patrick’s Church in Patrington with its intricate 14th-century stone carvings. Of course, there are many more, each offering that little something different.
NB: It is important to check opening times and whether or not the church you plan to visit is open due to COVID.
Pick Your Own Fruit Down On The Farm
We find that fruit picking, particularly strawberries, is a fun thing to do with kids. Because they are short and more often than not, naturally inquisitive, they love getting stuck in to find the biggest and juiciest ones they can. Depending on the fruit you wish to pick, depends on when you should visit a Pick Your Own (PYO) patch. Strawberries are the most common PYO fruit in East Yorkshire with four sites across the area. Strawberry season typically runs from late May through to September, however, it is always advised to check with the farm you want to visit to ensure that they are open and have ripe strawberries ready to pick.
- Eastfield Farm, Hollym
South Leys Rd, Hollym Withernsea, Humberside, HU19 2SF. Phone: 01964 612221. Email: [email protected]. - Grange Farm Fruits
Alison Lane Ulrome, Near Driffield, YO25 8TR. Phone: 07761 108976. Email: [email protected]. - Marton Manor Farm
Flamborough Road, Sewerby, Bridlington, Yorkshire, UK, YO15 1DU. Phone: 01262 672522. Email: [email protected]. - Scalby Grange Farm
Scalby Lane Gilberdyke, Brough, HU15 2UJ. Phone: 07977955968. Email: [email protected].
If you are looking for pumpkins, The Pumpkin Patch Produce is the place to head in October. The farm address is Homeland Farm, Catfoss Road, Bewholme YO25 8DX and if you type the following code into Google Maps it will take you to the PYO field. 53.920316, -0.286674.
Visit Local Museums and Galleries
There are many museums in East Yorkshire and as with all museums in England, they are free to visit. Therefore if you are looking for cheap days out in East Yorkshire with the kids or are travelling on a budget, spending time at a museum (or two) is always a good idea.
Hull has a dedicated Museum Quarter where you can find it in the Old Town. Here You can find three great museums – Wilberforce House, the Hull and East Riding Museum and the Streetlife Museum of Transport, each worthy of a visit. Other museums in Hull include The Spurn Lightship, the Hands on History Museum and Dinostar which features interactive dinosaur-related exhibits, which is located on Humber Street in the Fruit Market area of the city. Hull is also home to the Ferens Art Gallery, again the gallery is free to visit, however, you must book in advance via their online booking system to ensure entrance.
There are also several other museums dotted throughout East Yorkshire. These include Withernsea Lighthouse Museum, Skidby Windmill and Museum, Bridlington Harbour Museum and Beverley Treasure House Museum and Beverley Art Gallery.
Relax/Get Active in the Parks & Green Spaces
Paul Lakin / CC BY
Yes, we have it all here in East Yorkshire – cities, coastline, woodland and plenty of parks and green space (although granted that is being diminished at an alarming rate). Parks and green spaces are perfect for a range of activities and fun for all the family. Whether you want to exercise – run, jog or even do yoga or simply chill out and sunbathe and have a picnic there are plenty of options across the county. Also, they are a great option if you are looking for an (almost) free days out in East Yorkshire.
Hull has a number of large parks – Pearson Park, Pickering Park, West Park and East Park. Each has a range of facilities from ponds, playgrounds, cafes, animal enclosures and even swimming pools. During school holidays and weekends, the parks are also home to a range of events from live music to fates and galas. (Although COVID-19 has currently put a hold on most of them).
Another stunning green space is Beverley Westwood located in the historic market town of Beverley. Here there is enough space for visitors and the cows that call the pasture home. Also, an ice cream van selling delicious local Burgess ice cream is usually parked up on Newbald Road, at the corner of the A1174. Also, Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington is home to a National Collection of over 100 varieties of Hardy Water Lilies which bloom on the Upper and Lower lakes between June and August and are a beautiful sight to see during the summer months.
Head To A Stunning Stately Home
I, RobertG / CC BY-SA
There several truly wonderful houses throughout the county, all worthy of a visit if you are looking for days out in East Yorkshire. A prime example is Sledmere House. It is a Grade I listed Georgian country house containing Chippendale, Sheraton, French furnishings and many fine pictures. It is located in the village of Sledmere just outside the market town of Driffield. Sledmere also has amazing grounds and gardens including a rare breed conservation farm park and approved shire horse centre.
Burton Constable Hall located on the outskirts of Skirlaugh and Burton Agnes Hall again just outside the market town of Driffield are both great houses to visit. Both of which also have impressive grounds – perfect for a picnic during the summer months and often host various events throughout the year (again most are currently on hold due to COVID). These range from regular house tours to spooky Halloween walks and even art and craft classes.
Other historic houses and stately homes in East Yorkshire include Burnby Hall in Pocklington, Sewerby Hall in Bridlington, Wassand Hall located between Seaton and Hornsea and Beverley Guildhall. Each has its own unique history and different things to offer.
Get Back To Nature with A Woodland Adventure
If you are looking for a structured day out specifically designed for children then William’s Den (Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS) is a must. It is easy to spend a whole day here even though the indoor 'den' is closed in order to comply with COVID Safe regulations. There is a great on-site café with fantastic homemade pizza. However, if you are trying to keep costs down, you could always take a packed lunch to enjoy as there are several picnic benches.
There are also a number of forest schools within East Yorkshire which when not open for school trips, open up sessions for the general public. Here children can get as dirty, wet and creative as they like. Our favourite is Black Beard Forest School in the charming village of Sancton. Sessions run for 5 hours and cost lb8 per child (recommended age range – 3 – 12 years), tea and coffee are free throughout the day for parents and carers. A visit is guaranteed to leave them and you shattered. Just remember to take a packed lunch and at least one change of clothes for the little ones.
If you prefer to wander at your own leisure, here are some great woodland areas perfect for days out in East Yorkshire. They are great for a hike or even a leisurely walk with little legs in tow:
- North Cliffe Wood Nature Reserve (Sand Lane, Market Weighton, YO43 4XE) – visit in Spring to see bluebells.
- Welton/Brantingham Circular Walk – Wolds Way (Welton, HU15 1NB)
- Bridgehead Woods (Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 0LN)
- Danes Dyke Nature Reserve (Bridlington, YO15 1AA)
- North Ferriby Fairy Walk (North Ferriby, HU14 3AF)
- Humber Bridge Country Park – locally known as Little Switzerland (Hessle, HU13 0LN)
- North Cave Wetlands (Dryham Lane, North Cave, HU15 2LY)
