East Yorkshire Travel Guide

Plan your trip to East Yorkshire with our comprehensive guide featuring the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


East Yorkshire is a county in Yorkshire, England, that is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. If you’re planning a trip to this region, this comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your time here.

Introduction to East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire is a county that encompasses numerous picturesque villages, towns and cities with stunning coastlines and countryside. It is home to many landmarks with historical significance, including the Beverley Minster, the Flamborough Head, and the Hull Museums Quarter. At the same time, East Yorkshire is only a train ride away from bigger cities like York and Leeds, giving visitors the best of both worlds.

List of Places to Visit in East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire has a plethora of places to visit, whether it’s cultural attractions or natural attractions. Here are some of the top places to consider:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

East Yorkshire is filled with cultural and historical attractions that will take you back in time.

  • Beverley Minster: It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture located in Beverley, and it is a must-visit place for anyone interested in culture and history.
  • Hull Museums Quarter: It contains several museums, including the Hull and East Riding Museum and the Streetlife Museum of Transport, that will help you explore the city’s history and culture.
  • Burton Agnes Hall: It is a stunning Elizabethan mansion located in Driffield, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of English nobility during the Elizabethan era.

Natural Attractions of East Yorkshire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

East Yorkshire boasts several natural attractions that will take your breath away with unspoilt scenic views.

  • Flamborough Head: A picturesque chalk coastline with cliffs, coves, and caves, it is an ideal destination for bird-watching, hiking, and rock climbing.
  • Yorkshire Wolds: It is filled with beautiful landscapes that offer a range of outdoor activities, including walking, running, and biking, with dry chalk hills, valleys and green fields.
  • Hornsea Mere: It is a freshwater lake that is home to a variety of bird species, situated near the coastal town of Hornsea. This is perfect for people who love to spend some time in nature and enjoy bird watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire has a variety of beautiful hiking and biking routes.

  • Trans Pennine Trail: It is one of the most popular cycling and hiking routes in East Yorkshire, and it stretches from coast to coast.
  • Yorkshire Wolds Way: This hiking trail starts in Hessle, near the Humber Bridge, and leads through the Wolds, offering uninterrupted views of the countryside.
  • Riverside Walk: It is perfect for a leisurely stroll that begins at the Beverley Beck with charming surroundings.

Best Things to Do in East Yorkshire: Activities and Tours

East Yorkshire offers visitors a range of entertaining and exciting activities and tours to participate in, whether it’s experiencing history, exploring nature, or delighting in gastronomic adventures.

  • Whale Watching: You can gaze upon minke whales, porpoises, dolphins and even sea birds on a 3-hour boat trip from Bridlington harbour.
  • The Deep Aquarium: The award-winning aquarium in Hull, designed to promote sustainability, features a vast array of marine life and an underwater tunnel that visitors can walk through.
  • Beverley Food Tour: A privately guided walking tour through the town, exploring the influence of beer in Beverley and the iconic food of Yorkshire.

Week-Long Itinerary for East Yorkshire

Visitors can easily spend a week exploring East Yorkshire’s vast variety of cultural, natural, and gastronomical offerings. Here’s a suggested itinerary to consider:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Beverley Minster, explore the Beverley Westwood, and enjoy afternoon tea at Betty’s tea room
Day 2 Spend the day at Hornsea Beach, followed by dinner at The Star Inn, a Michelin-starred pub in the village of North Dalton
Day 3 Hike to the seaside town of Bridlington, have lunch at the Lobster Pot, and watch the sunset from the pier
Day 4 Visit the Burton Agnes Hall, followed by wine tasting at the Lissett Vineyard
Day 5 Take a boat trip to Spurn Head, followed by lunch at the Crown and Anchor pub in Kilnsea
Day 6 Explore the Hull Museums Quarter and the Streetlife Museum of Transport, followed by dinner at the 1884 Dock Street Kitchen
Day 7 Take a Yorkshire Food Tour, sampling local delicacies and experiencing the food and drink scene of East Yorkshire

Food and Drink Scene of East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire is home to several traditional and popular dishes, beverages and experiences that will entice you in a unique way.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: Fish and chips are East Yorkshire’s traditional dish, so it’s a must-try in a beachside town filled with chippies.
  • Yorkshire Pudding: These beef dripping roasted beef condiments are a staple that East Yorkshire people love to include in their Sunday roast.
  • Hull’s Pattie: It’s a crispy and delicious meat-filled potato cake and is a famous local dish.

Local Beverages

  • Hull Beer: Hull is known for its beer, and there are several breweries and pubs that serve traditional and modern craft beer. It’s always worthwhile to try some during your stay in East Yorkshire.
  • Hatfields Gin: This small batch gin is handcrafted in Hull that uses many locally sourced ingredients like Minster Gin, Nightingale Gin and even Filey Bay sea salt.

Where to Stay in East Yorkshire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East Yorkshire offers visitors a range of accommodation to choose from, depending on one’s preferences and budget.

  • Tickton Grange: A beautiful Georgian country house hotel in Beverley, with luxurious and spacious rooms, and award-winning cuisine
  • The Star Inn: A Michelin-starred pub with rooms in the village of North Dalton, offering a rustic and comfortable atmosphere that perfectly captures East Yorkshire’s rural charm.
  • Kexby House: A beautifully restored 18th-century house that offers unique rooms near Pocklington that features an on-site hot tub and peaceful rural surroundings.

What to Buy in East Yorkshire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to shopping, East Yorkshire has something for everyone, with its unique blend of boutique shops, local traders, classic department stores, and sprawling farmers’ markets.

  • Hockney Designs: Inspired by the renowned artist David Hockney, expect attractive varieties of mugs and bags, made in Beverly, using British materials.
  • Sledmere House Estate: A working farm that has its farm store that sells homemade sauces, free-range meat, and locally sourced beverages with homemade biscuits.
  • Beverley Market: A great shopping destination, held on Saturdays in Beverley’s historic market square. Find independent traders selling clothing, well-curated gifts and tasty food.

Local Culture and Customs of East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire has a rich cultural and traditional heritage, with a strong influence of the Vikings. This is reflected in many of the attractions, events, and traditions in the area, so take time to find out about them and enjoy being a local for a while.

Best Time to Visit East Yorkshire

The best time to visit East Yorkshire is between March to June, when the weather is pleasant with fewer crowds and perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Another great time to visit is between September and November, after the summer season is over, but before the winter chill sets in.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Yorkshire

Do:

  • Take a walk to explore the stunning landscapes, rocky coastlines, and historical sites.
  • Try the excellent local cuisine and beverages.
  • Go shopping in the area’s unique independent stores and markets.

Don’t:

  • Leave food and litter on the beaches or countryside.
  • Ignore the warnings on the coastline that indicate unsafe areas to swim or walk.
  • Take photographs of people without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should be cautious of pickpockets and keep an eye on their belongings in busy areas. When hiking or participating in outdoor activities, always follow safety guidelines and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Health in East Yorkshire

Visitors to East Yorkshire require no special vaccinations, and the medical facilities are excellent. Ticks and insect bites can be common in rural areas, so be sure to bring repellent and protective clothing.

Getting to East Yorkshire: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to East Yorkshire by air, car, bus, or train, with several options available.

Airports Near East Yorkshire

The nearest airports to East Yorkshire are the Humberside Airport in Kirmington and the Leeds Bradford Airport.

Bus Stations Near East Yorkshire

National Express and Megabus provide bus services to East Yorkshire, with several stops in Hull, Beverley, and other locations.

Other Options

Travelling by train is a great option for visitors who want to explore more of the region, with frequent rail services available to major UK cities like Leeds, London, and Manchester.

How to Get Around in East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire is easily accessible for visitors, with buses, trains, and taxis readily available.

If you would like to explore East Yorkshire in-depth, self-drive car rental is an option that allows for more flexibility when planning your route.

Where to Go Next from East Yorkshire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

East Yorkshire is perfectly situated for excursions to nearby cities like Leeds, York and Manchester. Further afoot, visitors can explore the rugged landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, or the Lake District National Park, which is a couple of hours away by car or train from East Yorkshire.

Conclusion

East Yorkshire is a wonderful tourist destination that offers a great blend of stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional food and drink options. This comprehensive tour guide is designed to help visitors make the most of their time in this beautiful region of England.



    Beverley
    Bridlington
    Kingston upon Hull
    Pocklington