Yorkshire East Riding ~ England

An area where there is so much to discover. The coastline changes from dramatic cliffs to the wonderfully weird fingers of Spurn Point Nature Reserve. This is where an abundance of sea birds are flying around Flamborough Head with light houses and shimmering golden sands. For duck ponds, historic unspoilt pubs and churches around the village green. For outdoor activity everything is possible in East Yorkshire with rowing, fishing, sailing, and bowling, and not to be missed golf, jet skiing and gliding - the choice is endless. There are events all year round from music festivals to horse racing. Inland the Yorkshire Wolds have gently rolling hills, valleys filled with flowers alongside rivers and woodlands. All this is a haven for wildlife. The River Humber is the southern boundary of East Yorkshire which separates it from Lincolnshire. This is the dividing line between the Midlands and the North of England.

Hull is found where the River Humber joins the River Hull and is twenty miles from the sea. Hull is the third biggest port in England after London and Liverpool and described as 'the biggest fishing port in the world'. From Hull are the major ferry links to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.

Beverley grew up around the minster church and had its first charter in 1129. The parish church of St Mary's which dates from the 12th century is well known for a carving of a rabbit which is said to have inspired Lewis Carroll to create the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland. Most of the town centre is Georgian and Victorian although at the north entrance to the town is the medieval North Bar one of five gateways protecting the entrance to the town. The Market Place in Beverley has a market cross dating back to 1714. Horse racing has been held in Beverley since 1690 and is still a popular venue for race goers. The Streets are full of antique shops and those selling crafts. Music festivals often take over the whole town.

The coastal resort of Bridlington which is south of Flamborough Head evolved as an Anglo Saxon settlement.. The most historic and important feature is Bridlington Priory founded in 1120 for Augustinian Canons. Some of the stones from the old priory were used in the construction of Bridlington's piers. Bridlington was used as a landing place by Queen Henrietta Charles I's queen during the Civil War.

The town of Great Driffield is small and lies on the edge of the Wolds and sometimes known as the 'Capital of the Wolds'. Great Driffield is an agricultural area and located at the source of the River Hull. The River Hull is formed by streams, many noted for trout fishing, flowing down from the Yorkshire Wolds . Great Driffield's most notable historic feature is the church of All Saints built around 1200. Little Driffield, picturesque with its village green, is about a mile west of Great Driffield. It is said to be the burial place of Aldred, King of Northumbria, who died here in 705 fighting against the Vikings.

Hornsea is a town with a lovely seafront and sits on the shore of Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake. It was well known for smuggling which has now been replaced by shoppers at the Freeport Shopping Village and Wilbur's Market on the seafront. A favorite destination for water sports and a haven for numerous types of birds. In November there is a Speech and Drama Festival.

Filey is an elegant seaside town retaining its Victorian crescent housing where Charlotte Bronte stayed at Cliff House. Filey was a favorite with the Mountbatten family and the composer Delius. With a small friendly town centre it has very unusual shops. It caters for the active holidaymaker and those who come to relax. A great mix of traditional parks and gardens with Fishermen's cottages and miles of sandy beaches. The Filey Edwardian Festival takes us back to strawberry teas and ladies in period dresses.

Cities, towns and villages within Yorkshire East Riding