Discover Hornsea: water, nature and culture

When looking for a hotel in Hornsea, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: are you especially interested in activities on the water, nature, culture or wildlife encounters? The local attractions vary considerably. This makes it easier to plan around the experiences that matter to you.

Hornsea Mere, birdlife and the beach

West of Hornsea in the East Riding lies Hornsea Mere, the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire, England. There are opportunities here for rowing, sailing, boat trips and fishing. This puts a range of activities on the water at the centre of the experience. At the same time, the Mere is home to more than 250 bird species, including swans and kingfishers. The number of species can change with ecological conditions. Water sports and birdlife therefore give the Mere two distinct aspects to consider when planning your trip.

The Trans Pennine Trail begins or ends near Hornsea Promenade. The trail is mapped and signposted throughout, is largely traffic-free, and features gentle gradients and paved paths on many sections. This information can help you find your way along the route, though not all sections necessarily have the same characteristics. Hornsea Beach holds Blue Flag status and retained it in each of the four preceding years. As awards can change, check the current status again before your trip if it matters to your decision.

Culture, art and architectural history

Hornsea Museum comprises six buildings with nineteen exhibition areas. These figures give an idea of the museum’s scale: it brings together several buildings and a larger number of exhibition areas. Another cultural theme leads to Hornsea Pottery, founded in 1949 by brothers Colin and Desmond Rawson. The public art trail “Potter About Hornsea” celebrates Hornsea Pottery, linking its history with public art.

Bettison's Folly is also part of Hornsea’s architectural history. The circular tower dates from the mid-19th century and was built from rusticated, overfired bricks. It is a Grade II listed building in Hornsea. Together, the museum, art trail and folly offer different cultural highlights: exhibitions, a tribute to the pottery through public art, and a historic building with distinctive materials.

Wildlife encounters and other activities

Bugtopia Hornsea is located in Hornsea Freeport. Its attractions include the Jungle Trail and regularly held Animal Encounters. The Jungle Trail features animals, invertebrates, plants and other examples of flora and fauna from around the world. The Animal Encounters are interactive educational sessions for all ages and last 15 to 30 minutes. Handling animals may sometimes be possible during them; whether this is offered depends on animal welfare and operational conditions. As dates and formats can change, check the latest information before visiting.

Hornsea Golf Club welcomes visitors, subject to availability. Visitor time restrictions apply on weekdays and weekends; check in advance which times apply to your visit and whether a visit is possible. Another local speciality can be found at Honeysuckle Farm: fresh ice cream is made there from the milk of Jersey cows and can be sampled in the café. Takeaway tubs are also available. If you are planning a visit specifically for the ice cream, check availability before you travel.

This makes it clearer which themes you want to shape your stay, without having to include every attraction in the same itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Ulrome, Hull, Thwing, Barmby Moor, Withernsea, Driffield, Cottingham, Skirpenbeck.

For the overview of the wider region: East Riding Of Yorkshire.