Paull: Coastal Walks, Humber Views and History

Paull is a destination for anyone looking to include both coastal walks and architectural history in their plans. The walks offer different points of interest: “Walk: Paull” follows the coastal path past Fort Paull Museum. The walk at The Old Lighthouse passes an old fort and a new “lagoon” and offers views across the broad Humber Estuary. This gives you a specific coastal path and a route featuring landscape elements and views as distinct themes.

For both routes, it is worth checking the latest description before setting out, as route details can change. The descriptions of the paths also point to different interests: one is described by its route along the coastal path and past the museum, while the other is distinguished by its fort, lagoon and views across the Humber Estuary.

Buildings and historical context

Paull Holme Tower dates from the late 15th century and is built of brick. Its description includes a tunnel-vaulted basement and two upper storeys. A tunnel vault runs lengthwise and is tube-shaped; the term therefore describes the shape of the basement vault, while the reference to the upper storeys describes the structure above it. The material, vault shape and number of storeys each provide different clues to the tower’s architecture.

Paull Point Battery comprises an enclosed Victorian coastal artillery battery and the remains of a Submarine Mining Establishment. The complex was built between 1861 and 1864 and was originally armed with 19 guns. The dates indicate the construction period, while the number of guns indicates the original armament. Unlike the tower, the battery’s military function takes centre stage.

The Church of St Andrew is a Grade I listed building. There is a café and toilet facility inside the church. The formal listing and the facilities mentioned are two separate aspects you can take into account when planning your trip.

The lighthouses can also be distinguished by their construction dates, commissioners and forms. The Old Lighthouse was built in 1836 by Francis Dales for Trinity House; the adjacent keepers’ houses, by contrast, date from the later 19th century. Thorngumbald Clough Low Lighthouse was built in 1870 for Trinity House. At Thorngumbald Clough High Lighthouse, the design is the main feature: its tower has three stages and a total height of approximately twelve metres. The height is explicitly an approximate figure.

Historical reenactments at Fort Paull cover the period from the Civil War to the 1940s. The historical themes therefore extend beyond individual buildings and encompass several periods. When putting things in context, it is worth distinguishing between construction dates and the periods being portrayed: a building reflects the time when it was built, while a reenactment focuses on a historical period.

Highlights for planning your trip

When considering Paull as a destination, first think about whether you are more interested in coastal walks and views, buildings, or both. The route descriptions offer specific connections to the landscape; the tower, battery, church and lighthouses differ in their architectural forms, functions and dates.

Discover more destinations: Flamborough, Walkintgon, Withernsea, Skirpenbeck, Brough, Beverley, Skipsea, Goole

For the broader travel overview: East Riding Of Yorkshire.