Bridlington

Steam trains still chug along the old railway line here during summer months, but most visitors come for the two-mile stretch of golden sand that's been drawing day-trippers since Victorian times. North Beach buzzes with families and donkey rides, while South Beach stays quieter - better for a proper walk without dodging beach balls.

Sewerby Hall and Gardens sits grandly on the clifftops just outside town, its Georgian elegance housing decent art collections and sprawling grounds that children love exploring. The real draw though is the dramatic coastline stretching north towards Flamborough Head. Danes Dyke cuts an impressive gash through the landscape - this ancient earthwork marks where Iron Age settlers once defended their territory.

Walking the clifftop path rewards you with cracking views from spots like Staple Newk and New Roll Up. These viewpoints offer different perspectives of the chalk cliffs and wheeling seabirds below. The woodland areas - Long Wood, Bream Wood, and several smaller plantations - provide welcome shelter on blustery days and decent walking away from the coastal crowds.

Bridlington Links Golf & Leisure Estate keeps golfers happy with its challenging course, though the sea breeze can play havoc with your swing. The town centre itself has seen better days, but the harbour area retains character with its working fishing boats and fresh crab stalls.

Getting here is straightforward enough - regular trains from Hull take about an hour, or it's a decent drive up the A165 from York. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips or a pint, but far enough out to escape the summer crowds and explore that magnificent stretch of Heritage Coast properly.