If you plan to stay in Thornwick Bay, here are suggestions for things to do near Thornwick Bay Holiday Park.
Situated high up on the cliffs overlooking the bay, Haven Thornwick Bay Holiday Village is close to the historic Flamborough on the beautiful East Yorkshire coast.
The park is packed with all the family fun activities and entertainment you can expect from an unforgettable Haven holiday.
If you’re looking for days out to explore this beautiful area, try out some new activities and visit local attractions, there are plenty of things to do near Thornwick Bay.
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1. Bempton Cliffs
- Distance from the park: 4.3 miles
- Travel time: 10-minute drive
Bempton Cliffs offers an awe-inspiring view of the North Sea while serving as a sanctuary for an impressive variety of seabirds.
This is not just another coastal viewpoint; it’s a nature lover’s paradise, providing an unparalleled bird-watching experience along the towering sea cliffs.
Bempton Cliffs has been a nature reserve managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) since 1969.
With cliffs rising as high as 400 feet, Bempton Cliffs is one of the UK’s top destinations for seabirds, hosting more than 250,000 birds between March and October.
During the breeding season, the cliffs come alive with a flurry of activity, offering spectacular displays of avian life that you’ll find nowhere else.
This makes it one of the most important and well-preserved seabird colonies in the UK, contributing significantly to local and national natural heritage.
Also, the panoramic views of the North Sea from the cliff tops are breathtaking and offer excellent photography opportunities.
There are also visitor centres where you can find educational materials on the wildlife inhabiting the area. And don’t forget your camera—the cliffs and the ocean provide a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Summer Season; to 4 PM on Winter Season
- Address: Cliff Lane, Bridlington YO15 1JF, UK
- Standard Adult Price: £7 on Summer Season; £3.50 on Winter Season
2. Flamborough Lighthouse
- Distance from the park: 2.6 miles
- Travel time: 7-minute drive
A 7-minute scenic drive north from Bondville Model Village, the historic Flamborough Lighthouse is set high on the cliff top, with incredible views over Flamborough Bay and the heritage coast.
Flamborough Lighthouse is a fantastic location for spotting wildlife, including puffins, terns, and seals. Informative guided tours are available.
For those looking for a moderately challenging walk, it is possible to walk from Thornwick Bay to Flamborough Head Lighthouse and back again. The walk there and back will take about 2 hours (it’s 8.7km there and back).
It is possible to climb the 119 steps to get to the top of the lighthouse, with tours available for visitors.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday
- Address: Lighthouse Road, Bridlington YO15 1AR
- Standard Adult Price: £5.20
3. The Yorkshire Belle
- Distance from the park: 5.3 miles
- Travel time: 17-minute drive
About 4 miles from Thornwick Bay, the Yorkshire Belle sets sail from the North Pier at Bridlington Harbour, with a range of cruises from 30 minutes to three and a half hours to choose from.
The Yorkshire Belle sails the waters below the stunning Flamborough and Bempton Cliffs, a fabulous way to explore the coastline.
The Yorkshire Belle works closely with the RSPB and highlights the incredible colonies of seabirds, including gannets and puffins.
Visitors enjoy the relaxed, family atmosphere and the informative Skipper’s commentary. There is a licensed bar on board with drinks and snacks available.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: Check the official website for the cruise schedules
- Address: Harbour Road, Bridlington YO15 2NS
- Standard Adult Price: Cruise prices start at £9.00
4. Danes Dyke
- Distance from the park: 2.1 miles
- Travel time: 7-minute drive
Described as a little piece of heaven, Danes Dyke is of national significance as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Steps from the tranquil woodland nature reserve lead to a secluded pebble beach. Danes Dyke runs from the nature reserve in the south across the stunning Flamborough Headland, north to Bempton Cliffs.
The unique clifftop location is home to colonies of seabirds and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
This is a stunning heritage area, rich in history due to the ancient ditch and earthwork that crosses the reserve.
There are many exotic trees, including monkey puzzle, beech, sycamore, elm, and lime, native to East Yorkshire, to see along the woodland trails, and you might even catch a glimpse of the deer.
There is a café, picnic tables, clifftop walks and woodland trails to enjoy.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: Flamborough, East Yorkshire YO15 1AA
- Standard Adult Price: Free
5. Bridlington South Beach
- Distance from the park: 5.7 miles
- Travel time: 18-minute drive
It’s a spectacular 5-mile coastal walk from Danes Dyke beach to the mile-long stretch of sands at Bridlington South Beach, but if you’re not up for a long walk, the beautiful beach is almost a 6-mile drive from Thornwick Bay.
The clean, lifeguarded beach is perfect for families with young children, for sandcastles, donkey rides, kite flying, and there’s a paddling pool for toddlers.
The harbour is a short stroll away for boat trips, and there are rides, amusements, and restaurants along St Mary’s Promenade behind the beach.
Bridlington South beach stretches to the Humber Estuary and is ideal for long beach walks.
Facilities at Bridlington South Beach include;
- Land train
- Funfair
- Cafés, pubs, restaurants
- Shops
- Dog areas
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: 62 S Marine Drive, Bridlington YO15 3JW
- Standard Adult Price: Free
6. Bridlington Pirate Ship
- Distance from the park: 5.3 miles
- Travel time: 17-minute drive
A trip aboard the historic Bridlington Pirate Ship is a terrific value for money and extremely popular with younger and grown-up pirates.
The scenic cruise takes in Smuggler’s Cove and the famous 300ft Bempton Bird Cliff Sanctuary.
For lots of fun and flags, 10-minute trips aboard the Bridlington Pirate ship are available every day from April to October.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: 9 Crane Wharf, Bridlington YO15 2NS
- Standard Adult Price: £3.00
7. North Landing Beach
- Distance from the park: 0.7 miles
- Travel time: 13-minute walk
A stone’s throw from Thornwick Bay, North Landing is a small, pretty beach sheltered by spectacular chalk cliffs and grassy slopes.
The sand and pebble beach is perfect for exploring caves and rock pools and is famous for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling.
There is a fantastic variety of seabirds, including razorbills, kittiwakes, and cormorants.
Access is via a steep slope, and the beach is dog-friendly.
Other facilities at North Landing Beach include;
- Café, ice cream, beach shop
- Footpaths leading to coastal paths
- Slipway for small boat launches
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: Bridlington YO15 1BJ
- Standard Adult Price: Free
8. Living Seas Centre
- Distance from the park: 1.4 miles
- Travel time: 4-minute drive
Just a mile from Thornwick Bay, The Living Seas Centre runs a range of indoor and outdoor activities for learning about Yorkshire’s marine wildlife.
There is a wide variety of interactive exhibitions, events, arts and crafts for all ages, and guided activities, including rock pooling and beach walks.
Flamborough Bird Observatory is based at the Living Seas, and there are ringing demonstrations to monitor migrant birds.
As well as a famous breeding ground for thousands of seabirds every spring, you might spot dolphins and whales.
- Picnic area, light refreshments
- Living Seas Safari boat trips-traditional Yorkshire fishing coble, close-up sightings of nesting birds
- Yorkshire Wildlife Trust-opportunities to get involved
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 11 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: South Sea Road (South), Flamborough, East Riding of Yorkshire YO15 1AE
- Standard Adult Price: Free
9. Bridlington Animal Park
- Distance from the park: 8.2 miles
- Travel time: 24-minute drive
Award-winning Bridlington Animal Park is a guaranteed fun-packed day out for the family set in 21 acres of natural park and woodland.
The park is home to various birds, including parrots, owls and falcons, and animals, including zebras, camels, meerkats, porcupines and many more.
Flying demonstrations, handling the animals and feeding are among the many activities.
There is also a range of fantastic, unique half-hour experiences, opportunities to meet and greet the meerkats in their enclosure or the birds of prey, with a talk from the keepers.
A café, gift shop, picnic area and animal feed bags are available.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 4 PM, Daily
- Address: Carnaby Covert Lane, Bridlington YO15 3QF
- Standard Adult Price: £9.95
10. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery
- Distance from the park: 9.5 miles
- Travel time: 17-minute drive
A must if you enjoy a glass of whisky – but it’s a fascinating visit for everybody – a guided tour of the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery gives a fascinating insight into a working distillery.
Located in Hunmanby, about 9.5 miles from Thornwick Bay, the distillery is set in picturesque countryside with stunning views across Filey Bay.
You can enjoy tastings of their maturing malt, find out about whisky production, and discover the intriguing history behind the distillery.
Engaging, informative, and fun, with excellent facilities, great coffee and locally produced food, make visiting Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery a unique, memorable experience.
Other facilities include a gift shop, coffee bar and restaurant.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9:30 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Saturday; 10 AM to 3 PM, Sunday
- Address: Hunmanby Industrial Estate, Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, YO14 0PH
- Standard Adult Price: Starts at £15.00
11. Woldgate Trekking Centre
- Distance from the park: 6.8 miles
- Travel time: 19-minute drive
Safe and great fun for experienced riders and beginners of all ages, Woldgate Trekking Centre, runs a series of beautiful treks through woodlands and over the Yorkshire Dales.
Experienced, relaxed staff will introduce you to the friendly horses and ponies and put you at ease.
Novices are led gently along peaceful lanes and quiet woodland paths, and there are livelier hacks through the beautiful local countryside.
Woldgate Trekking Centre is a memorable, fun experience for the whole family, less than 5 miles from Thornwick Bay.
Safety hats and equipment are provided on 1 and 2-hour escorted treks available.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
- Address: 14 Woldgate, Bridlington, YO16 4XE
- Standard Adult Price: Starts at £25
12. Filey Beach
- Distance from the park: 12.2 miles
- Travel time: 24-minute drive
For a traditional day out at the seaside, there are five glorious miles of sandy beach, spectacular views, and plenty of attractions in Filey.
Once voted the Sunday Times Beach of the Year, Filey is one of the safest beaches in the country, perfect for relaxing, sandcastles, swimming, and paddling.
There are donkey rides during the summer, ice cream, cafes, and arcades along the promenade. There is a paddling pool on the seafront, rockpools to explore at Filey Brig to the north, and nearby Glen Gardens has an adventure play area and a boating lake.
Facilities at Filey Beach include;
- Dog friendly with summer restrictions
- Lifeguards during the summer
- Historic promenade
- Sculpture trail
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: 1 Flat Cliffs, Filey YO14 9RD
- Standard Adult Price: Free
Related: Static Caravans For Sale In Filey
13. Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park
- Distance from the park: 12.9 miles
- Travel time: 23-minute drive
Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park is a family-run, award-winning attraction set in 5 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of the scenic Yorkshire countryside.
There are lots of fun things to learn for the children, and it’s a relaxing day out in the country. Among the many things to do are seeing the exotic birds and animals, opportunities to meet and feed the meerkats, keeper talks, a beautiful sensory garden, a willow tunnel, a woodland trail, and an outdoor play area.
Highlights include;
- Birds include owls, parakeets, waterfowl, parrots, pheasants, and poultry
- Animals, including bearded dragons, meerkats, snakes, rabbits, tortoises, and skunks
- Farm animals: including pigs, goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife pond
- Formal gardens, a secret garden, a sensory garden
- Café, picnic área
- Gift shop
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 5 PM, Summer Season; to 4 PM, Winter Season
- Address: Scarborough Road, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9PG
- Standard Adult Price: £8.00
14. Treasure Island Amusements
- Distance from the park: 5.1 miles
- Travel time: 16-minute drive
Located on the esplanade at Bridlington, 5 miles from Thornwick Bay, there is lots of fun for everyone at this family entertainment centre.
Donkey Derby, Grand National horse racing, haunted house, bowling, and various arcade amusement games with friendly staff and tasty food make this a tremendous rainy-day outing for the whole family.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 10 PM
- Address: 17 Esplanade, Bridlington YO15 2PB
- Standard Adult Price: Varies
15. North Landing Boat Tours and Fishing Trips
- Distance from the park: 0.7 miles
- Travel time: 2-minute drive
Less than a mile from Thornwick Bay, North Landing Boat Tours are a fantastic way to explore the coast, catch a glimpse of puffins and seals and learn about the local marine wildlife.
The half-hour trips are terrific value for money. There are 3-hour fishing trips available for all ages, with rods and bait provided.
Amazing views of the cliffs and seabird colonies and a stop at the hidden smugglers’ caves make this an enjoyable adventure for everyone.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: From 1 PM, DAily, Weather permitting
- Address: North Marine Road YO15 1BJ Flamborough
- Standard Adult Price: £8.00
Final Thoughts on Things to Do near Thornwick Bay
From the tranquil shores to the exhilarating rides, the area surrounding Thornwick Bay Holiday Park offers an eclectic mix of attractions that promise to make any vacation unfold.
Eation provides its unique flavour, complementing the excellent facilities and activities already available at the holiday park.
So go ahead, step out of your comfort zone—or perhaps your chalet or pitch—and dive into the myriad of experiences awaiting you. Your next great adventure is just around the corner.