Cosy up this winter on England’s Coast!

Did you know, you can book hotels, B&Bs and cosy camp and glamp sites here on the England’s Coast website? 

East Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Coast

Stretching from the Tees estuary to the Humber estuary along England’s east coast, this glorious seaside stretch offers lots of lesser-known spots and new experiences to discover this winter:

• For history and literature buffs, the Tolkien Triangle (spanning Hornsea, Spurn Head, and Kingston-upon-Hull) is a fascinating delve into the Lord of the Rings author J R R Tolkein’s time living in East Yorkshire during WW1; the area’s landscape and coastline is known to have inspired his writing.
• Families will love exploring Sewerby Hall & Gardens, with its dramatic clifftop position and spectacular views over Bridlington, rich history, woodland walks and delightful zoo featuring SikaSika Deer, Capuchin Monkeys and Raccoon Dogs.
• Nature lovers will enjoy chilly coastal walks in the crisp winter air, taking in panoramic views, wonderful wildlife and tranquil moorland – particularly lovely stretches of the coast include the Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay 11-mile circular route, following the old Scarborough-to-Whitby railway line and taking in wild Howdale Moor, and a linear walk from Runswick Bay which follows a section of the Cleveland Way National Trail, taking in captivating coastal views.
• Gourmands can refuel with tempting and warming food and drink, such as a White Biscoff Hot Chocolate from Ruby Soho in Bridlington, perhaps followed by Yorkshire’s very first whisky distillery – the Spirit of Yorkshire in Hunmanby – along with the Seaview Restaurant in Saltburn, which offers the very best fish and chips along with dramatic coastal views. 

Check out our Yorkshire Region to research and book your trip. 

North York Moors National Park 

Encompassing coast, moorland, forest and dale, the North York Moors is unique, reconnect with nature this winter 

• Astronomy enthusiasts will love the area’s famed Dark Skies – in December 2020, the NYMNP was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, officially making it one of the best places in the country from which to see the stars and galaxies. Visit the Dark Sky Discovery Suites at the two National Park Centres, in Sutton Bank and Danby, and the Dalby Observatory in Dalby Forest, for some of the best views. 
• Shoppers and foodies should head to the bustling market towns and villages dotted along the coast, with their charming stone-built architecture, chocolate-box houses, picturesque harbours and even wandering sheep! Arty Staithes is home to numerous art and craft galleries, studios and independent boutiques. The old smugglers’ haunt of Robin Hood’s Bay boasts secret passages and hiding places for exploring, breath-taking clifftop walks, and outstanding local food and drink, including the locally produced real ale Baytown, artisan coffee roasters Baytown Coffee Company, and the sea-view Fish Box restaurant.

Research and book your trip on our dedicated North York Moors page

The Essex Coast. With 350 miles of coast, Essex has one of the longest shorelines in the country, as well as one of the most diverse, rich in wildlife and natural bounty. 

With its clifftop walks, art deco gems and iconic piers, and its saltmarshes and mudflats providing a home to thousands of wintering seabirds, winter is a starkly beautiful time to visit the Essex coast: 

• Wildlife watchers should wrap up warm and get out on a crisp frosty morning to savour the spectacular nature and scenery. There are excellent opportunities along the coast for a spot of twitching, including Walton-on-the-Naze, where migrating birds like the Redstart and Wheateater can be spotted, while, at Leigh-on-Sea, Two Tree Island is a 259-hectare nature reserve adjacent to the Thames Estuary which offers winter refuge to a huge variety of winter wildfowl and waders, as well as local Southend conservation success story – the avocet, once extinct in the UK.
• Wine connoisseurs will be tempted by the array of vineyards near the coast, including New Hall Vineyard – one of the oldest in the country, which produces award-winning sparkling, whites, and reds, and which offers a picturesque trail through the vines, and Clayhill Vineyard, on the south-facing slopes of Crouch Vale, producing excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a delightful café overlooking the vines.
• In search of gentle exploration and natural beauty? Try the circular coastal walks, including a leisurely 3.5-mile stroll around Mersea Island, a family-friendly walk from Burnham-on-Crouch via the River Crouch and harbour, and a remote, quiet coastal walk around the Bradwell Cockle Spit Nature Reserve.

Visit here to research and book your trip to the Essex Coast

White Cliffs Country

The off-peak winter season is a beautiful time to visit, with iconic coastal and cliff views.

White Cliffs Country is the heartland of Kent’s Heritage Coast AONB, the only UK destination to feature in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022. If offers plentiful hiking opportunities and vibrant culture and history in Deal, Folkestone, Dover and Sandwich:

• Amblers and ramblers will enjoy a host of country and coastal walks, including colourful Kearsney Park, near Dover, sections of the North Downs Way National Trail and England Coast Path, and a new spooky trail around the locations of ghostly myths and legends around the region
• History fans should visit the stately home and former Tudor artillery fortress of Walmer Castle, perched right on the coastline near Deal, with gorgeous gardens year-round. It was once home to the First Duke of Wellington – it even houses a pair of original ‘Wellington’ boots. Visitors can enjoy the area’s unique history brought to life through The History Project in Deal, The Scramble Experience at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Fern near Dover, and the Medieval Centre in Sandwich, complete with original authentic costumes, medieval crafts and a working forge and blacksmith.
• Lovers of seaside kitsch can visit iconic Deal Pier and enjoy a Knickerbocker Glory at a retro 1950s-style ice cream parlour, Deal Beach Parlour
• With the excitement of the latest Bond release, No Time to Die, movie buffs can explore Ian Fleming’s White Cliffs Country; the creator of the fictional spy once called St Margaret’s Bay home, and visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the 007 trail, having a drink at his favourite watering hole (also the closest pub to France), The Coastguard, and exploring Kingsdown, assumed to be the location where the Moonraker rocket was launched.

Research and book your trip to White Cliffs Country now!