Bridlington isn’t just sandcastles and fish and chips, although that’s not a bad start. A mile inland from the harbour, Bridlington Old Town holds nearly 900 years of history in a handful of streets.
I visited the East Riding to walk along the coast between Bridlington and Flamborough in a quest to spot puffins (found them), and this medieval time capsule was the icing on the cake. Monks walked these streets, Norman gatekeepers stood watch here and generations of Yorkshire folk have left their mark since.
You can easily explore Bridlington Old Town in half a day. Here’s what to see.
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Bridlington Priory: The Heart of Old Town
Founded by Walter de Gant in 1113 AD, Bridlington Priory was once one of England’s most important Augustinian monasteries. Edward II sought refuge from the Scots here in 1322, and it is where Henry V prayed before the Battle of Agincourt.
The original monastery complex was more than twice the size you see today. of what survives today. Most of it was pulled down in 1539 during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. The nave survived only because townspeople used it as their parish church.
In the mid-19th century, parishioners started to raise money to renovate the church, including opening up the west window – the largest in the North of England – and filling it with beautiful stained glass. But it was the renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott who was responsible for the church’s appearance today.
I loved the choir stalls made from English oak and surmounted by carved angels, each playing a different musical instrument.
These are the work of the Yorkshire woodworker ‘Mousey’ Thompson, whose furniture always carries a hidden carved mouse. Pick up a leaflet at the entrance and go looking for it.
Near the exit is the Founder’s Stone, cut from Tournai marble and thought to have covered Walter de Gant’s tomb.
Bayle Museum: Nine Centuries Under One Roof
The Bayle was the priory’s gatehouse and escaped destruction during the Reformation because it doubled as the manor courthouse. The name comes from the French ‘baille’, meaning enclosure or ward.
The stonework is thought to date to the 12th century, originally built as a gatehouse to a wooden castle raised by William le Gros in 1143. Since then it’s been a prison, a courtroom, a schoolroom for merchants’ apprentices, a garrison for Napoleonic soldiers passing through to Scarborough Castle and a town hall.
The Lords Feoffees, set up in 1636 to manage the Manor of Bridlington, still meet here today, nearly 400 years on. It now houses a small museum of local history, military finds and archaeology.
Antiquing Shopping on the High Street
The High Street in Old Bridlington is lined with historic buildings dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, many of these are occupied by antique shops and galleries, selling everything from traditional Yorkshire pottery to Georgian furniture.
We stopped for tea in the garden of the Georgian Rooms Antiques Centre and Tea Rooms.
The famous architect William Kent (1685 – 1748) lived at 45 High Street. He was responsible for Holkham Hall in Norfolk, and Burlington House and Horseguards in London.
Other Things to See in Bridlington Old Town
Old Pubs and Inns: In 1710, the Old Town had 25 licensed alehouses, a reflection of its importance as a major trading centre for the surrounding villages. Seven of these remain, including The Old Ship Inn (its friendly staff serve excellent beer!).
Stocks and Pillory: Woe betide you if you were a wrongdoer in ye olde times. You faced public humiliation, fastened into the wooden stocks and pelted with rubbish by onlookers. The use of stocks was abolished in England in 1837, and replicas are in their original position in Market Place in front of the Pack Horse Inn.
Film locations: The Old Town also doubled as the fictional Walmington-on-Sea for the 2016 Dad’s Army film. Look out for information boards near Market Place pointing out which corners were used.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there: Partially signposted pedestrian routes connect the seafront with the Old Town. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Bridlington is on the Hull–Scarborough railway line. My journey from London Kings Cross took around 3 hours and 30 minutes with a change of train at Doncaster. Check train times here.
Where to stay: I enjoyed my stay at the Tennyson Guest House, just a few minutes’ walk from Bridlington North Beach and 15 minutes from the train station. Their breakfast really sets you up for the day.
Where to eat: Grab an outside table at Salt on the Beach near the harbour for generous portions of tasty fish and chips. They’ll give you a beeper to let you know when your food is ready, so you can sit down and enjoy a beer whilst you are waiting.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.