10 Free Things To Do In East Yorkshire: Explore the Best Budget-Friendly Activities
East Yorkshire offers a wealth of free activities for visitors and locals alike, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers looking to explore the region's rich heritage and natural beauty.
From historic buildings to scenic coastal walks, there's something to suit every interest without spending a penny.
Discovering East Yorkshire doesn't have to cost anything. Numerous free attractions include maritime trails, historic sites and outdoor adventures.
Whether you're interested in exploring Hull's Old Town with its cobbled streets and museums, or prefer to enjoy the region's countryside through cycling routes and lakeside walks, East Yorkshire provides ample opportunities for cost-free entertainment.
1) Humber Bridge Country Park
Nestled along the banks of the Humber Estuary, Humber Bridge Country Park offers 21 hectares of natural beauty completely free to visitors.
This dog-friendly nature reserve features diverse habitats including woodland, meadows and ponds that support a rich variety of wildlife.
The park is renowned for its network of scenic trails dotted with interesting sculptures that wind through the landscape.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks while taking in spectacular views of the iconic Humber Bridge spanning across the estuary.
Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated feeding station where local and migratory species can be observed.
The park serves as an excellent location for nature photography, picnics or simply escaping the bustle of everyday life in a tranquil natural setting.
The country park makes for a perfect day out regardless of the season, with each time of year offering different natural displays from spring wildflowers to autumn foliage. Its accessible trails make it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Rating: 4.5 (4570 reviews)
Location: Ferriby Rd, Hessle HU13 0HB
Contact: 01482 395207
Website: Visit Website
2) Hull & East Riding Museum
The Hull & East Riding Museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through 235 million years of local history. Located in Hull's Old Town, this free attraction houses an impressive collection of archaeological artefacts that bring the region's past vividly to life.
Step back in time as you explore the reconstructed Iron Age village and marvel at the authentically designed Roman bathhouse complete with intricate mosaics.
The museum's Viking treasures provide a glimpse into the area's Nordic heritage, while the wooden warriors stand as silent sentinels to East Yorkshire's military history.
The museum excels at creating immersive historical environments rather than simply displaying items in cases.
Each exhibition area is thoughtfully designed to contextualise the artefacts, making history accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. The prehistoric displays, featuring mammoth bones and Stone Age tools, are particularly impressive.
Supporting the museum through donations helps preserve Hull's unique heritage and enables ongoing conservation work of significant artefacts.
Your contribution can assist with new acquisitions and improve access to this valuable historical resource.
Rating: 4.6 (655 reviews)
Location: 36 High St, Hull HU1 1NQ
Contact: 01482 300300
Website: Visit Website
3) East Park
East Park is Hull's largest park, spanning an impressive 130 acres of beautiful parkland. Opened in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, this Grade II listed park has been transformed thanks to a £10 million lottery grant.
The park offers numerous free attractions for visitors of all ages.
You can stroll around the expansive grounds, visit the Animal Education Centre to see exotic animals, or explore the Mick Ronson reflection garden dedicated to one of Hull's famous musicians.
Children will love the recently refurbished play area with brand new equipment and the water play area featuring 43 water jets.
The park also houses unique historical features including the Khyber Pass rock folly with its own waterfall and the distinctive East Park clock tower.
For those seeking active pursuits, East Park provides free outdoor gym equipment designed for all ages and abilities, as well as musical instruments made from reclaimed materials that visitors can play.
Rating: 4.6 (5414 reviews)
Location: Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU
Contact: 01482 300300
Website: Visit Website
4) Sewerby Hall & Gardens
Perched dramatically on the clifftops with spectacular views over Bridlington, Sewerby Hall and Gardens offers visitors a wonderful day out without spending a penny on admission.
The 50-acre parkland surrounding this Grade I listed Georgian house provides beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the fresh Yorkshire air.
The magnificent gardens are a highlight in any season, with the Walled Garden, Pleasure Garden and Rose Garden particularly stunning during summer months.
The Woodland Walk presents an opportunity to connect with nature and discover hidden treasures along the way.
Animal lovers will appreciate the zoo area, home to a variety of creatures including capuchin monkeys, pygmy goats, penguins, and raccoon dogs. The zoo's residents provide entertainment and education for visitors of all ages.
History enthusiasts can admire the exterior of the hall, which represents a journey through architectural history.
Built originally between 1714-1720, the house has seen various additions throughout the 19th century before being restored to represent an Edwardian Country house circa 1910.
Rating: 4.6 (4287 reviews)
Location: Church Ln, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
Contact: 01262 673769
Website: Visit Website
5) The Deep
The Deep is one of the UK's most spectacular aquariums, located in Hull. While admission does require a ticket, your standard admission becomes an Annual Pass, allowing unlimited free returns within a year – making it excellent value for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Deep offers an incredible underwater experience with diverse marine life and an underwater tunnel.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy educational talks about the Endless Ocean, Lagoon of Light, and even special Penguin Talks at the Kingdom of Ice exhibit.
As a charity, The Deep focuses on vital conservation work and ocean protection.
Your visit helps support their mission while providing an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Don't miss the shark talks and artefact handling sessions that run several times daily.
The Deep features a café and gift shop, perfect for taking a break or finding a memento of your visit. The attraction is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Rating: 4.6 (17010 reviews)
Location: Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP
Website: Visit Website
6) Burnby Hall Gardens
Burnby Hall Gardens is renowned as "a jewel in Yorkshire's crown" and offers beautiful landscapes throughout the year.
While there is a small admission fee during regular seasons, the gardens occasionally offer free entry days for special events and local community celebrations.
The gardens are home to a National Collection of over eighty varieties of Hardy Water Lilies that bloom spectacularly on the Upper and Lower Lakes between June and August.
This impressive collection makes Burnby Hall one of the most significant water lily gardens in the United Kingdom.
Beyond the water lilies, visitors can enjoy seasonal highlights including the annual Tulip Festival in spring.
The gardens also host Sunday brass band concerts during summer months, creating a delightful atmosphere for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Stewart Museum within the grounds houses fascinating artefacts collected by Major Percy Stewart during his eight world tours between 1906 and 1926, adding a cultural dimension to this horticultural gem.
Rating: 4.7 (2239 reviews)
Location: 33 The Balk, Pocklington, York YO42 2QF
Contact: 01759 307125
Website: Visit Website
7) Danes Dyke Nature Reserve
Danes Dyke Nature Reserve offers visitors a stunning coastal woodland experience in East Yorkshire. This ancient earthwork extends for over two and a half miles, dramatically dividing the Flamborough Headland from the mainland.
The historic defensive dyke dates back to the prehistoric era, making it an archaeological wonder worth exploring.
The reserve features well-maintained walking paths that meander through beautiful woodland before opening onto a picturesque pebble beach.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across Bridlington Bay while exploring the diverse habitat that supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the changing seasonal colours throughout the year.
Spring brings carpets of bluebells, summer showcases lush greenery, autumn displays spectacular golden hues, and winter reveals the striking structure of ancient trees against the coastal backdrop.
The southern end of the reserve provides access to a secluded beach where you can enjoy fossil hunting or simply relax to the sound of waves.
The car park charges a small fee, but access to the reserve itself is completely free, making it a perfect addition to your East Yorkshire itinerary.
Rating: 4.7 (1564 reviews)
Location: Danes Dyke Nature Reserve, Bridlington YO15 1AA
Contact: 01482 395208
Website: Visit Website
8) Streetlife Museum
The Streetlife Museum in Hull offers visitors a fascinating journey through the evolution of transport. This free attraction showcases an impressive collection of vehicles spanning several decades, from vintage cycles and cars to horse-drawn carriages and trams.
One of the museum's highlights is its meticulously recreated 1940s street scene, complete with authentic shop fronts and period details.
Visitors can experience what life was like in Hull during this significant era, making it an immersive historical experience rather than just a static display.
The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to appeal to all ages, with many interactive elements throughout.
Children particularly enjoy climbing aboard the old-fashioned vehicles and exploring the hands-on displays that bring transportation history to life.
The Streetlife Museum forms part of Hull's Museums Quarter, making it an ideal starting point for exploring more of the city's cultural offerings.
Its central location in Hull's Old Town area means visitors can easily combine it with other attractions for a full day of exploration.
Rating: 4.7 (2950 reviews)
Location: High St, Hull HU1 1PS
Contact: 01482 300300
Website: Visit Website
9) Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve
Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve boasts spectacular white chalk cliffs that stretch along the East Yorkshire coastline. This scenic natural wonder provides visitors with breathtaking views of the North Sea and surrounding landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
The reserve is renowned for its excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly during migration seasons when thousands of seabirds nest in the cliff faces. Visitors might spot puffins, gannets, kittiwakes and various gulls depending on the time of year.
Walking trails along the headlands offer excellent coastal hikes suitable for different abilities.
The historic lighthouse towers add cultural interest to the natural beauty, providing glimpses into the maritime history of the region while serving as distinctive landmarks visible from various viewpoints.
The dramatic landscape of eroded chalk formations and secluded coves creates a memorable backdrop for exploration.
During spring and summer, the clifftops burst with wildflowers, adding vibrant colours to the already impressive scenery.
Rating: 4.7 (4828 reviews)
Location: Flamborough, Bridlington YO15 1AR
Website: Visit Website
10) Beverley Westwood
Beverley Westwood is a magnificent open space spanning over 550 acres of natural pasture on the outskirts of Beverley. This ancient common land has been used for grazing cattle since the 12th century, a tradition that continues today with cows freely roaming the landscape during summer months.
The Westwood offers stunning panoramic views of Beverley Minster and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks across the undulating terrain, dotted with ancient trees and crisscrossed by numerous footpaths. It's a perfect place for a family picnic or a quiet afternoon stroll.
Popular recreational activities include kite flying, golf, sledging in winter, and horse riding.
The Westwood is home to Beverley Golf Club, one of the oldest golf courses in Yorkshire, established in 1889. However, you don't need to be a golfer to appreciate the beauty of this natural setting.
Throughout the seasons, Beverley Westwood transforms dramatically - from vibrant greenery in spring and summer to golden hues in autumn and occasionally snow-covered slopes in winter. The area provides a welcome natural escape and serves as the green lungs of Beverley town.
Rating: 4.7 (2572 reviews)
Location: 67 Walkington Rd, Beverley
Exploring East Yorkshire's Natural Beauty
East Yorkshire offers breathtaking landscapes with rolling hills and dramatic coastlines that can be enjoyed completely free of charge. The region's natural splendour provides perfect opportunities for walking, photography and wildlife spotting.
The Yorkshire Wolds
The Yorkshire Wolds present a stunning landscape of undulating chalk hills, deep valleys and charming villages. This peaceful countryside offers walkers a network of free-to-access footpaths including the 79-mile Yorkshire Wolds Way.
The area features picturesque locations like Millington Dale and Thixendale, where the rolling terrain creates dramatic shadows across the landscape throughout the day.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot red kites, hares and numerous butterfly species during spring and summer months.
Sledmere and its surroundings offer particularly scenic views, with ancient woodlands dotting the hills. The area is also home to historic landmarks like the Iron Age earthworks at Huggate, which can be explored without spending a penny.
Coastal Walks
East Yorkshire's coastline stretches for miles with dramatic chalk cliffs and pristine beaches that cost nothing to visit. The spectacular Flamborough Head features towering white cliffs and the historic New Flamborough Lighthouse which provides exceptional viewpoints.
Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve offers free access to certain viewing platforms where you can observe thousands of seabirds including puffins, gannets and guillemots during breeding season.
The coastal path here provides bracing walks with unforgettable seascapes.
Further south, Spurn Point presents a unique natural phenomenon—a curving spit of land reaching into the Humber Estuary. This remarkable landscape changes constantly with the tides and offers excellent bird watching opportunities throughout the year.
Cultural and Historical Insights
East Yorkshire boasts a rich tapestry of history that spans centuries, offering visitors free opportunities to explore its cultural heritage. The region's museums, historic buildings, and local traditions provide fascinating glimpses into Yorkshire's past.
Heritage Sites and Museums
The R100 Airship History Trail stands as a remarkable testament to East Yorkshire's aviation history. This self-guided trail takes visitors through locations associated with the R100 airship, designed by Barnes Wallis in the 1920s.
Howden Minster offers free entry to explore its magnificent medieval architecture. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic church features stunning stained glass and remarkable Gothic stonework.
East Yorkshire's maritime heritage shines through the Bridlington Maritime Trail, which guides visitors through the town's seafaring past. The trail highlights historic harbours, former shipyards, and celebrates the region's long relationship with the sea.
Local Traditions
East Yorkshire's cultural calendar features the spectacular Flamborough Fire Festival, where visitors can observe Viking-inspired celebrations. Those who dress in Viking attire even receive free entry to the festivities.
The region's agricultural heritage remains visible in its medieval market towns like Beverley, where traditional markets continue to operate as they have for centuries. These markets offer opportunities to observe local trade customs and interact with Yorkshire craftspeople.
Nature-related traditions also form part of local culture, with guided walks available to spot indigenous wildlife like boxing hares and rare butterflies. These walks connect visitors to both the natural landscape and the rural traditions that have shaped East Yorkshire's identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
East Yorkshire offers numerous free activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The region's diverse landscape includes coastal areas, historic towns, and beautiful countryside with options ranging from museums to outdoor adventures.
What are the top free attractions for adults in East Yorkshire?
Adults visiting East Yorkshire can explore Beverley Minster, one of England's finest Gothic churches, at no cost.
The impressive architecture and stained glass make it a must-see attraction.
The Streetlife Museum of Transport in Hull offers free entry and showcases the region's transport history.
Visitors can step back in time with recreated street scenes and vintage vehicles.
Hull's Old Town features cobbled streets and historic buildings that can be explored through self-guided walks.
The area's rich maritime heritage is visible in its architecture and museums.
Can you suggest family-friendly activities that cost nothing in East Yorkshire?
Humber Bridge Country Park offers woodland walks and picnic areas perfect for families.
The 48-acre nature reserve features scenic trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
East Park in Hull provides free entry to its grounds with playgrounds, a lake, and gardens.
Families can enjoy feeding the ducks, exploring the gardens, or simply relaxing in this Victorian park.
Cycling routes throughout East Yorkshire offer cost-free family adventures.
Many paths are suitable for cyclists of all abilities, including children.
What are some free things to do with children in Hull?
The Hull & East Riding Museum welcomes visitors of all ages free of charge.
Children can discover fascinating archaeological finds and exhibits about local history spanning thousands of years.
Hull Maritime Trail provides an engaging walk for families through the city's seafaring heritage.
Children can spot historical markers and learn about Hull's important maritime past.
Following a Trail in Hull City Centre engages children with themed walks discovering fish sculptures, historical sites, and interactive elements throughout the city.
Are there unique no-cost attractions in Bridlington?
The Bridlington Maritime Trail offers visitors a free self-guided tour of the town's seafaring history.
Information boards along the route provide fascinating insights into Bridlington's past.
Bridlington's beaches provide hours of free entertainment for visitors.
The North and South beaches offer expansive sands perfect for games, sandcastle building, and beachcombing.
The harbour area can be explored without spending a penny.
Visitors can watch fishing boats coming and going while enjoying views across Bridlington Bay.
Could you recommend free family days out in East Yorkshire?
Sewerby Hall & Gardens grounds offer beautiful outdoor spaces to explore.
While the hall itself charges admission, families can enjoy the cliff-top gardens and woodland walks free of charge.
Spurn Head Walks provide a unique nature experience on this narrow peninsula.
Families can spot birds, explore beaches, and witness dramatic coastal scenery without spending anything.
The R100 Airship History Trail near Howden tells the fascinating story of these massive aircraft.
Information boards guide visitors through this important piece of aviation history.
Which days can we visit the markets in East Yorkshire without an entrance fee?
Beverley Market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the historic market town with no entrance fee.
The market sells local produce, crafts, and goods beneath the shadow of Beverley Minster.
Hull's Trinity Market is open Monday through Saturday with free entry.
This indoor market offers food stalls, local crafts, and unique finds in the heart of Hull's Old Town.
Bridlington's open-air market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.
Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from fresh food to antiques without paying any admission charge.
