RSPB Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve

Yorkshire’s East Riding is the only one left of a trio of ‘ridings’ which existed up until 1974. The North and West are gone, to be replaced by North, South and West Yorkshires. The East Riding rises up from the Hull side of the Humber estuary, until it reaches Flamborough Head. This is an impressive headland with sheer white cliffs, serving as a home to large colonies of seabirds. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The county has plenty of beachy coast, including the seaside towns of Hornsea and Bridlington. The first of these is between the sea and a large freshwater lake called Hornsea Mere. This is also an SSSI and an SAC, and is great for watersports and fishing. The area was also known for its pottery, which has sadly gone into decline in recent years. Further north, Bridlington is a family-friendly summer beach resort. Kingston upon Hull is the largest city in the county, and was one of the few places outside London that suffered widespread bombing during WW2. It’s long ago come back from that though, and was the 2017 UK City of Culture.