Welcome
Your Trusted Property Management Partner
Professional service for your property needs in the UK.
Discover Hornsea: A Hidden Coastal Gem on Yorkshire's East Coast
Nestled on Yorkshire's picturesque east coast, Hornsea offers the perfect blend of traditional seaside charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Whether you're considering a permanent move or looking for a holiday home, this comprehensive guide explores what makes Hornsea a special place to live and visit.
The Coastal Lifestyle
Beautiful Blue Flag Beach
At the heart of Hornsea's appeal is its stunning sandy beach, a Blue Flag award-winner that stretches for miles along the Yorkshire coastline. Unlike some of the UK's more commercialized seaside towns, Hornsea maintains a tranquil atmosphere that allows residents to enjoy coastal living without the crowds.
The beach offers something for everyone throughout the year:
- Summer sunbathing and swimming (with RNLI lifeguard services during peak seasons)
- Beach fishing for sea bass, cod, and whiting
- Fossil hunting along the shoreline
- Dog-friendly areas (with seasonal restrictions)
- Spectacular sunrise views over the North Sea
Charming Promenade
The well-maintained promenade provides the perfect setting for morning walks or evening strolls. With ample seating, you can take in the sea views while enjoying an ice cream or fish and chips. The thoughtfully designed seafront also includes ornamental gardens that add color and charm to the coastal landscape.
Natural Wonders
Hornsea Mere
Just inland from the town lies Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake and one of the area's most cherished natural assets. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, this 467-acre lake offers:
- Boating and sailing opportunities
- Bird watching (with over 200 species recorded)
- Fishing for pike, perch, and bream
- A scenic 10.3km circular walking trail
- Peaceful picnic spots with views across the water
The Mere Café, situated on the lake's edge, provides refreshments with a view. The lake's proximity to the sea creates a unique ecosystem that attracts diverse wildlife throughout the seasons.
Trans Pennine Trail
Hornsea marks the eastern terminus of the Trans Pennine Trail, a coast-to-coast route spanning 215 miles across Northern England. This provides residents with direct access to a national long-distance path perfect for walking, cycling, and horse riding adventures.
Town Amenities and Services
Shopping
Hornsea offers a diverse shopping experience with:
- A thriving town center featuring independent boutiques, gift shops, and convenience stores
- Hornsea Freeport, the UK's first factory outlet shopping village, offering up to 50% off famous brands in a pleasant, landscaped setting
- Weekly markets with local produce and crafts
- Specialized shops including bakeries, butchers, and fishmongers
Dining and Cafés
Food lovers will appreciate Hornsea's growing culinary scene:
- Award-winning fish and chip shops including Whiteheads Fish and Chips
- Cozy cafés like Bemora, Café Eden, and the Floral Hall Café
- Traditional pubs serving hearty meals including the Rose & Crown
- International cuisine at venues like Mille Sapori (Italian)
- Seasonal ice cream parlors and seaside treats
Healthcare
Residents benefit from good healthcare provision:
- Eastgate Medical Group providing GP services
- Dental practices in the town center
- Nearby hospitals including Castle Hill Hospital (30 minutes) and Hull Royal Infirmary (35 minutes)
- Local pharmacy services
Education
Families are well-served by education options:
- Hornsea Primary School (rated Good by Ofsted)
- Hornsea School and Language College for secondary education
- Nearby sixth form and further education options in Beverley and Hull
- Adult education courses at Hornsea Hub
Leisure and Recreation
The town offers excellent leisure facilities:
- East Riding Leisure Hornsea with swimming pool, gym, sports hall, and squash courts
- Hall Garth Park with bowling green, tennis courts, and children's play area
- Hornsea Golf Club, an attractive 18-hole course
- Water sports opportunities on both the sea and the Mere
Culture and Heritage
Hornsea Museum
The award-winning Hornsea Museum, housed in an 18th-century farmhouse, offers fascinating insights into the town's past. The museum features:
- The world's largest collection of Hornsea Pottery (once a major local industry)
- Recreated Victorian rooms
- Agricultural exhibits showcasing rural life
- Regular special exhibitions and events
Historical Architecture
Walking through Hornsea reveals its rich architectural heritage:
- The Grade II listed St Nicholas Church dating from the 13th century
- Victorian and Edwardian seafront buildings
- Traditional fishermen's cottages in the old town
- Historic Hornsea Mere boathouse
Community Spirit
One of Hornsea's greatest assets is its strong community feel. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year:
- Hornsea Carnival (August)
- Christmas lights switch-on and festive market
- Hornsea Bike Event
- Regular community beach cleans
- Art and craft exhibitions at the Floral Hall
Active community groups and volunteer organizations provide opportunities to get involved and meet neighbors, creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that residents value.
Housing and Property Market
Hornsea offers excellent value compared to many UK coastal locations:
- The average house price is approximately £234,144 (2024 figures)
- A range of property types from fishermen's cottages to modern developments
- Popular areas include the seafront properties, homes near the Mere, and the conservation area around Newbegin
- Terraced properties averaged £178,529 with semi-detached homes at £201,798
Whether you're seeking a permanent residence, a holiday home, or an investment property, Hornsea's diverse housing stock provides options for various budgets and preferences.
Transport and Connectivity
While Hornsea enjoys a peaceful coastal setting, it remains well-connected:
- Regular bus services to Hull (24, 25), Beverley, Bridlington, and surrounding villages
- 30-minute drive to Beverley
- 40-minute drive to Hull (with its railway station offering services to London, Manchester, and Edinburgh)
- 50-minute drive to York
- Convenient access to Humberside Airport (45 minutes) and the Humber ports
Surrounding Areas
Withernsea and the Holderness Coast
Heading south along the coast takes you to Withernsea, another charming seaside town with its distinctive lighthouse. The Holderness Coast offers dramatic scenery and the fastest-eroding coastline in Europe – a fascinating place for geologists and nature enthusiasts.
Beverley
Just 13 miles inland, the historic market town of Beverley provides additional shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, including the magnificent Beverley Minster and thriving Saturday market.
Hull
The vibrant city of Hull, UK City of Culture 2017, is within easy reach, offering major shopping centers, theaters, museums, and the spectacular The Deep aquarium.
Yorkshire Wolds
To the north and west lie the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, providing stunning landscapes for walking, cycling, and countryside pursuits.
Why Choose Hornsea?
Hornsea offers a unique combination of advantages that make it an attractive place to live:
- Affordable coastal living compared to many UK seaside locations
- Natural beauty with both beach and lakeside environments
- Strong community spirit and friendly atmosphere
- Good amenities without the hustle and bustle of larger towns
- Excellent outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages
- Convenient location with access to larger towns and cities
- Rich heritage and culture providing a sense of place and history
Whether you're raising a family, seeking retirement tranquility, or looking for a weekend retreat, Hornsea provides the perfect setting for a balanced, coastal lifestyle that combines the best of traditional seaside charm with modern conveniences.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- Watch migrating birds returning to Hornsea Mere
- Enjoy the spring flowers in Hall Garth Park
- Take advantage of quieter beaches before the summer season
Summer
- Beach days with swimming and water sports
- Outdoor dining at seafront cafés
- Hornsea Carnival and community events
Autumn
- Spectacular sunrises over the North Sea
- Bird watching as winter migrants arrive
- Cozy pub lunches after bracing coastal walks
Winter
- Dramatic seascapes during winter storms
- Christmas festivities in the town center
- Winter wildlife at Hornsea Mere
No matter the season, Hornsea maintains its charm and offers residents a high quality of life in a beautiful natural setting. It's not just a place to live; it's a lifestyle choice that combines the best of coastal living with practical amenities and community warmth