Known locally as ‘the other side of the seaside’, Bridlington Old Town is the cultural hub of the coastal town. Our guide is Sissy & One shop owner Nikita Roberts
MORNING
A great first stop would be The Georgian Tearooms and Antique Centre - it is a super friendly place to grab breakfast and pot of tea. If you head upstairs, it’s full of all wonderful curiosities and antique goods. It is like a treasure trove where you are sure to find something to take away with you as each room is packed with many items.
AFTERNOON
There are so many wonderful independent businesses to visit, and each one brings something unique to the place. There is an Old Town street trail to follow as you visit shops. The trail is focused on the historical elements within the street. If you fancy popping into somewhere that is full of happiness and positivity, then come say hi to us at Sissy & One. We opened in 2022 and have built the place up selling all kinds of happy products, homeware, handmade jewellery, gifts and being known for our Bridlington Old Town Ghosts. We focus on good mental well-being as it is something I am passionate about. We run workshops to help people come together using creativity to relax the mind.
Be sure to visit the Old Town Gallery as it is full of independent artists as well as being the information point for the area. There are also many other galleries which are worth a visit, too. Mlkwood Store is another must, owned by Lauren who also runs workshops and sells a range of coffee, homeware and stationery. The coffee she sells is made and roasted locally by Three Ridings Coffee and is used heavily in the street eateries including Rhapsody, a cute little coffee shop that has the ultimate steampunk vibe. You can also have a light lunch here as Chris serves toasties, homemade soup and delicious cakes.
EVENING
The pubs within the Old Town are a community in itself. If you head to The Board Inn you should treat yourself to a charcuterie board full of mixed meats, cheeses and local produce. These boards are exquisite, full of flavour and the presentation is always outstanding. The interior is a Georgian time-warp with spectacular upstairs rooms and crackling wood fires. For all things vegan, The Nut and Nettle, located in the cosy Queens Bar and Coffee House, is the place to go, a plant-based pub serving vegan foods and delicacies.
DON'T MISS
Vintage Festival
Travel back in time to see vintage and wartime vehicles, street dancing, costumed re-enactment folk, stalls and more. An event you don't want to miss. June 23, email bridlingtonrobot@gmail.com for more information.
Ghost Trail
October fun for both adults and children, go on a hunt in the street for handmade ghosts hidden inside shops and windows. October 1-31, facebook.com/sissyandone for more information.
Dickensian Advent Fair
The most festive event based in the perfect historical place in the Old Town. Dickensian themed windows and attire, stalls and more. A lovely traditional Christmas event to attend for families.
SENSE OF PLACE
Stroll
Bridlington is known as a seaside town with two beautiful beaches. Take a stroll along the coastline viewing the scenic harbour and inhale the fresh sea air and relaxing surroundings. Regardless of the weather, there is no denying the picturesque views you will see along your stroll.
Just a short walk away from the High Street is the Priory Church, based on Church Green, dating back to 1113 AD the Priory Church has many historic features including two carvings in the stone walls of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, to commemorate their visit in 2013. Taking a walk around the grounds gives a sense of tranquillity as you will come across history and nature facts. Be sure to look around inside and visit the little gift shop.
Across the green is the Bayle, built in 1388 as the main gate house to the monastery. However, as time went on the Duke of Norfolk knocked down our monastery in March 1537 and only the knave of the church and the Bayle survived. The Bayle is now a Grade I listed building and scheduled Ancient Monument housing the museum. I highly recommend going for a look around this charming building to learn more about the history of the town and local area and to view the structure, artefacts and architecture.
Since the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII there has been several purposes for the nearby Bayle Gate, including a prison, a garrison for Napoleonic soldiers travelling to Scarborough Castle and a meeting room for the Lord Feoffees, a charitable organisation that operates as a town trust, which they still use today.
Mooch
Keeping it local (based in the High Street) attached to the office of the local newspaper is The Echo Gallery featuring local photographer's work to purchase. There's always information inside the paper about events and what's happening, with good news from around the town too. If you really want to gain more historical knowledge there is an enlightening history page packed full of information from local historian David Mooney.
Night life in the Old Town is amazing, there is often bands and acts on in various pubs such as Black Lion and Queens/The Nut and Nettle. There's a stage area in both places and they have some incredible acts on. The Black Lion often welcome back the famous musical duo Seafret – Bridlington is the band’s hometown. It is a heart-warming atmosphere whenever they return to perform, and they are always incredibly well received in sold out shows.
Stay
There's plenty of places to stay to house your needs from Premier Inn to B&Bs and guest houses, we might be a small town, but we welcome and accommodate everyone.
