Camping in Hornsea

Camping around Hornsea means making the most of the flat, open Holderness landscape, one of the least hilly stretches of the English coast, which makes for easy cycling between sites, the beach and the Mere. As everywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's explicit permission is not legal, so pitching up on the beach, the Mere's shoreline or open farmland without asking first should be avoided; instead, a number of established caravan and camping parks sit just outside the town, offering touring pitches, tents and increasingly glamping options such as pods and static caravans for those who would rather not bring their own kit.

The exposed, breezy nature of this coastline means it pays to choose a pitch with some shelter, whether hedging, dunes or a sheltered field, and to come prepared for wind off the North Sea even in summer. That same openness is part of the appeal, though: big skies, easy stargazing away from major towns, and some of the best sunrise views on the Yorkshire coast, given Hornsea faces almost directly east. The Mere itself, a haven for waterfowl, adds a second, softer landscape to explore beyond the coastal dunes and cliffs typical of Holderness further south.

Late spring through early autumn, roughly May to September, is the most comfortable window for camping here, when daytime temperatures are kinder and the Mere's bird life is most active, though committed campers happily visit outside these months for quieter sites and dramatic winter light. Facilities at local parks typically include hookups, shower blocks and, at the larger sites, on-site shops or bars, making Hornsea a practical and appealing base for a coastal camping trip without the crowds of the bigger Yorkshire resorts.