Exploring the East Coast: Bridlington to Hornsea & Skipsea Castle | Day 4 (part 1)

Welcome to Day 4 of our East Coast holiday! In this video, we are leaving Bridlington and heading south along the coast road toward the classic seaside town of Hornsea. Our first stop is just outside Skipsea to explore the impressive earthworks of Skipsea Castle—marking off another important spot on our Historic County Bingo Challenge. After a walk around the ancient grounds, we move on to Hornsea Shopping Village for a bit of lunch and a stroll, before finishing the day's journey right down at the Hornsea seafront. The History of Our Stops: Skipsea Castle: Built around 1086 by Drogo de la Beuvrière, a Flemish follower of William the Conqueror, this was the first major Norman fortress built in Holderness. It was constructed as a classic motte-and-bailey castle to secure the area against potential Scandinavian raids and local rebellion. Uniquely, it was surrounded by a large artificial lake known as Skipsea Mere. The castle was systematically destroyed (slighted) in 1221 by order of King Henry III following a rebellion by its owner, William de Forz. Today, its massive, towering earthworks remain some of the most impressive Norman remnants in Yorkshire. Hornsea Shopping Village: Located on the edge of the town, this site has its own unique place in local 20th-century history. Long before it became a designer outlet outlet village, this site was the home of Hornsea Pottery. Founded in 1949 by brothers Colin and Desmond Rawson, the pottery grew from a small backyard operation into a world-famous manufacturer known for its distinctive, stylish designs and elegant tableware. While commercial production here ended in 2000, the shopping village now occupies the beautifully landscaped grounds where the sprawling factory and its popular visitor attraction once stood. Hornsea Town & Seafront: Hornsea has deep roots as a traditional fishing and agricultural settlement, historically tied to Hornsea Mere—Yorkshire's largest natural glacial lake, which sits just inland. The town transformed dramatically during the Victorian era with the arrival of the Hull and Hornsea Railway in 1864. This turned the quiet settlement into a booming seaside resort for Victorian holidaymakers seeking fresh sea air, promenade walks, and coastal views. Thanks for watching! If you enjoy local history, coastal drives, and exploring Yorkshire, please like, comment, and subscribe for more travel journals.