Bridlington

Bridlington's origins likely extend as far back as the Bronze Age. An Augustinian priory was founded here in 1133, and what is now known as the Old Town grew around this after it was given prominence by Henry V, who in 1415 gave thanks at the priory for his Agincourt victory.

But it is for the New Town that most visitors now come. The fishing port expanded and developed into a small spa town during the nineteenth century, subsequent to discovery of a chalybeate spring. Although past its heyday, Bridlington is lively, bright and interesting, with a very pleasant promenade.

The light here is luminous in the way that only coastal light can be. It wasn't though enough for Bridlington to hold on to its most famous son, David Hockney. One doesn't tend to hear in California the line heard in a café here: "A cheese and onion sandwich? Sorry, we don't start those for another week yet. Only bacon sandwiches until then."