The East Riding of Yorkshire is one of those places that often gets overlooked, but once you hit the road here in your van, you’ll realise it’s full of hidden gems, sweeping coastline, and peaceful countryside stops. This itinerary takes you in a loop from Beverley and back again, covering around 100 miles. It’s perfect for a relaxed 4–6 day trip, giving you plenty of time to explore without rushing.

Stop 1: Beverley – Market Town Charm

Why start here?
Beverley is a lively, historic market town that makes a great base before you hit the quieter coastal roads. It’s easy to stock up on supplies and enjoy a bit of culture before the adventure begins.

Things to see and do

• Beverley Minster – a stunning gothic church that rivals York Minster but with far fewer crowds
• Walk around Beverley Westwood, a huge common where cows graze freely just outside town
• Wander the cobbled streets, with plenty of independent shops and cafes

Vanlife tips

• There’s a large Morrisons on the edge of town for supplies and fuel
• The Racecourse car park on the Westwood often allows overnight stays for vans (check locally)
• Public loos can be found in the town centre and near the Westwood

Hidden gem: The Saturday market is a brilliant spot to grab local produce for the van fridge.

Stop 2: Hornsea – Seaside with a Twist

The vibe: Traditional seaside but quieter than Bridlington. A good first taste of the coast.

Things to see and do

• Walk or cycle along the old railway line, now the Trans Pennine Trail starting point
• Stroll the promenade for fish and chips with sea views
• Visit Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake, for birdwatching or a gentle paddle

Vanlife tips

• Hornsea has a free overnight spot at Hornsea Freeport car park (worth checking current rules)
• Toilets and taps are available at the leisure centre near the seafront
• Great little cafes along the front for breakfast if you fancy a break from van cooking

Optional detour: Pop up to Skipsea for a quiet beach where you’ll often have the sand almost to yourself.

Stop 3: Bridlington – Harbour Life

Why stop here?
Bridlington is busier but well worth it for the harbour and its links to the stunning Flamborough Head.

Things to see and do

• Stroll around the harbour and grab a portion of Brid’s famous shellfish
• Take a boat trip out to see the cliffs from the water
• Visit Bridlington Priory – often overlooked, but peaceful and atmospheric

Vanlife tips

• South Cliff car park has spaces suitable for campervans (daytime only, no overnighting)
• For overnight stays, nearby campsites like Wold Farm are popular with vanlifers
• Bridlington Spa often has events, and the area around has toilets and showers at the leisure centre

Stop 4: Flamborough & Bempton Cliffs – Wildlife Heaven

The star of the trip. If you only pick one coastal stop, make it this one.

Things to see and do

• Walk to Flamborough Head lighthouse and take in the dramatic sea views
• Explore the chalk cliffs and little coves like Thornwick Bay and North Landing
• Visit RSPB Bempton Cliffs to see puffins (late spring to early summer) and thousands of seabirds nesting

Vanlife tips

• There’s a large car park at Bempton Cliffs (no overnighting, but good for day visits)
• Wold Farm campsite is perfectly placed for both Bempton and Flamborough
• Bring binoculars – the birdlife is incredible here

Seasonal note: Puffins are around from May to July. Outside of that, the cliffs are still spectacular, especially at sunset.

Stop 5: Driffield – Countryside Pause

Why here?
Known as the capital of the Yorkshire Wolds, Driffield makes a nice change of pace from the coast. It’s a small market town surrounded by rolling countryside.

Things to see and do

• Stroll along the Driffield Canal towpath
• Visit the local market on Thursdays for fresh bread, cheese, and veg
• Use it as a base for short drives into the Yorkshire Wolds for walking

Vanlife tips

• There are a few pub stopovers around Driffield that welcome campervans (check on apps like Park4Night)
• Plenty of supermarkets for refuelling and stocking up
• Free public toilets in the town centre

Hidden gem: Sledmere House, just outside Driffield, is a stately home with beautiful grounds that are perfect for a picnic stop.

Stop 6: Spurn Point – Wild and Windswept

The finale. A narrow spit of land stretching into the Humber Estuary, Spurn feels like the edge of the world.

Things to see and do

• Walk along the spit (about 3 miles each way) for views of sea and estuary on either side
• Look out for seals, migrating birds, and old wartime defences
• The lighthouse is sometimes open for tours – well worth it if you get the chance

Vanlife tips

• Parking is at Spurn Discovery Centre (no overnighting, but a good day base with loos and café)
• For overnight stays, nearby campsites or pub stopovers are the best bet
• Bring windbreaks – it’s often breezy out here, especially in autumn and winter

Seasonal note: Best in spring and autumn when bird migration is at its peak. In winter, weather can be wild, so check the forecast before heading down.

Wrapping Up the Loop

From Spurn, it’s an easy drive back inland towards Beverley, completing the loop. By then you’ll have had a taste of seaside towns, quiet countryside, and the wilder edges of Yorkshire’s coast.

Final Thoughts

The East Riding of Yorkshire might not shout as loudly as other parts of the UK, but it’s a brilliant area for vanlife – compact, varied, and full of character. You can mix bustling market towns with peaceful cliff walks, stock up easily in friendly local shops, and still find quiet park-ups away from the crowds.

If you’ve done this route or have your own favourite East Riding stop, share it – fellow vanlifers are always looking for new ideas. And if you’re just planning your first campervan adventure, this is a lovely place to start.