Hornsea

The seaside town of Hornsea is perfect for a family day out, with a lovely sandy beach, a busy promenade to stroll along, amusements and plenty of attractions for all the family. The town has retained a pleasant village atmosphere and people come from miles around to visit. It also has a colourful history of smuggling, a trade which was aided and abetted by the entire town, even the local church, whose vault was used to stash contraband. These days shopping has taken over from smuggling as one of Hornsea's favourite pastimes, explore the town centre's numerous independent shops before relaxing in the cosy tea rooms with some irresistible homemade tea and cake.

At the north end of the promenade, Hornsea's Floral Hall stages festivals, concerts, plays and dances throughout the year. Hornsea Freeport Shopping Village offers everything from big name fashion brands to kitchenware and china at shoestring prices - all in beautiful landscaped surroundings and a charming village atmosphere.

The award-winning Hornsea Folk Museum is housed within a historic farmhouse in the town centre, with a Victorian farm kitchen, dairy, blacksmith`s shop and large gardens. Pottery, spinning and lace-making demonstrations take place regularly.

Just outside the town centre at Honeysuckle Farm children have great fun helping to feed the sheep, horses and a host of other farm animals.

And for a little peace and tranquility amid all the attractions, take a picnic to Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake and RSPB reserve, where you can have a go at the gentler watersports, like sailing, rowing and fishing, or take a motor-boat trip around the lake. This is also a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Wassand Hall, situated between Seaton and Hornsea on the B1244, contains a collection of 18th and 19th century paintings and portraits of past owners of Wassand Hall and their relations; a collection of English and European silver, furniture and procelain from the same period. The house, gardens and parks are open on selected days during the summer, when teas are available in the fine conservatory in Wassand's beautfully planted walled gardens.