Bridlington is a smallish harbour mainly catering for commercial and leisure fishing, tripper boats and a few yachts. It dries to soft mud, and at present visitors berths are against a quayside.

In 2008 final planning approval was given for the construction of a new Marina, which involves a considerable expansion of the harbour to the South. A plan of the proposed works is included. Work was supposed to be starting by the middle of 2009, therefore all the details given for this harbour must be treated as provisional. Once work commences the visitor can expect changes and disruption, and it may be worth giving the place a miss until the Marina is completed (if indeed it's ever started with the economic climate is the way it is). We will post further details when we find out more.

The site is an obvious one for a harbour built as it is in the lee of Flamborough Head. Natural land features give it protection from the South West round to just east of North. The shallow Smithic Bank lying just to the east provides some protection from the sea when the winds are in that direction. Goods have been exported from this harbour since mediaeval times, but it took its present form in 1848. ... read more

The immediate approaches to Bridlington Harbour are protected by Flamborough Head with the wind anywhere from south clockwise through to north-east. The approaches are clear of danger other than the Smithic Sands which in normal conditions can be sailed straight over, with the least depths of over 2.5 m at CD.

When the wind pipes up strong from the East or Southeast the seas can break in this area and approaching Bridlington Harbour becomes a dangerous proposition.  Visiting yachtsman and motorboaters are advised to steer clear in these situations.

Full pilotage details: ... read more

Berth as directed by the harbour master, visitors are normally accommodated alongside the South Pier, past the fuel and the crane. The bottom is soft mud, and keel boats can lean against the wall if necessary. The depths available against the wall reduce the further you get into the harbour past the crane. ... read more