Published On: Wed, Oct 2nd, 2024
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The charming seaside town where Dad’s Army filmed also known as ‘Europe’s lobster capital’ | UK | Travel


Bridlington is known for being the largest lobster port in the UK – and Europe – a much loved film b (Image: Getty)

Tucked away on the East Yorkshire coastline, Bridlington has earned its stripes as the “lobster capital of Europe“.

Boasting the title of the UK’s – and indeed Europe’s – largest lobster port, this seaside gem sees over 300 tonnes of the crustaceans landed annually, reports MyLondon.

Not only is Bridlington celebrated for its lobster hauls, but it’s also known for the stunning Bempton Cliffs, pristine beaches, the ancient Danes Dyke, and the charmingly historic Old Town location that captured hearts in a beloved film.

The town gained further fame as the backdrop for one of Britain’s most cherished sitcoms, the BBC’s Dad’s Army, which aired for nine series from the late 1960s into the 1970s.

The show humorously followed a ragtag group of Home Guard volunteers during WWII, set in the fictional Norfolk town of ‘Walmington On Sea’.

Dads-Army.jpg

Explore the Dad’s Army Trail through Old Town (Image: PA)

Fast forward to 2016, and the classic series was reimagined for the big screen, with Bridlington’s Old Town providing the perfect setting.

Starring an ensemble cast including Toby Jones, Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Michael Gambon, the film brought the iconic series back to life.

Fans can now embark on the Dad’s Army Trail through the Old Town, discovering filming locations such as the Walmington On Sea Brewery, Jones The Butchers Shop, Marigolds Team Rooms, and Mercers Shoe Shop.

Beyond the trail, visitors can explore a plethora of independent boutiques, art galleries, traditional pubs, and the majestic 900 year old Priory Church.

This ecclesiastical landmark, founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1113, fell victim to Henry VIII’s Dissolution of Monasteries in the 16th century, yet remains a cornerstone of Bridlington’s rich heritage.

Bridlington Priory Church

Explore Bridlington’s history at the Priory (Image: Getty)

Surrounded by historical marvels like a chapter house, treasury, cloister, priory’s hall, and infirmary, the scene is set in a location that breathes history.

After the dissolution of the priory, most buildings met their demise, but the nave escaped destruction, transforming into the parish church still standing today.

The surviving gatehouse now houses the Bayle Museum, showcasing main exhibitions laden with artefacts following themes appointed by the Lord Feoffees.

Bridlington not only offers historical sights but also delights seafood connoisseurs, particularly with its famed lobster.

Salt On The Harbour, a celebrated quayside restaurant, promises fresh crab and lobster directly from the marina, alongside mouthwatering dishes featuring local catches.

Patrons at Salt On The Harbour indulge in Bridlington Bay Dressed Crab, signature lobster delicacies, luscious Lobster Rolls, a classic Fish Finger sandwich, and an assortment of fish and chips varieties.

Tributes to the eatery’s culinary excellence and warm hospitality abound on Tripadvisor.

With high praise, one diner recounted: “We have walked past this place loads of times and called in for fish and chips today. What a lovely place with equally nice staff and really good fish and chips, right up there with the best I’ve ever had. We will be back.”

Another satisfied customer shared their experience, saying: “The Surf and surf choice on the menu was superb. Bridlington Lobster and King prawns. We looked everywhere to find a Lobster dinner restaurant. And Bridlington now have a superb, right on the harbour, which is so picturesque especially at night.”

Meanwhile, another customer said: “We stopped here for lunch, and had a delicious seafood chowder with a brilliant view out over the harbour.”

Fraisthorpe Beach, UK

Amble along the coast all the way to Fraisthorpe Beach (Image: Getty)

Bridlington, a coastal town in Yorkshire, boasts an array of beautiful beaches stretching from the North and South beaches down to the secluded Fraisthorpe Beach.

Starting at North Beach, you can stroll past the town’s harbour and along the Princess Mary Promenade that backs South Beach, all the way down to Fraisthorpe – where you might find yourself the only visitors.

For breathtaking views of Yorkshire, head north to the picturesque coastline of Flamborough Head and RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Bempton Cliffs is home to England’s largest population of seabirds, as well as marine wildlife such as seals and porpoises.

Flamborough Head lighthouse

Head north to the lighthouse at Flamborough Head (Image: Getty)

Flamborough Head is marked by a lighthouse dating back to 1806, replacing an earlier one built in 1669 that was never lit.

Nestled between Bridlington and Flamborough is Danes Dyke, a local nature reserve offering a chance to explore Yorkshire woodland or venture to the coast. Back in town, the harbour and its museum are worth exploring.

Bridlington also offers a variety of dining options, including Aloha, a restaurant serving Cajun and Creole cuisine straight from Louisiana.

On the menu, you’ll find dishes like Whole Baby Back Ribs, Blackened Cajun Salmon, Mississippi Chicken Burger, and the Belly Buster for Two – a feast of Rump steak, chicken, steak burger, chicken wings, full rack of ribs, spiral pork sausage, onion rings, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and fries.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Bridlington, but don’t forget to sample their famous seafood.



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