Hornsea Tourist Information

Hornsea Pottery

The Hornsea Pottery Company was founded in 1949 by Colin and Desmond Rawson. As the business grew it diversified and even became the country's first theme park, located in Edenfield in 1954. Although business tailed off in later years and the company eventually ceased trading, public affection for its product was so great that exhibitions of Hornsea Pottery were set up at various sites displaying work such as Hornsea vase and Hornsea Owl collections.

The world's largest collection of Hornsea Pottery is housed in Hornsea Museum, located within two converted cottages at Newbegin, the town's main street. The exhibition features over 2,000 pieces of Hornsea Heirloom Pottery including the Hornsea Fleur and the Hornsea Blue ranges, as well as photographs of the Rawson family and the journey of the company.

Hornsea Attractions and Events

Hornsea is full of exciting attractions to entertain the whole family, making it the ideal destination for UK holidaymakers. Since 1966, the Hornsea carnival has taken place annually each July with fairground attractions running alongside arena entertainment including live bands. Massive firework displays are organised to signal the opening of the festival, while an impressive parade featuring marching bands and classic cars brings the town to a standstill.

Dozens of sideshows and stalls make for a fun-filled visit with around 40,000 people in attendance, with special attractions to make each year special. The Hornsea folk museum at Newbegin is also open from Easter until November and features the largest collection of Hornsea Pottery in the world. Converted from two traditional cottages, the Hornsea Museum also features other attractions including demonstrations of lace-making and spinning. In addition, musicals, plays and concerts are also regularly held at the Floral Hall on the North Promenade.

Hornsea Mere Natural Lake

Hornsea Mere is another popular tourist attraction situated just a mile from the coast and is a natural lake caused by glacier movement during the ice age. Also known as Hornsea Swan Lake, it is a bird sanctuary where local wildlife flourishes and all manner of birds flock including swans, geese and ducks. The Lake itself is popular for sailing activities and even has its own sailing club. Visitors can try their hand at inland water dinghy sailing, although motor boats are not allowed.

Hornsea Mere fishing is also popular, both from the banks or by boat, with perch, roach and other species to be netted, as well as the pike the area has become famous for. Hornsea Mere pike is highly prized amongst local anglers and is available in good numbers and with some fish reaching 30lbs you may need a bigger boat!

Photo Credits

Hornsea beach image contributed by Peter Church. Hornsea mere image contributed by Andy Beecroft. Hornsea pottery image contributed by Paul Glazzard. All images are copyrighted but licensed for further reuse under the Creative Commons License.