East Riding of Yorkshire

The East Riding of Yorkshire is a unitary authority in Yorkshire, formed in 1996, a large and diverse area encompassing the historic town of Beverley, the coastal resorts of Bridlington, Hornsea, and Withernsea, the market towns of Goole, Pocklington, and Driffield, and the iconic landscape of Flamborough Head and the Yorkshire Wolds. This beautiful area features the Yorkshire Wolds (the most northerly chalk landscape in England), dramatic coastline, and rich agricultural land. The climate is typical of eastern England with relatively low rainfall, cool winters, warm summers, and more sunshine than western areas, with coastal areas experiencing fresh sea breezes. Culturally, the East Riding holds exceptional heritage significance with Beverley Minster (one of the finest Gothic churches in England, with its magnificent Percy Tomb and 14th-century tower). The area preserves exceptional heritage including Burton Agnes Hall (Elizabethan stately home with gardens), Sledmere House (Georgian mansion), Sewerby Hall (Georgian house with gardens and zoo), and the dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies of Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs (RSPB reserve with thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins and gannets). Beverley's historic town centre (with its medieval streets, North Bar gate, and racecourse) is one of Yorkshire's finest. Bridlington's seaside resort character (its harbour, beach, and promenade) attracts visitors while Hornsea and Withernsea offer quieter coastal character. The Yorkshire Wolds (designated National Landscape) offer spectacular walking including the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail. The Humber estuary (forming the southern boundary) provides important bird habitats. Goole is an inland port on the Ouse with its distinctive railway swing bridge. The area's agricultural land (some of the UK's most productive) supports arable farming. The historic market towns of Pocklington and Driffield maintain their character while the villages feature traditional Yorkshire Wolds architecture of brick and chalk. Boundary GIS data for East Riding of Yorkshire Council is available for download in GeoJSON and KML formats, essential for managing this diverse area, protecting the Yorkshire Wolds and coastline, preserving its magnificent churches and country houses, and supporting sustainable agriculture and tourism.