Read the 'Unofficial Tourist Guide' to Hornsea Mere. A real hidden gem on the Yorkshire coast. A beautiful spot - relax, unwind and feel at one with nature. A birdwatcher's paradise...
The Mere at Hornsea is the largest inland freshwater lake in Yorkshire - quite an achievement, don't you think?
It is a beautiful, peaceful place, positively teaming with wildlife - so do set aside an hour or two (or just half an hour if you are short of time) to visit the mere, and recharge your batteries.
You can see the mere from the main B1244 road into Hornsea - but you need to go into the town, and veer right onto Southgate. Take a signposted turning off this road (between 2 buildings - can be difficult to spot!) to access the mere, and park your car.
The Mere at Hornsea is one of the best birdwatching spots in the whole of Yorkshire. It is a great spot to see:
Canada Geese
Swans
Little Gulls
Reed Warblers
Gadwalls
Goldeneyes
Pochard
Shoveler
Tufted Ducks
The birdwatching is especially prolific during the autumn and winter months, when the birds come in to over winter from the North.
The last few times we have been we have seen hundreds of beautiful swans, and Canada geese.
If birdwatching isn't particularly your thing, don't worry, as there is much more to Hornsea Mere than just birds. Nature abounds here, so take a pleasant ramble (or hike, if so inclined) around the lakeside, and see what you can spot...
The Mere is also home to many rare:
Craneflies
Moths
Dance-flies
Snail killing Flies
The Mere has been designated a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds.
If you are feeling 'sporty' you can take out one of the lovely rowing boats available for hire, for an exerting row, or a tranquil float around the lake...
There are also facilities for sailing and fishing.
Facilities
Refreshments are available at a cafe on site (limited opening during the winter months)
Toilets are available.
Opening: The Mere is open every day, from 9am to 5.30pm (or dusk if earlier)
Admission is free.
Dogs are permitted at the Mere - but must be kept on the lead (so they don't chase the wildlife).
Hornsea Mere on the Map
This map is interactive.
Just use the + and - buttons in the top left corner of the map to zoom in and out.
Use the arrows to move about the area.
Hornsea Mere is a lovely, peaceful place to relax, unwind and get close to nature and water birds.
Do visit for a while, to walk, or just enjoy the scenery and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.