H

ere’s a pub quiz factoid to keep up your sleeve: Hornsea is the only town in the UK to have a fully functional retractable flagpole.

You’ll find it at Bettison’s Folly, in Nimmings Wood car park, and it was built by a local brewer so that his servant could see him as he made his way home – ensuring he got the dinner ready on time. Thank goodness for text messages…

Of course there’s more to this place than just flagpoles. It’s also home to a rather splendid beach, where you can stroll along the sand collecting shells and starfish, or grab a bucket and spade and set about building your very own folly with the kids.

Then, after a day out in the sun and the fresh salty air, why not treat yourselves to fish and chips from Whitehead’s (it’s a local favourite) and walk along the promenade to watch the sunset?

Next day you could do something entirely different – perhaps head to nearby Hornsea Mere (Yorkshire’s largest lake) for some kayaking or rowing – or introduce the little ones to the lambs, goats, calves and horses at Honeysuckle Farm.

One more thing we should add is that the shopping’s rather good, too – especially if you head to Wilbur’s Market or the Freeport Hornsea Outlet Village, where you can get designer names at massive discounts.

That’s definitely a secret you’ll want to keep up your sleeve.