Tunstall Beach

About Tunstall Beach

Tunstall Beach sits on the quieter southern stretch of the Holderness coastline, a place where the landscape feels open, rural, and shaped by the slow, persistent work of the North Sea. Unlike the more developed beaches further north, Tunstall has a distinctly natural character. The beach itself is a broad sweep of sand that widens dramatically at low tide, revealing firm, wet sand that reflects the sky like a mirror. In certain conditions, the retreating tide exposes something far more unusual: the dark, textured remains of an ancient submerged forest known as Sand‑le‑Mere. These peat beds and tree stumps, thousands of years old, appear briefly before being covered again, offering a glimpse into a prehistoric landscape that once stretched far beyond the current shoreline.

Behind the beach rise low clay cliffs, soft and easily shaped by the sea. This part of the coast is among the fastest‑eroding in Europe, and Tunstall is no exception. Each year the cliffs retreat a little more, creating a coastline that is constantly shifting. The erosion adds a sense of rawness to the scenery, but it also means that access can be challenging. The main route to the beach is through the privately owned Sand‑le‑Mere Holiday Village, where a path leads down toward the sand. This path is often muddy, uneven, and affected by the changing cliffs, making it unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility. Yet for those who make the descent, the reward is a beach that feels spacious, peaceful, and far removed from the busier resorts nearby.

Tunstall’s rural setting contributes to its quiet charm. The land behind the cliffs is mostly agricultural, dotted with fields and the occasional holiday park, giving the area a sense of openness and simplicity. Families often visit for the wide sandy spaces, and anglers are drawn to the beach for its reputation as one of the better fishing spots along this stretch of coast. Even in summer, Tunstall rarely feels crowded. The beach’s size and its relative seclusion mean that visitors can easily find a quiet patch of sand to themselves, whether they’re walking along the tideline, exploring the exposed peat beds, or simply sitting and watching the waves roll in.

Are dogs allowed on Tunstall Beach?

Dogs are permitted on Tunstall beach all year around (there are no restrictions).

Getting to Tunstall Beach

Address: Tunstall Beach, Tunstall, Hull HU12 0JQ

Getting to Tunstall beach is easy, but finding parking might be an issue as there are no car parks on on-street spaces available.

On Foot

One way to see Tunstall beach is to walk from neighbouring Withernsea beach which is easier to navigate to from the likes of Hull, Beverley and York.

By Car

With very little parking, you should ideally aim to park in Withernsea and walk along the beach to reach Tunstall beach. For a car park close to the beach, you should use Pier Road Car Park (Withernsea, HU19 2HH).

By Bus

You can visit Tunstall beach on the East Yorkshire bus service which runs between Hornsea and Withernsea, although there are only a few buses per day, so you should check the timetable before you set off.