Visitors Info

This is an article I wrote for Birdwatching magazine a few years ago which gives some general info about the Mere for birders.

Little Gulls used to visit in their thousands in mid to late summer but numbers have decreased over the last few years. The good news is that they seem to be making a come back now with 5000 plus seen this year (2024).

 Birding Locations

This map may assist newcomers to the area to find some locations mentioned by local birders.

Click the photo for a larger image.

Hornsea Mere locations

Viewpoints

Most people think of Kirkholme Point when they think about Hornsea Mere, but it is more than that.

Kirkholme Point is where the cafe and boating centre is, there is also a large parking area. However please note that it isn't always open. The gates are locked at 16:00 each day (sometimes earlier!) and it doesn't open every day either. Through the school holidays it tends to be open every day. When it does open 09:00 is the usual time.

The boat jetties are good for gulls and some wildflowl and the point itself affords good views down the Mere. A scope is needed as most birds are quite distant apart from those on the jetties.

Most local birders spend little time on Kirkholme and usually visit the south side fields instead. On the map above you'll see first and second fields marked and those are the places you're likely to meet a local birder.

The large reed bed at Heslop's is also worth visiting in spring and early summer when good numbers of common warblers are nesting.

There is a hide at the west end of Hornsea Mere. This is not public access and is members only, but day visitor tickets can be purchased from East Lodge at the bottom of Wassand Hall drive. This is situated (and sign posted) on the A1035 just after Seaton if you're driving east and just after the garage if you're driving west from Hornsea. The hide gives good views of breeding Marsh Harriers and Hobby.