Urban Explorers Enter Closed Bridlington Hotel, Prompting Community Concern

Monday 28th September 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

Incident overview

Residents have expressed concern after a group of urban explorers posted footage online showing themselves inside the closed Expanse Hotel on Bridlington’s seafront. The video, shared publicly on social media, appears to show the group walking through furnished rooms, including the lounge, bar, and reception areas.

Legal context

Although the hotel is currently closed, it remains private property. Under UK law, entering a building without permission constitutes trespass, and exploring non‑public areas of a commercial premises can lead to further legal consequences depending on circumstances.

Community reaction

Local residents commenting online said the incident had been reported to police, with many expressing concern about the security of the building and the potential for damage or theft. The hotel, which closed earlier this year, still appears to contain furniture, fixtures, and equipment, making the unauthorised entry particularly serious.  

Clarifying public concerns

Some residents expressed concern online about who might be inside the building. However, the footage posted on social media shows only a small group of urban explorers, and there is no indication of any wider activity or unauthorised occupation.

Debate over social media pages

Some residents have questioned whether social media pages that feature urban exploring should remain online, while others argue they are harmless as long as no damage is caused. For legal and ethical reasons, Bridlington Gold Radio is not sharing the images or video footage, as they were taken inside a private property without permission.

Safety reminder

Police advise that anyone who witnesses suspicious activity around closed or empty properties should contact 101. Property owners are also encouraged to secure entry points and consider temporary CCTV or patrols to prevent further incidents.

Key takeaway

Urban exploring may seem harmless, but entering closed or private buildings without permission is unlawful and can lead to prosecution.
This incident highlights the importance of securing empty commercial properties and reporting suspicious activity promptly.