Why Visit Bempton Cliffs?
If you’re searching for the ultimate Bempton Cliffs bird watching experience, this dramatic stretch of Yorkshire coastline is one of the UK’s best wildlife spectacles. Managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the cliffs rise over 100 metres above the North Sea and host over half a million seabirds during peak season.
Best Time to Visit: Seasonal Wildlife Guide
Spring (March – May)
- Puffins arrive late April
- Gannets begin nesting
- Short-eared owls often seen in the area
- Kittiwakes & guillemots return
Best for: First sightings and fewer crowds
Summer (June – July)
- Peak puffin season (with beaks full of sand eels!)
- Gannet chicks visible
- Razorbills & guillemots packed onto ledges
Best for: Iconic photos & full colony activity
Late Summer (August)
- Birds begin to leave
- Quieter but still scenic
Best for: Peaceful visits
Winter (November – February)
- Fewer seabirds
- Chance of seeing seals and wintering species
Best for: Coastal walks & solitude
Some of the Wildlife You’ll See
- Puffins (April–July)
- Gannets (huge colonies!)
- Kittiwakes
- Razorbills & guillemots
- Fulmars
- Owls – barn and short-eared
- Occasionally dolphins offshore
- Plus much more
How to Get There & Costs
Location: Near Bridlington, East Yorkshire
- Parking: On-site RSPB car park (free for members, small fee for non-members)
- Nearest station: Bridlington Railway Station (15 min drive)
- Local buses run from Bridlington
Entry Cost:
- There is an admission fee if the RSPB visitor centre is open
- Worth getting an RSPB membership
Facilities at Bempton Cliffs
- Visitor centre
- Café (great sea views!)
- Toilets
- Accessible viewing platforms
- Gift shop
👉 Paths are generally easy and well-maintained, suitable for most fitness levels.
Not a suitable location for those that struggle with heights.
Tried and Tested Nearby Accomodation
Sunnyside Barn, Bempton
- Space for 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 bathrooms
This lovely house was perfect for our stay last spring and the host Lisa was brilliant. I’d definitely recommend staying here. It’s the ideal location for visiting Bempton Cliffs in the early hours and is a comfortable stay.
Plus dogs are allowed. (I wouldn’t recommend taking the dogs to Bempton Cliffs but they loved the big beaches).
*We are not receiving any endorsement through sharing this accommodation. It is an honest recommendation from our experience staying here.
Best Nearby Places to Visit (Beaches, Lighthouses & Hidden Gems)
Flamborough Head
- Distance: 10 minutes drive
- Highlights: Chalk cliffs, sea arches, iconic lighthouse
- Parking: North Landing or lighthouse car park
- Walk difficulty: Easy–moderate coastal paths
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés nearby
Tip: Walk between Bempton and Flamborough for incredible cliff-top views. Look out for owls early morning and evening hunting in the long grass.
North Landing
- Hidden gem alert!
- Sheltered cove with fishing boats
- Parking: Pay & display at top of hill
- Walk: Short but steep (5–10 mins)
- Facilities: Basic café, toilets
Best for: Quiet beach vibes and photography.
Thornwick Bay
- Dramatic caves & rock pools
- Parking: National Trust car park
- Walk: Easy access from car park
- Facilities: Seasonal café
Best for: Exploring geology and rock pooling.
Danes Dyke
- Woodland meets coastline 🌳
- Parking: National Trust car park
- Walk: 10–15 mins through woodland
- Facilities: Toilets
Best for: A quieter, nature-rich alternative.
Hunmanby Beach
- Beautiful Long Sandy Beach
- Parking: Hunmanby car park
- Walk: steep slope down to beach but beach itself is flat and you can walk for as long as you like
- Facilities: I recommend the Beach Cafe for an amazing view plus lovely staff – I would recommend asking if they’ve seen any marine life in the bay recently
- Toilets at car park for a small fee
Best for: Sand martins in cliffs, coastal walks and ship wreck
Boat Trips & Wildlife Experiences
Yorkshire Coast Boat Trips
- Depart from Bridlington harbour
- Get up close to seabird colonies from the sea
- Chance to see puffins, seals, and dramatic cliffs
- Trips run mainly April–August
Tip: Book in advance during peak puffin season.
Flamborough Seal Colony
- Often spotted along the coastline
- Best seen from boat tours or quiet coves
Essential Tips for Visiting Bempton Cliffs
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens
- Visit early morning or evening for best light and fewer crowds
- Stay behind safety barriers (cliffs are steep!)
- Check weather—wind can be strong
- Wear sturdy shoes for coastal paths
- If there is a norther wind the gannets will be flying beside you as you walk- it’s incredible!
- You will need a car for the area
This is one place I cannot wait to return to. If anyone has any eating out spots that we can add to this guide please let us know! 🙂
Please read our wildlife viewing advice: