The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds cares for 180 wildlife-rich reserves across the country, but arguably none offers more spectacular views than Bempton Cliffs.
Standing tall on the northern flank of Flamborough Head, a vast promontory that presses stubbornly into the North Sea, Bempton’s chalk escarpment plunges 100 metres into the raging waves.
Even better, between January and October – particularly April to September – narrow ledges on the rockface hold mainland Britain’s mightiest seabird colony.
Where is Bempton Cliffs?
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a renowned nature reserve located on the coast of the East Riding of Yorkshire, near the village of Bempton, about 6 miles north of Bridlington.
How many seabirds can you spot at Bempton Cliffs?
In 2022, an astonishing 166,576 breeding pairs crammed on to the cliffs between Flamborough and Filey, north of Bempton.
In healthy counterpoint to many declining colonies around our coastlines, Yorkshire’s seabird metropolis has expanded by 10% in five years.
When are the puffins at Bempton Cliffs?
Puffins, flaunting their jaunty gait, clown-like mascara and colourful beak, can be seen from April to July.
What other birds can I see at Bempton Cliffs?
These seacliffs are feathered bedlam. Bempton is the sole location in England where gannets nest; our largest seabird can be watched easily from astutely sited platforms along the coastal path.
Peering down the seabird skyscraper, you can also pick out other members of the auk family, including serried ranks of guillemots, interspersed with plenty of razorbills.
All the while, the onomatopoeic calls of kittiwakes – a delicate, globally threatened, ocean-faring gull – echo around the coves.
Find out more about the seabird cities on our podcast, The Plodcast, recorded at Bempton Cliffs
When to visit Bempton Cliffs
Even outside the seabird breeding season (April - July), there is much to occupy visitors.
Expect to see corn buntings, skylarks, and linnets in spring and summer, as their breeding grounds are in the grasslands and scrub where the land meets the sea, while during winter months you'll have chance to spot kestrels, barn owls and short-eared owls in winter.
What to see and do at Bempton Cliffs
The reserve offers viewing platforms, a visitor center with cafe, guided walks, and educational displays.
You can also take a cruise from Bridlington Harbour to see the birds from a different perspective.
Visitor information for RSPB Bempton Cliffs
The reserve is a 30 minute drive from Scarborough and around 10 minutes from Bridlington. The postcode for SatNav is YO15 1JF.
- For opening times and more visitor information, visit RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
Looking for more days out inspiration?
If you're in the area, check out our guides to the best walks of East Riding, Filey and Speeton Sands, best walks in North Yorkshire, Scarborough and Wensleydale.
