Flamborough Head & Bempton Cliffs: Coastal Walking Guide

Chalk cliffs, seabird colonies, and some of the finest coastal walking in northern England, less than an hour from the cottage.

The Flamborough headland juts out into the North Sea like a clenched fist, its white chalk cliffs rising over 100 metres above the water. Between Flamborough Head and the RSPB reserve at Bempton, you'll find England's largest mainland seabird colony, a historic lighthouse, sheltered bays with rock pools, and cliff paths that rank among the best walking anywhere on the Yorkshire coast.

Flamborough Head Lighthouse and the Chalk Cliffs

The current lighthouse at Flamborough Head was built in 1806 and still operates as a navigation aid. On clear days the light is visible 24 miles out to sea. During summer months, Trinity House opens the lighthouse for guided tours. The climb to the top is worth it for the views alone: the curve of Bridlington Bay to the south, the white cliffs stretching north towards Bempton, and on a good day, the outline of Scarborough Castle far up the coast.

Just inland from the lighthouse sits the older chalk tower, built in 1674 and thought to be the oldest surviving complete lighthouse in England. It never actually held a light, and its purpose remains debated by historians, but it's a striking structure nonetheless. The surrounding clifftop is open grassland, good for a wander and ideal for a picnic if the wind allows.

The chalk geology here is what makes the landscape so distinctive. Unlike the clay cliffs further south towards Holderness, the Flamborough chalk holds firm against the sea, creating dramatic stacks, arches, and caves that you can spot from the cliff edge or explore by kayak at water level.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve

A few miles north along the cliff path from Flamborough sits Bempton Cliffs, one of the most accessible seabird colonies in the country. Between April and August, over a quarter of a million birds nest on the narrow ledges of the 400-foot chalk cliffs. The noise, the smell, and the sheer spectacle of it are genuinely remarkable. Anyone with even a passing interest in birdwatching should make the trip.

Puffins are the star attraction, arriving from mid-April and departing by mid-July. They nest in burrows at the cliff top and can be watched from just a few metres away at the viewpoint platforms. Gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars fill the remaining ledges. The RSPB staff and volunteers stationed at the viewpoints are knowledgeable and happy to point out what you're looking at.

The visitor centre has a small cafe, a shop, and regularly updated information on what species are currently present. Binoculars help but aren't essential since many of the birds nest surprisingly close to the viewing platforms.

Walking Routes

The finest walk on this stretch of coast runs along the clifftop from Flamborough Head lighthouse north to Bempton village. It's roughly 4 miles, mostly flat, and follows the England Coast Path. You're on the cliff edge for almost the entire route, with views down to the sea and across to the colonies. Allow two hours at a comfortable pace, longer if you stop at the RSPB viewpoints.

A circular route from Flamborough village takes in the lighthouse, drops down to North Landing, follows the coast to Thornwick Bay, and returns through the village. This is about 3 miles and includes some steps and uneven ground near the bays. North Landing has a small beach, a cafe, and the old lifeboat station. Thornwick Bay is rockier and quieter, with caves worth exploring at low tide.

For a longer day, combine the coastal path with a return route through the farmland on top of the Wolds. The countryside behind the cliffs is open arable land with wide views. You can link this with other Yorkshire coast day trips for a full weekend of exploration.

Dane's Dyke

Cutting across the neck of the Flamborough peninsula, Dane's Dyke is an ancient earthwork that now shelters a surprisingly lush wooded valley. The walk from the car park down through the trees to the beach takes about 15 minutes. It's a different character entirely from the exposed clifftops: shaded, sheltered, and green. In spring the woodland floor is thick with wild garlic and bluebells.

The beach at the bottom is pebbly and often quiet even when Bridlington is packed. It's a good spot for a swim if you don't mind the cold. The dyke itself is thought to date from the Bronze Age, though it was long attributed to the Danes, hence the name. An information board at the car park gives the historical background.

Planning Your Visit

Flamborough Head is roughly 35 minutes' drive from the cottage, making it an easy day trip or half-day outing. The headland is exposed to wind from every direction, so dress in layers even on a warm day. The cliff paths are unfenced in many places, so keep children and dogs close to you and stay well back from the edge.

Parking is available at the lighthouse, North Landing, Thornwick Bay, and the RSPB reserve at Bempton. Each has its own charge. If you plan to visit Bempton more than once, RSPB membership pays for itself quickly in saved parking fees. For the best seabird experience, visit between May and July. Outside breeding season the cliffs are quieter, but the coastal walking is superb year-round, and winter storms create dramatic seas that are worth seeing from a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see puffins at Bempton Cliffs?

Puffins arrive at Bempton Cliffs from mid-April and stay until mid-July. Late May and June are the best months, when they are most active feeding chicks and can be seen up close from the clifftop viewpoints.

How far is Flamborough Head from Yorkshire Wolds Cottage?

Flamborough Head is roughly 20 miles east of the cottage, about 35-40 minutes by car. The drive takes you through the Wolds and out towards the coast at Bridlington before reaching Flamborough village.

Is there an entry fee for Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve?

Entry to the reserve and cliff viewpoints is free. There is a charge for car parking unless you are an RSPB member. The visitor centre has a cafe and shop.

Can you walk from Flamborough Head to Bempton Cliffs?

Yes. The clifftop path between Flamborough Head lighthouse and Bempton Cliffs is roughly 4 miles and follows the England Coast Path. The walk is mostly level along the cliff edge with spectacular views throughout.