Perched high above the crashing waves of the North Sea, RSPB Bempton Cliffs is one of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. This dramatic stretch of chalk cliffs on the Yorkshire coast, just a short drive from Bridlington, plays host to over half a million seabirds each spring and summer—making it one of the best places in the UK to get up close to nature, quite literally on the edge.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a casual visitor looking for fresh sea air and unforgettable views, Bempton Cliffs offers a breathtaking experience like no other.
🐦 A Haven for Seabirds
From March to October, the cliffs erupt with life as hundreds of thousands of seabirds arrive to nest, mate, and raise their chicks on the narrow cliff ledges. The stars of the show?
- Puffins – Small, comical, and instantly loveable, puffins can be seen from May to mid-July. Bring your binoculars and watch them dart in and out of their burrows.
- Gannets – With their six-foot wingspan and striking white and gold plumage, Bempton hosts England’s largest mainland gannet colony.
- Guillemots, Razorbills & Kittiwakes – These cliff-loving seabirds crowd the ledges in noisy, chaotic colonies, creating a vibrant soundscape.
- Fulmars – Gliding gracefully along the cliffs, they look like gulls but are related to albatrosses.
And don’t forget to look up: peregrine falcons sometimes hunt overhead, and you may spot a barn owl ghosting across the fields at dusk.
🌊 The Cliffs Themselves
The cliffs tower up to 400 feet high and stretch for miles along the coast, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see as far as Flamborough Head to the south and Filey Brigg to the north. The sea sparkles below, and the wind carries the unmistakable scent of salt and freedom.
🥾 What to Do at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
✅ Walk the Cliff-Top Trails
There are several well-maintained paths with six viewing platforms, many with scopes or helpful information boards. These give you a safe, close-up look at the nesting colonies.
✅ Visit the Seabird Centre
Start at the visitor centre, where friendly RSPB staff and volunteers can give tips on where to see the best birds that day. There’s also a small shop, café, and educational exhibits for all ages.
✅ Wildlife Photography
Bempton Cliffs is a dream for photographers, especially in golden morning or evening light. Puffins and gannets in flight provide endless opportunities for that perfect shot.
✅ Family Activities & Guided Walks
During holidays, the RSPB runs events for children and families, from puffin-themed trails to guided birdwatching walks. It’s a great spot for young nature lovers to learn and explore.
🕓 When to Visit
- Best Time for Puffins: May to mid-July
- Gannets and Other Seabirds: March to October
- Year-Round: The cliffs and coastal paths are open year-round, with different wildlife appearing in each season, including wintering birds and dramatic seascapes.
🧭 How to Get There
- By Car: Just 6 miles from Bridlington – follow signs to Bempton village. There’s a large car park at the reserve.
- By Train: Bempton Station is about a 1-mile walk from the cliffs.
- Accessibility: The visitor centre is accessible, and some cliff paths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs with assistance.
☕ Nearby Attractions
- Flamborough Head – Lighthouse walks, caves, and more birding.
- Bridlington – Traditional seaside town with beaches and fish & chips.
- Danes Dyke – Ancient woodland and nature trails close by.
💬 Final Thoughts
RSPB Bempton Cliffs isn’t just a destination—it’s a sensory experience. The screech of seabirds, the smell of sea air, and the thrill of spotting a puffin in the wild combine to create a memory that stays with you long after you’ve left the clifftop.
Whether you go for the birds, the views, or the peaceful connection to nature, this is a place that makes you pause, look up, and marvel.
Have you been to Bempton Cliffs? Share your puffin-spotting stories in the comments below!