Bempton Cliffs - Wild and Wonderful

Nature's Seaside Spectacle

Situated on the rugged Yorkshire coast, Bempton Cliffs is one of Britain's most spectacular wildlife destinations. If you've never been, you're missing out on a place where sky, sea, and land collide in a breath-stealing display of natural beauty — and, more importantly, where over half a million seabirds gather in a seasonal chorus every spring and summer.

Where is Bempton Cliffs?

Bempton Cliffs is located on the east coast of England, just north of Bridlington in East Yorkshire. It's part of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve network, stretching along chalky cliffs that rise dramatically to over 400 feet.

The cliffs overlook the North Sea, offering panoramic coastline views and miles of open sky.

Why Visit Bempton Cliffs?

In short, birds. And lots of them.

Gannet

Between March and October, Bempton Cliffs becomes one of the UK's busiest seabird colonies. Around 500,000 birds arrive to nest and raise their chicks on the cliff ledges. The reserve is internationally renowned for its Gannet colony — England's largest — with around 13,000 pairs jostling for space on the sheer rock face.

Gannets

But it's not just Gannets. Puffins are a firm visitor favourite with their colourful beaks and almost comical expressions. Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Fulmars also make their homes here, creating a lively, noisy, and utterly captivating natural spectacle.

Puffin

Even if you're not a seasoned birdwatcher, it's hard not to be impressed by the aerial acrobatics on display. Gannets dive like spears into the sea at up to 60mph speeds, while Puffins zip to and from their burrows with beaks full of sand eels.

Best Time to Go

For Puffin fans, the best time to visit is between May and July. The rest of the seabird colony tends to arrive from March onwards and starts leaving by late August. Outside of bird breeding season, the cliffs and the dramatic seascapes are well worth visiting.

Sunrise and sunset can be especially atmospheric times to explore, with golden light painting the white cliffs and vast skies.

Visitor Information

The RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve is well equipped for visitors, with a welcoming visitor centre, car park, café, toilets, and accessible paths leading to several cliff-edge viewing platforms. These platforms get you up close and personal with the action—safely, of course.

There are also family-friendly activities, guided walks, and plenty of photography opportunities for amateurs and professionals alike.

Postcode for SatNav: YO15 1JF

Final Thoughts

Bempton Cliffs is one of those places that reminds you how wild and wonderful nature can be, just a stone's throw from home. Whether you're a birder, a photographer, a nature lover, or simply someone searching for fresh air and coastal views, it's a spot that stays with you long after you've left.

So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and head to the cliffs — nature's show is about to start.

PS, It's ALWAYS windy :-)

ENJOY!