RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Welcome to one of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles! Here at the towering chalk cliffs, around half-a-million seabirds swoop, soar and screech during March and mid-July. This is the most accessible seabird colony in the UK, where visitors can see puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars, and shags. We are also home to the majestic gannet, the largest seabird in the UK, which stays until October. The thriving gannet colony is the largest on the UK mainland.

The seabirds have largely left the cliffs by the end of September with the gannets being the last to depart.  Puffins leave us by mid-July, Kittiwakes in August.

Even without the nesting seabirds RSPB Bempton has a magical quality.  Seascapes and wild coastal walks with winter geese and owls hunting over the grassland.  Soak up the atmosphere and return for warming treats in the simple cafe and gifts from the shop, including those binoculars you’ve been meaning to buy.

Six safe viewpoints are available on the cliff tops, providing incredible views of the nesting birds and the impressive coastline. Our viewpoint volunteers are on hand to help identify the different species and point out the action. For the less mobile visitors, three viewing platforms are now fully wheelchair/pushchair accessible, and there’s ramped access to two other viewing platforms. They form a circular route starting and finishing at the visitor centre.  Our nature trail winds its way around the reserve, and young explorers can hire ‘Explorer Backpacks’ to help identify the wildlife they might spot as they explore. Binoculars can also be hired, which is highly recommended.

Events and activities take place all year, from photography workshops to guided walks and seabird cruises. However, if you prefer to do your own thing, simply wander along the cliff top paths and take in the views.  In summer you can also join the birds on the sea with an RSPB Cruise from Bridlington to see the cliffs from below and witness the birds close up as the fly back and forth to feed their young. Check out our events pages for more details.

Mobility scooters available – please book in advance via the reserve events pages.