Bempton Cliffs RSPB
A premier UK seabird colony with puffins, gannets, and stunning coastal views. A must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Puffin season!
Bempton Cliffs RSPB
Best Time
Puffin season!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier UK seabird colony with puffins, gannets, and stunning coastal views. A must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
"This is an amazing place, even if you do not know much about sea birds."
🎯 Bring Binoculars & Camera
Essential for spotting and photographing the diverse seabirds from the viewing platforms.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The cliff paths can be uneven and windy; comfortable, grippy shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Puffin Paradise
Various viewpoints along the cliffs
Witness the charming puffins with their colorful beaks nesting and diving for fish. A true highlight for any visitor.
Gannet Spectacle
Gannet colony viewpoints
Marvel at the sheer number of Northern Gannets, the largest seabirds in the UK, soaring and diving.
Cliff-Top Vistas
Coastal paths and viewing platforms
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic coastline and the vast North Sea.
Razorbill & Guillemot Colonies
Cliff ledges
Spot distinctive Razorbills and Guillemots, often seen perched on the cliff faces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Puffins
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Binoculars & Camera
Essential for spotting and photographing the diverse seabirds from the viewing platforms.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The cliff paths can be uneven and windy; comfortable, grippy shoes are a must.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Coastal weather is changeable. Be prepared for wind, sun, and potential rain.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak puffin season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Binoculars & Camera
Essential for spotting and photographing the diverse seabirds from the viewing platforms.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The cliff paths can be uneven and windy; comfortable, grippy shoes are a must.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Coastal weather is changeable. Be prepared for wind, sun, and potential rain.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak puffin season.
🐶 Dogs on Leads Welcome
Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted, but keep them away from cliff edges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bempton Cliffs for its incredible seabird colonies, especially the chance to see puffins. The stunning coastal views and well-maintained facilities, including a cafe and viewing platforms, are frequently highlighted. While parking can be busy and cafe prices slightly higher, the overall experience is described as amazing and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
"This is an amazing place, even if you do not know much about sea birds.
There must be thousands of birds here, nesting, flying, feeding etc.
There are a few viewing platforms, but you will need patience and a camera with a long lens if you want good close-up photos of the birds.
There is an excellent cafe and shop.
There is a lot of parking, but it can get very busy, especially if people are coming to try and get a glimpse of the Puffins."
Kevin Moore
"We are new to RSPB and this is a sight that has been mentioned to us on numerous occasions so my husband and I decided to pay the site a visit on a trip to Whitby. FANTASTIC, the facilities at the visitors centre are good, toilets, cafe, shop and picnic tables. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Wonderful walks and the birds didn't disappoint, Gannets galore it was great to see. We will be back. Had a fabulous day out."
Helen Milnes
"Such a beautiful place to visit, while in Scarborough. While entry to this site is free for members, there is a charge for adults of £8.00 each. However, this goes towards ensuring this site and others are protected for the future. Visiting today was made even better, with the wonderful weather and clear, blue skies. You don't have to be into bird watching, to truly appreciate nature. There are walks all along the cliff tops, with viewing platforms at various points, and the opportunity to view the different birds there, such as the Gannet and more. Even though we visited on a weekday, there were still a lot of people out. However, this didn't stop us, from enjoying the views and we didn't have to barge our way onto the platform, in order to get a good view. There are a number of benches as well along the trail, along with picnic tables and a visitor centre with a cafe and toilets. We were here for a couple of hours and brought our dogs for a walk, although they must be on leads so as to endure the safety of the wildlife.
All in all, a lovely place to visit and appreciate how beautiful nature really is."
James Cooper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bempton Cliffs RSPB is located on the Yorkshire coast. You can drive and park on-site (charges apply for non-members). The nearest train station is Bempton, which is a short walk from the reserve. Buses also serve the area, though services may be less frequent.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the RSPB Bempton Cliffs visitor centre. However, it can get very busy, especially during peak seasons like puffin season, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can reach Bempton Cliffs by public transport. Bempton train station is nearby, and local bus services also operate in the area, though checking timetables in advance is advised.
From York, you can take a train to Bempton station. The journey typically involves a change. Alternatively, driving offers more flexibility, with Bempton Cliffs being a manageable road trip.
Yes, Bempton Cliffs is close to the seaside town of Bridlington and the popular tourist destination of Scarborough. These towns offer accommodation and further attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is free for RSPB members. For non-members, there is an admission charge, typically around £8.00 for adults, which supports conservation efforts.
While booking in advance isn't always mandatory, it's advisable during peak season (especially for puffins) to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check the RSPB website for the latest information.
The reserve is generally open daily, but specific opening hours for the visitor centre, cafe, and shop can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official RSPB Bempton Cliffs website for current hours.
RSPB members get free entry. Discounts may be available for families or groups, and it's worth checking the RSPB website for any special offers or concessions.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Bempton Cliffs, but they must be kept on a lead at all times to ensure the safety of the wildlife and other visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bempton Cliffs is famous for its huge seabird colony, home to around 500,000 birds! You can see Puffins, Northern Gannets, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Razorbills, Guillemots, and many more.
The puffin season at Bempton Cliffs is typically from April to July. Outside of these months, they return to sea. 
Yes, there are well-maintained walking trails along the cliff tops, offering stunning views and access to various viewing platforms.
The reserve has a visitor centre, cafe, shop, and toilets. There are also picnic tables and benches along the trails.
Absolutely! Bempton Cliffs is a photographer's paradise, especially for wildlife and landscape photography. Bring a long lens for birds!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the visitor centre offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals.
The cafe typically serves a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and other light bites.
Yes, there are picnic tables available, making it a great spot to enjoy your own packed lunch with a view.
Some visitors find the cafe prices slightly higher than average, but the quality and freshness are generally well-regarded.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and use the picnic facilities provided.
📸 📸 Photography
A camera with a telephoto lens (300mm or more) is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of the seabirds.
Yes, the reserve has several well-placed viewing platforms that offer excellent vantage points for photographing the bird colonies and the coastline.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets can be particularly stunning.
Absolutely! Puffins are a major draw for photographers from April to July. Be patient and respectful of their space. +1
While not always advertised, keep an eye on the RSPB website or local photography groups for potential workshops or guided photography walks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack snacks and drinks, as the cafe can get busy. Encourage kids to use binoculars to spot birds themselves. The visitor centre often has interactive displays or information that can engage younger visitors. Remember to keep children close and supervised, especially near cliff edges.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography advice: Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light. Consider a tripod for stability. Be patient, as the best shots often come from waiting for the right moment. The viewing platforms offer great angles, but explore the coastal paths for different perspectives.
+1🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Hiking tips: Wear sturdy walking shoes. Be mindful of the wind and weather, and dress in layers. The paths offer a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire coast and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seabird Spectacle
The sheer density of birds creates a vibrant and dynamic natural spectacle. The air is filled with the calls of the birds, and the cliffs teem with activity as they feed, nest, and interact. Even if you're not an avid birdwatcher, the scale and energy of the colony are captivating.
Key species to look out for include the aforementioned puffins, gannets, razorbills, and guillemots, but also fulmars, shags, and various gull species. The RSPB provides information and often has wardens or volunteers on hand to help identify birds and share fascinating facts about their lives.
Photography Tips for Bempton Cliffs
Patience is also a virtue here; waiting for birds to fly, dive, or interact can yield incredible results. Consider the lighting conditions. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer, warmer light, ideal for capturing the textures of the birds and the dramatic coastal scenery. Sunsets over the North Sea can be spectacular.
Remember that the weather can change rapidly, so protecting your gear from wind and sea spray is also important. Many photographers find the viewing platforms provide stable vantage points, but a tripod can still be beneficial for those longer waits or for capturing sharp images in lower light. Beyond the birds, the rugged coastline itself offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the sweeping views of the cliffs, the crashing waves, and the vast expanse of the sea. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and compositions to make your Bempton Cliffs photos unique.
Beyond the Birds: The Yorkshire Coast
The reserve is situated between Filey and Flamborough Head, areas known for their picturesque scenery and charming seaside towns. Visitors can easily combine a trip to Bempton Cliffs with exploring nearby attractions like the iconic lighthouse at Flamborough Head or the traditional seaside resort of Bridlington.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit