Flamborough Head
Dramatic chalk cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife make Flamborough Head a stunning coastal gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for seal spotting
Flamborough Head
Best Time
Best for seal spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic chalk cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife make Flamborough Head a stunning coastal gem.
"A truly magical place with stunning coastal views and incredible wildlife encounters."
🎯 Spot the Seals!
Visit during low tide for the best chance to see seals basking on the rocks.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Cliff paths can be uneven and steep; good walking shoes are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Drinking Dinosaur Rock Formation
Flamborough Headland
A unique chalk rock formation resembling a dinosaur drinking from the sea. A must-see natural wonder!
Seal Colony at North Landing
North Landing Beach
Witness seals basking on the rocks and swimming in the bay. A magical wildlife encounter!
Flamborough Lighthouse
Flamborough Head
An iconic 17th-century lighthouse offering panoramic views of the dramatic coastline.
Chalk Cliffs and Sea Caves
Flamborough Headland
Explore dramatic white chalk cliffs, arches, and caves carved by the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Seal Spotting
Prepare for Coastal Walks & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Spot the Seals!
Visit during low tide for the best chance to see seals basking on the rocks.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Cliff paths can be uneven and steep; good walking shoes are essential. +1
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Parking is charged, even for blue badge holders. Arrive early for disabled spots.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Restaurant prices can be high; consider bringing your own refreshments.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Spot the Seals!
Visit during low tide for the best chance to see seals basking on the rocks.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Cliff paths can be uneven and steep; good walking shoes are essential. +1
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Parking is charged, even for blue badge holders. Arrive early for disabled spots.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Restaurant prices can be high; consider bringing your own refreshments.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning coastal landscapes, wildlife, and the lighthouse.
🌊 Explore Sea Caves
At low tide, discover fascinating sea caves along the coastline.
🐧 Birdwatching Paradise
Flamborough Head is a haven for seabirds, including puffins!
🏄♀️ Try Paddleboarding
Enjoy the waves and sunshine with a paddleboarding adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Flamborough Head's stunning natural beauty, particularly its dramatic chalk cliffs, the iconic lighthouse, and the chance to see seals and puffins. The 'Drinking Dinosaur' rock formation is a unique highlight. While the scenery is consistently praised, some find the on-site dining options expensive and parking fees a drawback.
"This coastal wildlife site offers exceptional opportunities for bird-watchers and nature photographers. Visitors can expect frequent sightings of puffins, a variety of other seabirds, and seals that bask on the surrounding rocks and in the bay area.
Accessibility is addressed, with a couple of surfaced paths accommodating wheelchair users, while an extensive network of grass and gravelled tracks cater to walkers seeking a more natural route. Essential amenities include free toilet facilities opposite the lighthouse, alongside a family-friendly restaurant, an ice-cream kiosk and a small gift shop.
During a mid-week, term-time visit the restaurant was busy, and prices were high relative to food quality; three portions of cheesy chips and three hot chocolates exceeded £30. Guests should factor this into their plans or consider bringing their own refreshments.
Parking is available for a fee, and this applies to blue-badge holders as well. Spaces designated for disabled visitors are in short supply, so early arrival is advisable. Motorcyclists, however, will appreciate free parking.
Overall, the site excels as a wildlife viewing destination with reasonable accessibility and basic services, though improvements in dining value and disabled parking capacity would enhance the visitor experience further."
Samantha Briggs
"Beautiful place, we went there to see puffins and we're not disappointed. A lovely little beach with a steep decline walk to get there. There was a bar at the top which we had a drink and enjoyed the view.
Photos were taken on a phone so not the best but you get the jist."
Alessandra Eariss
"Such a special place.
There are a lot of steps to get to the beach, quite steep in places.
Look out for the seals at the bottom. When the tide is out you can explore the caves (recommend)"
Nicola Bates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Flamborough Head is accessible by car, with parking available near the lighthouse and North Landing. Public transport options include buses from Bridlington.
Yes, Flamborough Head is a relatively short drive from Leeds, making it a great day trip destination.
Many visitors enjoy walking along the cliff paths to take in the views and spot wildlife.
Cycling is a great way to explore the East Yorkshire coast, and Flamborough Head is a scenic route for cyclists.
While official guided tours might be limited, local walking groups or independent guides may offer excursions. Checking local tourism websites is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Flamborough Head itself is a natural landscape and generally free to access. However, parking fees apply at designated car parks.
As an open coastal area, Flamborough Head is accessible at all times. However, facilities like the lighthouse visitor centre or nearby cafes will have specific opening hours.
No advance booking is typically required for general access to Flamborough Head. Parking is usually on a pay-and-display basis.
Visitors are advised to stay on marked paths, respect wildlife (especially seals and birds), and be mindful of cliff edges.
There are facilities near the lighthouse, including toilets, a cafe, and a gift shop, which can serve as information points.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic cliff walks, spot seals and seabirds, explore sea caves at low tide, visit the lighthouse, and relax on the beach.
The best place to see seals is at North Landing beach and the surrounding rocky areas, especially during low tide.
Expect to see seals, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and other seabirds.
Yes, there are a couple of surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair users, alongside gravel and grass tracks for walkers.
The lighthouse, the 'Drinking Dinosaur' rock formation, dramatic cliff views, and wildlife (seals, birds) offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a family-friendly restaurant and an ice-cream kiosk near the lighthouse.
Reviews suggest that while convenient, the food quality may not always match the prices. Consider bringing your own snacks.
Absolutely! Flamborough Head is a great spot for picnics with beautiful views.
Yes, there's a cafe located near the lighthouse offering refreshments and ice cream.
Flamborough village offers various pubs and cafes for a meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic chalk cliffs, the iconic lighthouse, the 'Drinking Dinosaur' rock formation, and the abundant wildlife (seals, puffins, seabirds) are prime subjects.
Golden hours (sunrise and sunset) offer beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for wildlife.
Drone usage is permitted, but always fly responsibly and maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially seals and nesting birds.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the cliffs and the unique rock formations. Telephoto lenses are great for wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cliff walks offer stunning views, parents should be extra vigilant with young children due to the proximity of the cliff edges.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out, as coastal conditions can change rapidly.
📸 Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1 The abundance of wildlife, particularly the seals and diverse seabirds, provides incredible subjects for wildlife photography. +1 Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best light for capturing the stunning coastal landscapes. Remember to pack a versatile lens kit, perhaps a wide-angle for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife.
Respecting the natural environment and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife is paramount to ensure their well-being and to capture authentic moments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Wonders: Seals and Seabirds
+1 Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. When planning your visit, checking the tide times is crucial for maximizing your chances of seeing seals.
Key wildlife to look out for:
* Seals: Common and grey seals are frequently spotted.
* Puffins: A highlight for many visitors during nesting season.
* Other Seabirds: Guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and gulls are abundant.
+1Exploring the Dramatic Coastline
The most famous natural feature is the 'Drinking Dinosaur,' a unique rock formation that has become a local icon. +1Walking along the cliff tops offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the sea.
For those who enjoy a more adventurous exploration, descending to the beaches like North Landing allows you to get closer to the cliffs and discover sea caves, particularly when the tide is out. Highlights of the coastline:
* Chalk Cliffs: Soaring white cliffs offering dramatic vistas.
* Sea Arches and Stacks: Natural formations carved by erosion.
* Sea Caves: Accessible at low tide for exploration.
* The 'Drinking Dinosaur': A distinctive rock formation.
+1The Iconic Flamborough Lighthouse
While the lighthouse itself is a significant attraction, its location provides excellent vantage points for observing the surrounding coastline and wildlife.
Key facts about Flamborough Lighthouse:
* Built: 1806 (current structure)
* Significance: One of the oldest lighthouses in Britain.
* Location: Dominates the Flamborough Headland.
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