Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve
Dramatic white chalk cliffs, abundant wildlife, and coastal trails offering breathtaking sea views and unique geological formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore caves & see seals
Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve
Best Time
Explore caves & see seals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic white chalk cliffs, abundant wildlife, and coastal trails offering breathtaking sea views and unique geological formations.
"Fabulous place to visit with lots of parking nearby. A perfect walking space if not so agile."
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Coastal paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
🌊 Check tide times
Crucial for cave exploration and seal spotting. Plan your visit accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White Chalk Cliffs
Coastal paths
Dramatic white chalk cliffs offering breathtaking sea views and unique geological formations.
Seal Colonies
Near the 'Drinking Dinosaur' rock formation
Observe playful seals in their natural habitat, a truly captivating wildlife experience.
Coastal Caves
Accessible at low tide
Explore fascinating sea caves carved into the cliffs, a highlight for adventurous visitors.
Historic Lighthouse
Near the main car park
A picturesque landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Respecting the Nature Reserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Coastal paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
🌊 Check tide times
Crucial for cave exploration and seal spotting. Plan your visit accordingly!
🐶 Keep dogs on lead
Protect the wildlife and other visitors by keeping your canine companions leashed.
🗑️ Take all rubbish
Help preserve this beautiful nature reserve by leaving no trace behind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Coastal paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
🌊 Check tide times
Crucial for cave exploration and seal spotting. Plan your visit accordingly!
🐶 Keep dogs on lead
Protect the wildlife and other visitors by keeping your canine companions leashed.
🗑️ Take all rubbish
Help preserve this beautiful nature reserve by leaving no trace behind.
📸 Drone photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the headlands and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Flamborough Outer Headlands, particularly its dramatic white cliffs and abundant wildlife like seals. The accessible paths and convenient parking are frequently praised, making it a pleasant experience for many. However, some note the steepness of the beach access and the natural erosion of cliff edges.
"Fabulous place to visit with lots of parking nearby.
A perfect walking space if not so agile.
Very flat and accessible.
There is also a beach nearby.
If you head right from the lighthouse you will come across what’s aptly known as the drinking dinosaur, where you will discover a wonderful seal colony.
Please note: this is a nature reserve and it’s urged all dogs are kept on a lead.
Please also take home any rubbish you have.
The area is unspoilt and beautiful"
Glam Nana
"Excellent walks, lovely shaped cliffs with plenty of viewing points to seal watch. Large car park, reasonably priced, is next to a light house, restaurant/cafe/bar plus a well stocked shop to all visit after your walk."
Graham
"Beautiful wild, wide open space. Enough wind to blow the cobwebs off. Had a lovely walk around. Smashing gift shop, full of souvenirs at a reasonable price. Restaurant smelt good but didn't go....maybe next time.
Even the drive to it is pleasant . Lovely Sunday afternoon out 🥰"
ES G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is accessible by car, with a large car park located near the lighthouse. Simply type 'Flamborough Nature Reserve' into your sat nav.
Yes, there is a large, reasonably priced car park conveniently located next to the lighthouse.
While specific public transport details are scarce, the reserve is near Bridlington, which has transport links. Check local bus routes for options.
Many visitors find the drive itself to be pleasant, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.
The reserve is towards the old summer resort of Bridlington. Spurn Point is also a recommended nearby natural attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the nature reserve itself is free. Parking fees may apply in the main car park.
As a nature reserve, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. The lighthouse area may have specific visitor hours.
Information on lighthouse entry fees is not readily available, but the surrounding reserve is free to access.
Yes, the coastal caves are a highlight and are best explored during low tide.
Visitors are urged to keep dogs on leads and take all rubbish home to preserve the natural environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve offers excellent walks along the coast with plenty of viewing points. The paths are generally flat and accessible, though some areas near the beach are steep.
You can spot abundant birdlife, including birds feeding their young, and a wonderful seal colony, especially near the 'Drinking Dinosaur' rock.
The area offers a perfect walking space if not so agile, with very flat and accessible paths near the lighthouse.
Be aware of coastal erosion on cliff edges. For those with young children, unguarded cliff edges require extra vigilance.
Yes, there is a beach nearby, but be aware that it is down a very steep hill and may not be suitable for everyone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant/cafe/bar located next to the lighthouse, and the shop is well-stocked.
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of picnic tables at nearby Sandy Run Park suggests picnic opportunities might be available or encouraged.
The restaurant smelt good to visitors, suggesting a pleasant dining experience, though specific menus are not detailed.
Bridlington, a nearby town, offers various dining options for visitors to the East Yorkshire coast.
The cafe is conveniently located after a walk and smelled good, making it a potential option for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The white chalk cliffs, dramatic coastline, seal colonies, and the lighthouse all offer fantastic photographic opportunities. 
Drone shots have been captured here, showcasing the stunning aerial views of the reserve.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for capturing the cliffs and sea. Clear, windy days provide dramatic skies.
Look for the unique rock formations, the 'Drinking Dinosaur', and the wildlife, especially seals and seabirds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
The dramatic cliffs and sea views provide a constantly changing and inspiring landscape. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a more invigorating hike, the Flamborough Outer Headlands has something to offer. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Caves and Wildlife
Beyond the geological wonders, the reserve is a haven for wildlife. Visitors often report seeing a wonderful seal colony, particularly near a distinctive rock formation known as the 'Drinking Dinosaur'. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with opportunities to observe seabirds and their young.
When exploring, be mindful of the natural environment. The reserve is a protected area, and visitors are encouraged to respect its delicate ecosystem. This includes keeping dogs on leads and ensuring all litter is taken home to maintain the unspoiled beauty of the headlands.
Navigating the Reserve and Accessibility
However, it's important to be aware of varying terrain. While the main paths are easy to navigate, the beach area is down a very steep hill, which may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, there is coastal erosion on cliff edges, a natural phenomenon that visitors should be aware of for their safety.
For those arriving by car, a large car park is conveniently located near the lighthouse, making access straightforward. The car park is reasonably priced and serves as a good starting point for exploring the reserve.
Photography Opportunities at the Headlands
Drone photography has captured some breathtaking aerial perspectives of the reserve, highlighting the vastness of the coastline and the unique contours of the headlands.
Beyond the landscapes, the abundant wildlife offers excellent opportunities for close-up shots. Capturing seals playing in the sea or seabirds in their natural habitat can be a rewarding experience for any photographer. When planning your photographic expedition, consider the weather. Clear, windy days can offer dramatic skies, adding an extra layer of dynamism to your shots. Remember to bring appropriate gear, such as wide-angle lenses for sweeping vistas and telephoto lenses for wildlife, to make the most of the diverse photographic potential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit