Puffins of Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Flamborough Head in the East Riding of Yorkshire is home to dramatic white cliffs, abundant wildlife and a 24 metre high lighthouse.
We have visited Flamborough many times over the years with my family and have been lucky enough to see puffins on quite a few of those visits - you do have to time it right! Puffins can be seen between April & mid July and can be tricky to spot amongst the huge number of kittiwakes and razorbills. But sit for long enough and you may catch a glimpse of their distinctive bright orange feet and beak. They are beautiful birds and very comical to watch.
Seals are also plentiful and they lie in secluded coves that can be seen safely from the clifftops or watch them bobbing in the water. We saw a dozen or so just relaxing on their backs and snoozing in the waves.
North Landings is a great place to park the car and then walk the two miles along the top of the cliffs for a tasty fish & chip lunch at The Headlands Family restaurant. The puffins & seals can be seen along the route and also at the headland near the lighthouse.
An impressive RSPB nature reserve is situated a little further north along the coast at Bempton and is well worth a visit if bird-watching is your thing. Along with puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots there is a huge colony of gannets that reside here from April to July - altogether they make an incredible noise! I do wonder if they quieten down at night.....
Top Tips
Visit between April and mid July to see puffins
Make time - at least half a day - to visit Bempton RSPB reserve if you enjoy bird-watching
Ensure you get a parking ticket to cover your time at the carparks - we once received a nasty fine as we spent a little too long watching puffins....
Don't forget your binoculars!
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