Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve

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Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve

Nature Reserve

Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve is an RSPB-run nature reserve on towering chalk cliffs of the Yorkshire coast, celebrated for large breeding colonies of seabirds. Travellers come for close cliff-top viewing, the visitor centre and coastal walks.

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Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve essentials

Address: Bempton, East Riding of Yorkshire, England

Bempton Cliffs is an RSPB nature reserve on high, hard chalk cliffs on the Yorkshire coast, stretching north from Flamborough Head for about 10 km and reaching heights over 100 m in places. The chalk provides sheltered ledges and crevices that attract dense breeding colonies of seabirds and the reserve includes nearby Buckton Cliffs.

The site is best known for its large colonies of northern gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and a smaller population of Atlantic puffins that nest in rock crevices rather than burrows. Bempton hosts the only mainland gannet colony in England, and the RSPB manages viewing paths and protected observation points along the cliff top.

Visitors find a well-equipped visitor centre with displays and seasonal information, fenced cliff-top walkways and a series of listening panels of phonetic birdsong by artist Adrian Riley sited near appropriate habitats. Tree sparrows also nest in boxes around the centre, with recent successful fledging reported by the RSPB.

  • Gannet colony: A dense, noisy mainland gannet colony is visible from cliff-top viewpoints during the breeding season.
  • Puffins and auk species: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and common guillemots nest on the cliffs or in crevices and are best observed with binoculars or a long lens.
  • Cliff-top views: Sweeping sea views along the chalk headlands look north and south along the Yorkshire coast and are dramatic in windy weather.
  • RSPB visitor centre: Displays, seasonal information and interpretation panels help identify species and explain local conservation work.
  • Birdsong panels: A trail of phonetic birdsong artworks by Adrian Riley is installed near habitats suited to each species.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve#

Late spring and summer are the peak months for breeding seabirds and the best time to see colonies; winters are quieter for nesting but can be dramatic for coastal weather-watching.

Breeding season (best)
May - July · 6°C - 20°C (43°F - 68°F)
Most seabirds are on territory and actively feeding chicks, so cliff-top viewpoints offer the best chances to see gannets, kittiwakes and auks.
Spring (good)
April - May · 4°C - 14°C (39°F - 57°F)
Bird activity increases as migrants and returning breeders arrive, with fewer visitors on site than in mid-summer.
Winter (quiet)
November - February · 1°C - 9°C (34°F - 48°F)
Fewer breeding birds are present but the coast can be spectacular in stormy weather; expect colder, windier conditions and reduced seasonal services.

Weather & Climate near Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve#

Climate

Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (651 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulySeptemberJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 6° -2° 61 mm overcast 90% 7.0 m/s 0.0 low 7.7h
February Poor 1° - 6° -1° 42 mm overcast 88% 6.7 m/s 0.1 low 9.5h
March Poor 2° - 9° 1° 49 mm overcast 87% 6.3 m/s 0.3 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 4° - 11° 4° 46 mm overcast 86% 5.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 13.9h
May Acceptable 6° - 15° 10° 48 mm overcast 85% 5.6 m/s 1.0 high 15.8h
June Good 9° - 17° 13° 55 mm overcast 86% 5.2 m/s 1.2 high 16.9h
July Good 11° - 20° 16° 51 mm overcast 85% 4.8 m/s 1.2 high 16.4h
August Good 11° - 20° 16° 60 mm overcast 85% 5.0 m/s 0.9 moderate 14.7h
September Good 9° - 17° 13° 54 mm overcast 86% 5.7 m/s 0.6 moderate 12.5h
October Acceptable 7° - 13° 7° 57 mm overcast 87% 6.3 m/s 0.2 low 10.3h
November Poor 3° - 9° 2° 63 mm overcast 89% 6.7 m/s 0.1 low 8.3h
December Poor 2° - 7° -1° 65 mm overcast 90% 6.6 m/s 0.0 low 7.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve#

The nearest large town is Scarborough, North Yorkshire, which is the main rail and road hub for the area; smaller coastal towns such as Filey and Bridlington are also nearby. For long-distance travel, travellers typically use airports serving Hull or Leeds/Bradford and continue by rail or road.

From Scarborough or nearby towns the last stretch is by local bus, taxi or car along minor coastal roads; check local timetables and RSPB directions for the best public-transport options and for routes to the reserve and visitor centre.

Tips for Visiting Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve#

  • Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens for seabirds that nest on distant ledges.
  • Wear windproof and warm layers year-round - the cliff top is exposed to strong winds and sea spray.
  • Respect fences and signs; stay well back from cliff edges for safety and to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
  • Check the RSPB website or visitor centre for seasonal access, guided walks and any temporary closures.
  • Keep dogs under close control and away from cliff edges and nesting areas.