One of my favourite places to go and see the puffins in the UK is at Bempton Cliffs. Home to the largest seabird city in England!
You may not get as close to them as some of the other locations throughout the UK. However, the great thing about this spot, you don’t have to book any fancy boat trip! Yup, you heard that right! You can see them on the mainland!
Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip to see the Puffins, here at Bempton Cliffs:
Where Is Bempton Cliffs?
Bempton Cliffs are located in East Yorkshire, between Flamborough and Bridlington. A very beautiful section of the East Yorkshire coastline.
To get there, you need to drive or take a taxi. Currently, there is no bus service to Bempton Cliffs.
Best Time Of Year To See Them?
Sadly, the puffins aren’t here all year round! They come to the cliffs here at Bempton to nest, then once the baby is hatched and can fly, they flea out to sea.
The best time to see them is from mid-May to mid-July. However, some can start arriving as early as mid-April and some can hang around till mid-August.
Does It Cost?
Bempton Cliffs is a Nature Reserve, owned by the RSPB. During the day, when the visitor centre is open, they charge a small fee. This helps to look after the area
During peak season (when the puffins are here), they charge £7 per adult, and £3.50 for a child. (Please note these prices are from 2023) If you visit after 5 pm, when the visitor centre is closed, you can visit free of charge!
Please note the entrance price may change. For up-to-date pricing, please visit their website:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bempton-cliffs/#Key-information
Opening Times
The car park and Nature Reserve are open from dawn to dusk. The visitor centre during peak season (when the puffins are here) is open from 9.30 pm to 5 pm.
How To Spot A Puffin
Seeing a puffin isn’t always easy! There are a lot smaller than a lot of the other birds found nesting on the cliffs, here at Brempton Cliffs. You might have to spend a little while looking before you spot one. Patience is the key!
Here are some tips:
- Look out for orange feet and a colourful beak.
- Take a pair of binoculars, as there might be some puffins far out on the cliffs nesting.
- If you want to get a good photo, I recommend a camera with at least a 400mm zoom lens.
- Walk to the different viewing platforms. There might be more at another one!
Bempton Cliffs Is More Than Just Puffins!
While you’re there on your visit, don’t forget to look out for some of the other birds nesting on the cliffs too. From Gannets to Guillemots.
If you are visiting late evening, look out for the Barn Owl, gliding across the fields, looking for food. The Barn Owl is there all year round, not just in the summer months!
If you are visiting in Spring, on a calm day, early morning, you might be lucky enough to see a Porpoise or a seal bobbing up and down in the water.
For more information on all the different wildlife you can encounter, and the time of year best to see them, please visit their website:
shttps://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bempton-cliffs/
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