Bempton Cliffs gannets
Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
What to expect
Bempton Cliffs is an RSPB reserve on the Yorkshire coast, home to the biggest mainland seabird colony in England. Tens of thousands of gannets, along with guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and puffins, nest on the 100-metre chalk cliffs from spring to late summer. Viewing platforms along the clifftop allow visitors to watch the birds at close range.
Tips before you go
- Bring binoculars, a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes.
- Visit in the morning for the best light and the busiest bird activity.
- Combine with a visit to Flamborough Head.
Book or plan it
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Where to base yourself
Britain's oldest seaside resort, with two bays and a castle
A weekend in WhitbyNorth YorkshireA dramatic harbour town with a clifftop abbey
What to pack
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Beach and coast gear
Related activities
The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, are home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including puffins that nest between roughly April and July.
Whitby Abbey visitEast Cliff, Whitby, North YorkshireThe ruins of Whitby Abbey sit on the headland above the harbour, a Gothic skeleton against the sky.
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay coastal walkWhitby, North YorkshireA coastal path section of the Cleveland Way links Whitby with Robin Hood's Bay, a distance of about seven miles.
Frequently asked questions
When can I see gannets at Bempton?
Gannets are present from about March to October, with the biggest numbers in summer.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.