Flamborough Head Lighthouse
Dramatic white cliffs, an iconic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife make Flamborough Head a must-visit Yorkshire coast gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Flamborough Head Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic white cliffs, an iconic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife make Flamborough Head a must-visit Yorkshire coast gem.
"It was perfect!!! Saw the seals! So many of them."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cliff paths can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring safely. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Seals!
Keep an eye on the rocks below Selwicks Bay for seals – they're a common and delightful sight! :seal:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flamborough Head Lighthouse
Flamborough Head
Iconic 19th-century lighthouse offering panoramic sea views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Dramatic White Cliffs
Flamborough Headland
Explore breathtaking chalk cliffs, sea caves, and arches along the stunning Yorkshire coastline.
Seal Spotting at Selwicks Bay
Selwicks Bay
Witness seals lounging on the rocks or swimming in the clear waters – a highlight for many visitors.
North Landing Beach
North Landing
A beautiful beach with sand, pebbles, and rock pools, perfect for a relaxing stroll or exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating the Cliffs and Coastline
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cliff paths can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring safely. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Seals!
Keep an eye on the rocks below Selwicks Bay for seals – they're a common and delightful sight! :seal:
Check Boat Trip Times
Local fishermen offer boat trips from North Landing; check schedules in advance. :boat:
Pack for All Weather
Coastal weather can change quickly; bring layers and rain protection. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cliff paths can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring safely. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Seals!
Keep an eye on the rocks below Selwicks Bay for seals – they're a common and delightful sight! :seal:
Check Boat Trip Times
Local fishermen offer boat trips from North Landing; check schedules in advance. :boat:
Pack for All Weather
Coastal weather can change quickly; bring layers and rain protection. :umbrella:
Parking Availability
There's ample pay-and-display parking near the lighthouse and cafes. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Flamborough Head for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the dramatic white cliffs and the iconic lighthouse. The opportunity to see seals is a major highlight, and the coastal walks are highly recommended. Some mention the loss of the lighthouse's rotating light as a minor drawback, and parking fees are a consideration.
"The lighthouse of my childhood holidays. It holds a very special place in my heart and until recently it had been almost two decades since I saw it.
So the review isn't unbiased, lots of childhood family holidays attached to this place. I remember as a kid excitedly waiting for it to light up, looking out of the caravan window frommthe nearby park. Back then the light used to rotate but with modernisation comes LED and I believe it just flashes on and off rather than rotates, like most lighthouses these days. To me it's lost some of its character because of that but what can you do?
It was still emotional seeing it again knowing who wasn't with me to see it this time."
4468
"Great place to walk and wander around.
Petty that the coffee facilities closed so ‘early’."
Hans Rol
"It was perfect!!!
Saw the seals! So many of them
Need to be careful of dangerous cliffs
Plenty of parking spaces.
Cheap prices and free toilets!
There is a cafe, food and one or two stalls"
Su Su San
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Flamborough Head Lighthouse is accessible by car, with pay-and-display parking available nearby. It's also a popular destination for scenic walks along the Yorkshire coast.
While direct public transport to the lighthouse itself can be limited, buses run to the village of Flamborough, from where you can walk or take a short taxi ride.
Yes, Flamborough Head Lighthouse is a key point on many coastal walks. You can walk from nearby villages like Flamborough or Thornwick Bay.
Combining a visit to the lighthouse with a walk along the dramatic white cliffs and a visit to North Landing or Selwicks Bay offers a comprehensive experience.
The village of Flamborough is very close, offering amenities. Bridlington is a larger coastal town a short drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The lighthouse itself is an exterior view, and the surrounding headland and cliffs are freely accessible. There is a charge for parking.
The lighthouse grounds and surrounding coastal paths are generally accessible at all times. The lighthouse structure itself may have specific visiting hours if tours are available.
Access to the cliffs and beaches like North Landing and Selwicks Bay is free. Parking at designated areas is typically pay-and-display.
Information on interior tours of Flamborough Head Lighthouse can vary. It's best to check local listings or the official Trinity House website for current tour availability and booking.
Visitors should be mindful of cliff safety and respect wildlife. During certain times, access to specific areas might be restricted for conservation or safety reasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the lighthouse, walk along the stunning white cliffs, spot seals, visit North Landing or Thornwick Bay beaches, and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for bird watching and is particularly known for its seal colonies visible from Selwicks Bay.
Yes, there are cafes and toilets located near the lighthouse and parking areas.
While beautiful, the cliffs can be dangerous. Stick to marked paths, stay well back from the edge, and supervise children closely.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and restrictions. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes located near the lighthouse and parking areas, offering refreshments.
Cafes typically offer light meals, snacks, and drinks. Some stalls might also be present.
Picnics are welcome, and there are many scenic spots along the coast to enjoy your own food. Remember to take all litter with you.
The village of Flamborough has several pubs and eateries offering a range of dining options.
Yes, the cafes near the lighthouse are convenient for a post-visit snack or meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse itself, the dramatic white cliffs, Selwicks Bay with seals, and North Landing beach offer incredible photographic opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for landscape photography, with golden hour offering stunning colours.
Drone photography is popular here, but always check and adhere to local drone regulations and airspace restrictions.
Views from the cliff tops looking towards the lighthouse, and from Selwicks Bay looking up at the lighthouse, are particularly popular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for seal spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Keep in mind that the cliff paths can be steep and uneven, so ensure children stay close and supervised. Sturdy footwear is essential for everyone. The cafes near the lighthouse provide convenient spots for snacks and breaks, and the ample parking makes access easier.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
+1Wear appropriate walking shoes as the terrain can be varied, from grassy paths to rocky sections. Pack water and snacks, and be prepared for changing coastal weather. The dramatic scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting make every step rewarding.
📸 Photographers
+1Capture the dramatic white chalk cliffs, sea stacks, and arches. Selwicks Bay offers unique opportunities to photograph seals in their natural habitat. Experiment with different angles, from the cliff tops to the bays below, and consider bringing a drone for aerial perspectives (check regulations first!).
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Flamborough Headland
Key attractions include the iconic Flamborough Head Lighthouse, a working lighthouse that has guided ships for centuries. Nearby, Selwicks Bay is a prime location for seal spotting, especially during low tide. North Landing and Thornwick Bay are beautiful coves offering sandy stretches, rock pools, and access to sea caves, making them perfect for exploration and relaxation.
+1When planning your visit, wear sturdy footwear as the terrain can be uneven. Be mindful of cliff edges and always prioritize safety. The area is popular for photography, with the lighthouse and coastal vistas providing excellent subjects, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
+1The History and Significance of Flamborough Head Lighthouse
Originally, the lighthouse featured a rotating light, but modern technology has seen it converted to a flashing system, a change that some visitors note has altered its traditional character. Despite this, it remains an active aid to navigation and a prominent landmark on the Yorkshire coast. The lighthouse is managed by Trinity House, the general lighthouse authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar.
Visiting the lighthouse offers a tangible connection to maritime history. While interior tours may not always be available, the exterior views and the surrounding landscape provide a compelling experience. The lighthouse's presence has shaped the local area, drawing visitors interested in its history, the dramatic coastline, and the abundant wildlife it overlooks.
+1Wildlife Encounters: Seals and Seabirds
+1The area is also a significant site for seabird colonies. During the breeding season, the cliffs teem with various species, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. While puffins are less common, they can occasionally be spotted in the wider North Sea region. Birdwatchers will find Flamborough Head a rewarding destination, especially during spring and summer.
Beyond seals and seabirds, the rock pools at beaches like North Landing offer a glimpse into marine life, with small fish, crabs, and anemones often visible. The diverse ecosystems of Flamborough Head make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and a key part of the Yorkshire coast's appeal.
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