the famous drinking dinosaur
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Selwicks Bay

4.9
·96 reviews·Flamborough, United Kingdom

Discover Selwicks Bay, a Yorkshire gem with dramatic white cliffs, abundant seals, and magical caves, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Best access for exploring caves & rock pools

CrowdMedium
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the famous drinking dinosaur

Selwicks Bay

Best Time

Low tide

Best access for exploring caves & rock pools

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Selwicks Bay, a Yorkshire gem with dramatic white cliffs, abundant seals, and magical caves, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

4.9
(96 reviews)

"Absolutely stunning views, beautiful white cliffs, good paths, and access to the beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Respect the Seals

Never approach seals, especially pups. Observe from a safe distance to protect them.

⏰ Check Tide Times

Crucial for safe access to caves and beach. Plan your visit accordingly.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 96 reviews

Type

Beach

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The White Cliffs

The White Cliffs

Selwicks Bay

Striking white cliffs create a dramatic backdrop, offering stunning views and unique geological formations.

TikTokInstagram
Abundant Seal Colonies

Abundant Seal Colonies

Selwicks Bay

Witness playful seals in their natural habitat, often seen flocking in the waves or resting on the shore.

TikTokReddit+1
Exploring Caves and Coves

Exploring Caves and Coves

Selwicks Bay

Discover hidden caves and small coves, especially at low tide, perfect for family exploration and rock pooling.

InstagramReddit
The Drinking Dinosaur

The Drinking Dinosaur

Near Selwicks Bay (approx. 43 min walk)

A unique sea arch formation, a popular spot for scenic walks and photography.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Seal Spotting Etiquette

Selwicks Bay is a haven for seals! Remember to observe them from a distance and never approach, especially seal pups. Respecting their space ensures their safety and allows everyone to enjoy these incredible creatures. TikTok+1

Tide Times are Crucial

Access to Selwicks Bay and exploring its caves and coves is highly dependent on tide times. Always check the tide forecast before your visit to ensure safe access and avoid getting cut off. Reddit

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Best access for exploring caves & rock pools
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Magical light for photography
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Warmest for swimming & seal spotting
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of our favourite Yorkshire coast beauty spots 🦭 We’re happy to share this one with you, but please do NOT try to approach the seals ❤️ (we’ll have to start gatekeeping these amazing places otherwise!!) #flamborough #flamboroughhead #drinkingdinosaur #yorkshire #eastyorkshire #yorkshirecoast #thingstodoinyorkshire #yorkshirewalks
@the.yorkshireman
2.6K likes • 101.2K views

🐾 Respect the Seals

Never approach seals, especially pups. Observe from a safe distance to protect them. TikTok+1

⏰ Check Tide Times

Crucial for safe access to caves and beach. Plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

Always mesmerised by the seals at Flamborough Head ❤️🦭 #flamborough #flamboroughhead #thingstodoinyorkshire #eastyorkshire #yorkshirelife #yorkshirecoast
@the.yorkshireman
2K likes • 66.2K views
. Sunrise Selwicks Bay, Flamborough #flamborough #sun #sky #sunrisephotography #earth #sunrise_sunset_photogroup #sunsetlover #skycolors #redsky #sunrise_and_sunsets #capture #sunrise_sunsets_aroundworld #sunrise #sunsetpics #instasun #instasky #amazingsunrise #amazingsky #sunrisecaptures #earthpix #sunsetsky #skylovers #amazing #skyporn #skyscape #capture #world_bestsky #beautifuldestinatio...
aprilcottageflamborough
73 likes • 319 views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Steep steps and rocky terrain require good walking shoes. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning cliff shots and seal encounters. Instagram

Дикое место, не обжитое человеком. Меловые скалы, обрывы, уютные галечные бухточки, маленькие островки и фантастические каменные формы 🦕 делают залив Selwicks Bay уникальным местечком. Вода здесь невероятно чиста и прозрачна😍, берега представлены в виде гротов и ниш, где обитают никем не потревоженные обитатели Северного моря 🦭. Присмотритесь, вы видите тюленей у скалы под названием «пьющий ...
evebus_london
43 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Respect the Seals

Never approach seals, especially pups. Observe from a safe distance to protect them. TikTok+1

⏰ Check Tide Times

Crucial for safe access to caves and beach. Plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Steep steps and rocky terrain require good walking shoes. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning cliff shots and seal encounters. Instagram

📱 No Phone Signal

Be prepared for limited or no phone signal in the bay. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(96 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Selwicks Bay, particularly its striking white cliffs and abundant seal colonies. The opportunity to explore caves and rock pools at low tide is a major highlight, making it a great spot for families. While access involves steep steps and tide awareness is crucial, the overall experience is described as magical and peaceful.

"Absolutely stunning views, beautiful white cliffs, good paths, and access to the beach. There's a post to put a phone on and to make a selfie with a beautiful view. Thank those who made it!
There is a car park near the lighthouse, cafe and toilets."

Oksana Zhukovina

"Clean and dog friendly, Selwicks sandy Bay houses striking white cliffs, and abstract cliff formations. Selwicks sandy Bay offers closeby parking, shops, food and ice cream spot, scenic walking route with the Drinking Dinosaur / Sea Arch about 43mins walking distance from the lighthouse. Please check Tide times for the bay and lookout for the cheecky seals. Access to the beach is via steep steps with at least two rest corners furnished with benches."

Sana Butt

"Absolutely stunning the sea is full of seals playing and flocking in the waves. We saw puffins nesting on the cliff and the bay full of seal pups. Beautiful views when the tides out you can walk down to one of the bays, and there are arches and small coves to explore! Beware of the seal pups, tho sometimes they blend with the cliffs"

zoe lucas

What People Like

Stunning white cliffs
Abundant seals
Cave and rock pool exploration

What People Dislike

Steep access steps
Tide-dependent access
Limited phone signal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Selwicks Bay is located near Flamborough Head. There's a car park near the lighthouse, offering access to scenic walking routes. The bay itself is accessed via steep steps. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park located near the lighthouse, which is a convenient starting point for visiting Selwicks Bay. Reddit

Selwicks Bay is accessible via walking routes from the nearby lighthouse. The 'Drinking Dinosaur' sea arch is about a 43-minute walk away. Reddit

Yes, Selwicks Bay is generally considered dog-friendly, but always keep your dog under control, especially around wildlife. Reddit

Walking is highly recommended to explore the dramatic coastline, including the 'Drinking Dinosaur' sea arch and other hidden coves. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Selwicks Bay is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Parking fees may apply at the nearby lighthouse car park. Reddit

Selwicks Bay is a natural coastal area and is accessible at all times. However, access to the beach is tide-dependent. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for Selwicks Bay itself. Parking fees may apply at the lighthouse car park. Reddit

While the bay is always accessible, it's best to visit during low tide for safe exploration of caves and rock pools. Reddit

The main restriction is to be mindful of the tides. It's also crucial to respect the wildlife, especially the seals. TikTokReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore caves and rock pools, enjoy the sandy beach, watch seals, and take scenic walks along the white cliffs. InstagramReddit

Yes, families can enjoy exploring rock pools, building sandcastles, and swimming (with caution) at low tide. InstagramReddit

Yes, swimming is possible, especially along the cliff edges at high tide. The water is described as crystal clear. Reddit

Selwicks Bay is famous for its seal colonies. You might also spot puffins nesting on the cliffs. TikTokReddit

There are cafes and toilets located near the lighthouse, which is close to the bay. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes and food spots located near the lighthouse, offering refreshments and ice cream. Reddit

Selwicks Bay is a great spot for a picnic, especially at low tide. Remember to take all your rubbish with you. Reddit

Expect typical seaside fare, including snacks, ice cream, and potentially light meals from the cafes near the lighthouse. Reddit

No, there are no restaurants directly on Selwicks Bay. Dining options are available at the nearby lighthouse area. Reddit

There are shops and food spots near the lighthouse where you can purchase items for a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The white cliffs, dramatic sea arches like the 'Drinking Dinosaur', and the abundant seals offer fantastic photographic subjects. InstagramReddit

Sunrise and sunset provide magical light for capturing the cliffs and sea. Midday can be harsh but good for seal spotting. Instagram

The paths along the cliffs offer numerous viewpoints. There's also a post specifically for taking selfies with the view. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and respect wildlife before flying a drone. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for the cliffs and sea. A telephoto lens is useful for capturing seals from a distance. TikTok

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