Nestled in the heart of East Yorkshire, Bempton is a charming village that offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. This picturesque destination is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and historical significance. Bempton is home to the famous RSPB Bempton Cliffs, one of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles, where visitors can witness half a million seabirds swooping, soaring, and nesting. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Bempton promises an unforgettable experience.
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Point To Note:
- Bempton is home to RSPB Bempton Cliffs where an impressive number of seabirds gather.
- You might spot a dolphin or two from the cliff edges.
- The area is rich with a variety of wildflowers.
- Wear your comfortable walking boots and visit Bempton.
Accommodation Near Bempton
The Old Dairy, Heritage Escapes, Field House Farm
Jewison Lane, Sewerby, Bempton, YO16 6YG, United KingdomOld Mill House
Old Mill House, Old Mill House, Bempton, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO16 6XG, United KingdomFact Pack – Bempton
- Bempton is a village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England.
- It is situated approximately 4 miles north of Bridlington town centre.
- The village is known for the Bempton Cliffs Reserve, run by the RSPB, which is a popular birdwatching site.
- Bempton Cliffs is one of the best places in the UK to see puffins, gannets, and other seabirds.
- The village is located on the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail, a long-distance footpath.
- Bempton was historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire until 1974.
- The village has a population of around 1,000 people.
- The parish church of St. Michael is a Grade II listed building.
- Bempton also has a primary school, a post office, and a village hall.
- The village was recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Bemeltune’.
Exploring RSPB Bempton Cliffs
When you visit RSPB Bempton Cliffs, you’ll notice it’s a regular spot for over 200,000 seabirds each year, making it one of England’s largest seabird colonies. The variety of wildlife is notable, with puffins and gannets, and even dolphins in the North Sea.
The viewing platforms are handy for observing these animals in their natural environment. You can feel the sea air on your face as you look out over the North Sea, watching the seabirds in their daily routines.
A trip to RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a good option for those interested in nature and the English coastline, as it offers a chance to see wildlife in action.
Essential Visitor Information
Before you head out to the RSPB Bempton Cliffs, it’s pretty handy to know a few things. Tucked away on the Yorkshire coast, Bempton Cliffs is a decent spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The visitor centre is a good place to kick off your visit, with interactive exhibits and useful details about the cliffs and the critters living there. It’s open all year round, and the parking fee is covered in your entrance ticket.
From the visitor centre, a number of viewpoints offer pretty solid views of the Yorkshire coastline and the lively seabird colonies. It’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can get a bit rough.
Discovering Wildlife at Bempton Cliffs
When you decide to visit Bempton Cliffs, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter a wide range of wildlife, notably seabird colonies along with a variety of wildflowers and butterflies. Known as one of the UK’s prime wildlife spots, these cliffs become home to a significant number of seabirds between March and August. You could find yourself spotting different species like puffins, kittiwakes, and gannets from the cliff tops.
While you’re at Bempton Cliffs, don’t forget to look out for dolphins and porpoises that are often seen from the coast. So, bring your binoculars and take in the natural surroundings of Bempton Cliffs. It’s a decent place for anyone who appreciates wildlife and nature.
The Role of Conservation Efforts
If you’re a local like me with a soft spot for wildlife and the great outdoors, you might be interested to know that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is putting in some serious work at Bempton Cliffs to conserve the natural variety, creating a balance, a place where wildlife doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Engaging Activities and Events
While enjoying the preserved natural beauty at Bempton Cliffs, it’s worth participating in some of the available activities and events.
A visit to Bempton Station can lead you to the cliffs where birdwatching and guided tours are provided.
Bempton Village itself has local shops and places to eat.
When you need a rest, there are picnic tables available to sit and have your lunch.
Before you head home, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir.
Autumn and Winter at Bempton
Bempton Cliffs in the colder months of autumn and winter is quite a sight. Nestled in the East Riding area, known for its calm ambience, the place takes on a different charm. Bempton, situated along the stunning Yorkshire coastline, presents lovely views of landscapes dusted in snow and the dramatic winter skies.
A walk down Cliff Lane is refreshing with the crisp winter air, the sound of waves hitting the cliffs and the sight of the winter landscape.
Nearby Attractions and Facilities
Once you’ve had your fill of Bempton’s quiet charm, there are a good number of local attractions and facilities worth a look. The chalk cliffs stand tall here, offering sweeping views of the Yorkshire coast. A casual stroll along the cliff top is the most popular activity.
A trip to the RSPB Bempton Cliffs visitor centre is a good idea, where information about local wildlife and conservation efforts is on offer. If you find yourself hungry, the centre’s café has a range of food available. And a memento from the gift shop rounds off any visit.
Historical Insights Into Bempton
As a local Yorkshire tourist, you might find some interest in the historical layers Bempton has to offer. Traces of Bronze Age pit dwellings and remnants of its medieval existence as part of Dickering Wapentake are still visible, and its more recent past as a film location is notable.
The village, casually resting on the brink of imposing cliffs, has been a sanctuary for nesting birds for many years, drawing in birdwatchers from all over, not to mention its role as a backdrop for the 2016 film ‘Dads Army’.
Now, Bempton’s historical insights aren’t just limited to old archives. They’re present in the village’s architectural heritage, subtly suggested by the winds that brush the cliffs, and carved into the tales of the nesting birds that consider Bempton their home.
Bempton on the map
Popular Question
Below you can also see some of the common questions asked about Bempton.
What is Bempton, East Yorkshire known for?
Bempton, East Yorkshire is best known for the Bempton Cliffs, which is a nature reserve famous for its breeding seabirds, including the UK’s largest population of Northern Gannets.
What are the transportation options in Bempton, East Yorkshire?
Bempton, East Yorkshire is accessible by car, bus, and train. The Bempton railway station is on the Yorkshire Coast Line from Hull to Scarborough.
Are there any notable landmarks in Bempton, East Yorkshire?
Yes, the most notable landmark in Bempton, East Yorkshire is the Bempton Cliffs. There’s also the St. Michael’s Church, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 12th century.
Where Next?
After exploring the charming village of Bempton in East Yorkshire, there are several nearby places worth visiting. Head to the bustling town of Bridlington, known for its beautiful beaches, historic harbour, and the Bridlington Spa, a popular venue for concerts and events. Nature lovers should not miss the RSPB Bempton Cliffs, home to England’s largest population of seabirds. For history enthusiasts, the Burton Agnes Hall, a stunning Elizabethan manor house with a beautiful garden, is a must-visit. The picturesque village of Flamborough with its iconic lighthouse and dramatic cliffs is also a short drive away. Lastly, the city of Hull, with its rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene, offers a variety of attractions including the Deep, one of the UK’s largest aquariums.
See more cities, towns and villages in East Yorkshire.