When can you see puffins at Bempton?

The RSPB recommends April to mid-July for nesting puffins. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Can dogs visit Bempton Cliffs?

Yes, on short leads on the footpaths and in the visitor centre. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.

Is Bempton accessible by wheelchair?

The three viewpoints nearest the centre are fully wheelchair accessible. The centre has level access and accessible toilets.

Car-park use is included in admission. RSPB members enter free; check current non-member seasonal prices.

Things to Do

Bempton Cliffs: puffins, gannets and the RSPB reserve

By Jon Cosson · Updated 1 November 2026 · Checked 1 November 2026

Bempton Cliffs is an RSPB seabird reserve near Bridlington. It makes a day out from the Yorkshire coast beyond Scarborough, rather than a stop inside the North York Moors.

Before you go: the practical facts

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Address: Cliff Lane, Bempton, Bridlington, YO15 1JF.
Opening: Reserve and car park: dawn to dusk. Visitor centre, cafe, shop and toilets have separate seasonal hours; check the RSPB.
Entry: Pay at the visitor centre. RSPB members enter free; non-member admission varies by season and includes car-park use.
Parking: The RSPB lists 74 car spaces, two coach bays and 11 Blue Badge spaces. No overnight parking or camping; touring caravans cannot be accommodated.
Dogs: Dogs on short leads are welcome on footpaths and in the visitor centre. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.

When to see puffins and gannets

The RSPB recommends April to mid-July for nesting puffins. It describes the wider seabird gathering, including gannets, from March to August, with April to July the busiest period. These are seasonal windows, not guaranteed sightings.

A day out from Scarborough

The RSPB estimates a 30-minute drive from Scarborough. Allow for your starting point and traffic; this is not a live journey estimate. For outings closer to the moors, see the Yorkshire coast guide.

Facilities and accessibility

The RSPB lists five viewpoints, with the three nearest the Seabird Centre fully wheelchair accessible. The visitor centre and shop have level access, accessible toilets and baby changing. Two Tramper scooters and two push wheelchairs are available; book scooters ahead.

Bempton Cliffs: puffins, gannets and the RSPB reserve: questions

When can you see puffins at Bempton?: The RSPB recommends April to mid-July for nesting puffins. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Can dogs visit Bempton Cliffs?: Yes, on short leads on the footpaths and in the visitor centre. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
Is Bempton accessible by wheelchair?: The three viewpoints nearest the centre are fully wheelchair accessible. The centre has level access and accessible toilets.
Is parking included?: Car-park use is included in admission. RSPB members enter free; check current non-member seasonal prices.

Sources checked 1 November 2026: RSPB reserve; Opening times; Charges; Facilities and access; Location and drive estimate.

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Self-catering cottages, village inns and farmhouse boltholes right across the moors, from the southern villages to the coast.

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