Quick answer
Danes Dyke is a free Local Nature Reserve on the Flamborough headland, about 2 miles east of Bridlington. It has a wooded ravine, an ancient earthwork and a beach. It is outdoors, so it suits a dry day. Admission is free, but the car park is pay and display, with charges between 8am and 6pm every day. Safety first: the Tree Trail has flights of up to 100 steep steps. The beach path is very steep and sometimes wet and slippery. For the cliff top, the council’s Coast Code says to treat all cliffs as dangerous and to supervise children at all times. The reserve record says the café is open during the summer months.
Is it right for my child?
- Woodland explorers: East Riding of Yorkshire Council calls the 148-acre reserve the largest area of trees on the headland. A 3km circular Tree Trail starts from the display panel in the car park.
- History fans: the dyke is an ancient ditch and bank earthwork and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The council says it runs for 4km across the headland, to Cat Nab on the Bempton Cliffs.
- Autumn walkers: the council says the wet ravine makes an exciting place for fungi hunting in autumn.
- Beach lovers: the council mentions good views from the beach across the bay to Bridlington. The beach is often very rocky.
- Honest note: the beach record says “Some walks may not be suitable for small children” and asks you to take care with steps.
Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist
- Check the predicted tide times and any storm warnings before going down to the beach.
- Agree a rule before you set off: keep away from all cliff edges, never climb the cliffs, and do not walk at the foot of them.
- Pick your walk to suit little legs. The Tree Trail has several flights of steep steps. The unsurfaced paths walk has one flight of 25 steps.
- Bring cash or a card for the pay and display machine. The council page does not list the prices.
Prices and tickets
The council lists Danes Dyke as free admission, with pay and display parking. Its pages do not mention booking.
- Parking: the car park record says charges apply between 8am and 6pm, on all days including bank holidays. It points to the MiPermit website for prices and mobile payment.
- Blue Badge: the council’s car and coach parks page says it charges Blue Badge holders for off street parking.
Pushchairs, babies and toilets
- Toilets: the reserve record says the toilets are open all year round. The council’s toilet record lists normal opening hours of 7am to 4.15pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
- Accessible toilet: the toilet record lists a separate disabled toilet with Radar key.
- Baby changing: the council pages do not mention baby changing.
- Pushchairs: the council pages do not mention pushchairs. The reserve record warns of numerous long flights of steps and a steep slope to the beach. It mentions an “access for all” route around part of the site.
- Beach path: the beach record calls it a paved steep pathway, affected by water and debris running off the steep banks.
Food and drink
The two council records describe the food stop differently. The reserve record says the café is open during the summer months. The beach record describes a small shop open during the summer and school holiday periods and some weekends. Neither gives dates or hours, so do not count on it in November or December.
The reserve record says picnic benches are provided. The council’s code of conduct says barbecues are not allowed. On the beach, the Coast Code says never to choose the base of the cliffs for picnicking.
Getting there and parking
The reserve record gives the address as Off Flamborough Road, Bridlington, YO15 1AA. The car park record gives Danes Dyke Car Park, Flamborough, YO15 1AA.
- By car: from Bridlington, take the B1255 towards Flamborough and follow the brown road signs to Danes Dyke.
- Narrow road: the council asks drivers to take care on the narrow road next to the ravine. Leave by the exit road.
- Car park: open 24 hours, with charges between 8am and 6pm every day. The ticket machine takes cash or card.
- Size: the reserve records say 80 cars. The car park record lists 250 standard spaces.
- To the beach: walk from the car park down the steep surfaced road. There is no vehicle access for visitors on this road.
- Buses and trains: the council pages we used do not give public transport details, so check before you travel.
When to visit
The council pages do not give opening hours for the reserve itself.
Autumn and winter: the council says autumn and winter walks can be rewarding, with autumn colour after the first frosts. It says carpets of snowdrops appear early in the year.
Plan beach time around the tide. The Coast Code says tide times vary every day and points to the Tide Times website.
The official pages we used do not mention Christmas or New Year arrangements for the reserve, toilets or café.
Staying safe on the coast
The council’s Coast Code covers the whole East Riding coast. On the cliff top, it says to treat all cliffs as dangerous. Children and pets should be supervised and kept under control at all times. Keep away from all cliff edges, as they may be dangerously undercut by wave action. Follow any signs or barriers. Do not climb down cliffs, because they are unstable and can crumble without warning. Do not try to reach the beach from the cliff top, other than from a signed and designated beach access point. On the beach, do not walk at the foot of the cliffs, and beware of falling rocks and debris.
Additional needs and disability support
The council lists a few access facilities but no sensory or autism support.
- Access: the reserve record says most of Danes Dyke is not wheelchair accessible, though an “access for all” route goes around part of the site.
- Beach: the beach record says the beach is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
- Toilets: a separate disabled toilet with Radar key.
- Not mentioned: the council pages do not mention a Changing Places toilet, sensory guides, quiet times or equipment to borrow.
Frequently asked questions
Is Danes Dyke free?
Yes, the council lists free admission. The car park is pay and display, with charges between 8am and 6pm every day.
Can you take a pushchair to Danes Dyke?
The council does not mention pushchairs. It says most of the site is not wheelchair accessible, with long flights of steps and a steep slope to the beach. It mentions an “access for all” route around part of it.
Is Danes Dyke beach safe for children?
The council gives no assurance that it is safe. Its beach record warns of a very steep, sometimes wet and slippery path and a beach that is often very rocky. For the cliff top, the Coast Code says to supervise children at all times. On the beach, it says to note the predicted tide times and any storm warnings.
Is the café at Danes Dyke open in winter?
The reserve record says the café is open during the summer months, so take your own food in November and December.
Are there toilets at Danes Dyke?
Yes. The reserve record says they are open all year round. The toilet record lists normal opening hours of 7am to 4.15pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
Can I take my dog to Danes Dyke?
Yes. The council’s code of conduct says you can bring your dog, but you should pick up after it and keep it under close control.
Checked on 13 November 2026 against the official East Riding of Yorkshire Council pages for Danes Dyke Nature Reserve, Danes Dyke Beach, the Coast Code, the Danes Dyke car park, the Danes Dyke toilets and car and coach parks. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.
