Quick answer
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a clifftop nature reserve on the Yorkshire coast, with chalk cliffs, viewpoints and a visitor centre with a café. It is outdoors, so it suits a dry day. From November to February, non-members pay £4 per adult and £2 per child aged 5 to 15. The first child in each party, under 5s and RSPB members go free, and admission includes parking. On 13 November 2026, the RSPB calendar showed the reserve open dawn to dusk every day to 5 January 2027. The big seabird colonies are a spring and summer sight, not a November or December one. The RSPB says Kestrels and Barn Owls hunt here, often joined in winter by Short-eared Owls.
Is it right for my child?
- Big views: the RSPB describes towering white chalk cliffs overlooking the North Sea, and 400ft cliffs on its facilities page.
- Wildlife spotters: look for owls and Kestrels over the grassland. Sightings are never guaranteed.
- Seabird fans: the RSPB says to plan a Puffin visit between April and mid-July, so do not expect them in winter.
- Walkers: the trail map lists three trails, from a 20-minute Nature Trail to a 45-minute clifftop walk.
- Not for: children who want a playground or indoor play. The RSPB pages we checked do not mention a play area.
Cliff-edge safety
The trail map describes the Jubilee Corner and Staple Newk trails as clifftop routes. It marks a steep cliff along the coast of the reserve. The official pages we checked on 13 November 2026 do not print a separate cliff-edge warning. We suggest you keep children on the paths, hold small hands at the viewpoints and do not let children run ahead.
- Paths: the trail map says the Jubilee Corner and Nature Trail paths “can be muddy after heavy rain”. For the Staple Newk Trail it says: “Beyond the tarmac, the path can be uneven and muddy.”
- Slopes: the accessible trail map mentions “grass that can get slippery” and gradients of up to 10%.
Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist
- No need to book. Pay at the visitor centre when you arrive.
- Arrive in daylight. The reserve opens dawn to dusk, and the visitor centre showed a 4pm close on the dates we checked.
- Wear boots or wellies for the grassy paths.
- Keep dogs on a short lead at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats.
- Leave the barbecue at home. The RSPB says barbecues are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
- Push bikes along the trails. The RSPB asks visitors not to cycle on the footpaths.
Prices and tickets
The charges page lists these off-peak prices for November to February. RSPB members go free.
- Adult (non-member): £4.00.
- Child aged 5 to 15 (non-member): £2.00. The first child in each party is free.
- Under 5s, carers and 16 to 24 year olds: free.
- Student (non-member): £3.00, with valid student ID.
- Parking: admission includes car park usage.
- Shop and café: you can visit them for free without entering the reserve.
- Binocular hire: £10.00 a day from the shop.
Pushchairs, babies and toilets
- Toilets: on the ground floor of the visitor centre. The calendar showed them open 9.30am to 4pm on the dates we checked. The facilities page says the accessible toilet is “open daily, 9.30am-5pm”, so plan around the earlier time.
- Baby changing: in the accessible toilet in the visitor centre.
- Pushchairs: the RSPB says the level walk to the cliff top, and from the visitor centre to Bartlett Nab viewpoint, suits a pushchair.
Food and drink
The visitor centre café has indoor and outdoor seating and does takeaway. A self-service cabinet holds food that can be heated on request, with fresh cakes at the counter.
- Café hours: the calendar showed 9.30am to 3.30pm on the dates we checked.
- Picnics: the 2023 access guide says you can bring your own food to the outdoor picnic area.
Getting there and parking
- Address: Bempton Cliffs, Cliff Lane, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 1JF.
- By car: the RSPB says the reserve is a 30-minute drive from Scarborough and around 10 minutes from Bridlington.
- Car park: 74 spaces and 11 Blue Badge spaces, with a drop-off point outside the visitor centre. No overnight parking, camping or touring caravans.
- By train: the nearest station is Bempton, on the Hull to Scarborough line. The location page gives around a mile to 1.5 miles’ walk.
- By bus: on 13 November 2026, the location page said there was no bus service to the reserve or Bempton village.
When to visit
- 13 November to 22 December 2026: on 13 November, the RSPB calendar showed the reserve and car park open dawn to dusk daily. The visitor centre, shop and toilets showed 9.30am to 4pm, and the café 9.30am to 3.30pm.
- Christmas: the same calendar showed the visitor centre, shop, toilets and café closed from 23 to 26 December 2026. The reserve and car park still showed dawn to dusk.
- New Year: the calendar showed the visitor centre, shop, toilets and café closing at 3pm on 31 December, and opening at 10am on 1 January 2027.
- Events: the RSPB lists events, including children’s activities and wildlife walks, on its events page. Check it for dates.
Trails and viewpoints
- Jubilee Corner Trail: 2.2km (1.4 miles), about 45 minutes, on tarmac and wide grassy track.
- Staple Newk Trail: 2km (1.2 miles), about 40 minutes, to views of a natural sea arch. It has two viewing platforms.
- Nature Trail: the trail map gives 1km and about 20 minutes. The facilities page gives 0.5 miles and around 15 minutes.
- Viewpoints: the facilities page lists five, with benches near most.
Additional needs and disability support
The RSPB lists this support. Some comes from an access guide last updated on 17 July 2023, so check before you travel.
- Level access: the visitor centre and shop are in one level-access, open-plan building. Staff and volunteers are available to help.
- Mobility scooters: two Tramper scooters, free of charge, with a donation appreciated. The RSPB recommends booking in advance on its website.
- Wheelchairs: two push wheelchairs are available.
- Viewpoints: the three viewpoints nearest the Seabird Centre are fully wheelchair accessible, with viewing bays.
- Hearing: the 2023 guide lists hearing loops at the shop and food counters, and a portable loop at the welcome hut.
- Assistance dogs: welcome in all parts of the reserve.
- Not listed: the pages we checked do not mention quiet times or a sensory guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does RSPB Bempton Cliffs cost in winter?
From November to February, non-members pay £4 per adult and £2 per child aged 5 to 15. The first child per party, under 5s, carers, 16 to 24s and RSPB members go free.
Can you see Puffins at Bempton Cliffs in winter?
Do not plan on it. The RSPB says to plan your visit between April and mid-July to watch Puffins nesting on the cliff edge.
Is RSPB Bempton Cliffs suitable for toddlers?
Yes, with close supervision. The level walk to the cliff top suits a pushchair, and there is baby changing. The Jubilee Corner and Staple Newk trails run along the cliff tops, so keep hold of small children.
Can I take my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the footpaths and in the visitor centre, on a short lead at all times.
Do I need to book?
No. You pay at the visitor centre on arrival. Groups of 10 or more should pre-book by email or phone.
Checked on 13 November 2026 against the official RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve page, its opening times, prices, facilities and location pages, and the RSPB trail maps and access guide. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.
