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Description
Sea cliffs with a number of observation platforms to observe Northern Gannet and also Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Northern Fulmar, Kittiwake and Atlantic Puffin. Around half a million seabirds gather here between March and October on towering chalk cliffs which overlook the North Sea.
Bempton is also famous for a Black-browed Albatross that was first seen here in 2017 and spent most of the summer of 2021 and 22 here; unfortunately it has not returned for 2023. There are thought to be only two birds in the Northern Hemisphere so its presence was enough to draw thousands of birders from all over Europe. It could be elusive, often spending days away from the cliffs, but has also delighted many visitors with fabulous close flights along the cliffs.
Apart from the Northern Gannet, which stay until October, most of the auks leave the cliffs in July and form rafts on the sea before moving out to sea as the months progress. Seabird migration in autumn can also bring shearwaters and skuas, as well as Minke Whale and Bottlenose and White-beaked Dolphins.
Away from the cliffs the site has grassland, scrub, hedgerow and farmland habitat adding to the diversity of birds here, especially in periods of migration when warblers and flycatchers feed up before moving on, but also attractive to scarce and declining breeding species like Western Yellow Wagtail and Corn Bunting.
Winter birding can be very rewarding with Short-eared Owl often hunting the clifftop grassland while Hen Harrier and Merlin are often passing. Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting often feed on the short grass or stubble along with flocks of Linnet and Yellowhammer. The auks are often on the cliffs early morning, and then disappear out to sea in winter.
Bempton is a year round destination with a constantly changing cast of avian characters in a truly spectacular location. A café provides refreshing or warming comforts and the shop has gifts, books and memorabilia.
Details
Access
There is a car park and a RSPB visitors center. Entrance March to October is £7 adults; November to Feb £3.50, free for RSPB members. There are six viewpoints along the cliff top path, three fully accessible to wheelchair users. All terrain mobility vehicles can also be hired for mobility impaired access to the rest. The Seabird Centre is open from 9.30am - 5pm in summer and 9.30am - 4pm in winter.
Bempton rail station, on the Hull - Bridlington - Scarborough line, is only 2.5 km away, making the site accessible by public transport.