Yorkshire Puffin Viewing Spots: Best Places to See Puffins in Yorkshire
- PK Cottages
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
If you love nature and charming wildlife, spotting puffins is a truly special experience. These colorful seabirds bring a splash of joy to the rugged Yorkshire coastline. I’ve spent time exploring the best places to see puffins in Yorkshire, and I’m excited to share my favorite spots with you. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a trip with friends, or a pet-friendly getaway, PK Cottages in Yorkshire is the perfect place for a wonderful puffin viewing holiday.
Puffins are delightful birds with their bright beaks and comical waddle. They nest in burrows along cliffs and rocky shores, making coastal walks a perfect way to spot them. Let’s dive into the top Yorkshire puffin viewing spots and practical tips to make your visit memorable.
Top Yorkshire Puffin Viewing Spots to Explore
Yorkshire’s coastline is rich with wildlife, and puffins are among the most charming residents. Here are some of the best places where you can enjoy watching puffins in their natural habitat:
Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve - less than 2 miles from PK Cottages!
Bempton Cliffs is an absolute must-visit for puffin lovers. This nature reserve is famous for its towering chalk cliffs and large seabird colonies and is only a very short drive or a 45min walk from PK Cottages. Puffins nest here from spring through summer, alongside guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The cliffs provide excellent vantage points for birdwatching, with safe paths and viewing platforms.
Facilities: Visitor center, guided walks, and binocular rentals.
Accessibility: Well-maintained paths suitable for families and pets on leads.
Best for: Close-up views of puffins and other seabirds.
For latest updates and opening hours visit the RSPB Bempton Website
Flamborough Head
Flamborough Head is another fantastic spot for puffin watching and is just a few miles along the coast from Bempton Cliffs. The headland’s cliffs and caves offer perfect nesting sites. You can explore the coastal paths and spot puffins flying in and out of their burrows. The area also has beautiful beaches and historic lighthouses to enjoy and is a location for a local seal colony!
Facilities: Parking, cafes, and picnic areas.
Accessibility: Some steep paths, but plenty of easier routes for all ages.
Best for: Combining puffin spotting with scenic coastal walks.
Filey Brigg
Filey Brigg is a narrow peninsula extending into the North Sea, known for its rocky outcrops and seabird colonies. Puffins can sometimes be seen here during the breeding season, especially on the cliffs and rocky ledges. It’s a quieter spot, ideal for those who prefer a peaceful nature experience.
Facilities: Nearby town amenities, parking.
Accessibility: Moderate walking paths, suitable for families.
Best for: A tranquil puffin viewing experience.
What Month Is Best to See Puffins?
Timing your visit is key to a successful puffin sighting. Puffins arrive on the Yorkshire coast in spring to breed and raise their chicks. The best months to see puffins are:
May to July: Puffins are most active during these months. You’ll see them flying to and from the sea with fish in their beaks.
August: Puffins start to leave the breeding sites, so sightings become less frequent.
Outside breeding season: Puffins spend most of their time at sea and are rarely seen near the coast but the cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds so there is still plenty to see.
Planning your trip between May and July gives you the very best chance to enjoy puffin watching and especially July when the pufflings have hatched and their parents are frequent flyers as they head back and forward to the sea, hunting for food for their new arrivals.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times of day, as puffins are busy feeding their young.
Tips for a Great Puffin Watching Experience
To make the most of your puffin adventure, here are some helpful tips:
Bring binoculars or a zoom camera: Puffins can be shy and stay at a distance. A good pair of binoculars helps you see details without disturbing them.
Wear comfortable shoes: Coastal paths can be uneven or slippery. Sturdy footwear keeps you safe and comfortable.
Respect wildlife and habitats: Keep a safe distance from nesting sites. Avoid loud noises and do not feed the birds.
Check the weather: Puffin watching is best on clear, calm days. Wind and rain can make spotting birds difficult.
Pack snacks and water: Whilst Bempton Cliffs has a lovely cafe, some locations have more limited facilities, so bring refreshments for your outing.
Consider guided tours: Local guides offer expert knowledge and can enhance your experience with interesting facts. The boat tours from Bridlington are particularly popular so book well in advance. You can find more details here
Where to Stay for Puffin Watching in Yorkshire
Choosing the right base for your puffin watching trip can enhance your holiday. Yorkshire offers many options but the most popular are cozy, dog-friendly cottages close to the coast and PK Cottages is the perfect choice. Being close to Bempton Cliffs means you can enjoy early morning or late afternoon walks to see puffins without long drives.
PK Cottages has 5 star reviews, is dog friendly with two shared dog gardens on site, has 4 cottages to choose from and provides comfortable well equipped holiday cottages perfect for families, friends, and pet owners. Our cottages offer a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the coast and wildlife. Imagine waking up to fresh country air and stepping out to beautiful nature trails.
If you’re wondering where to see puffins in Yorkshire, staying nearby these spots makes your trip easier and more enjoyable. Plus, having a pet-friendly cottage means your furry friends can join the adventure too.
Embrace the Magic of Yorkshire’s Puffins
Yorkshire’s coastline is a treasure trove for wildlife lovers. Puffins add a special charm to the rugged cliffs and sparkling seas. Whether you’re wandering Bempton Cliffs, or exploring Flamborough Head, you’ll find moments of wonder watching these delightful birds.
Remember to plan your visit during the right months, bring the right gear, and choose a cozy, pet-friendly cottage to complete your experience at PK Cottages . Puffin watching in Yorkshire is not just about seeing birds - it’s about connecting with nature and creating lasting memories.
So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready for a coastal adventure filled with puffin magic! Book your cottage now!
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