Boasting stunning white chalk cliffs, serene beaches, and an array of wildlife, Bempton Cliffs on Yorkshire’s coast is the sort of tranquil haven that nature enthusiasts dream of.

Known for its large puffin colony, this hidden northern getaway even offers lucky visitors the chance to see dolphins.

Dubbed “little Cornwall” by Facebook blogger Kendall Escapes, Bempton Cliffs offers some of the most magnificent coastal views in Britain.

A true seabird sanctuary, the cliffs host over 200,000 nesting birds each year, including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes, with the puffin colony being a particular highlight for tourists.

The area also boasts superb coastal walking paths, with a nine-mile circular route leading through cliffs, woods, and down to secluded bays. For wildlife watchers, it’s a prime UK spot to observe bottlenose dolphins, often sighted in nearby waters.

A flock of white gannets on a green, mossy hillface race each other at Bempton Cliffs
Gannets are a common fixture at Bempton Cliffs (Image: Getty Images)

While lesser-known compared to other UK seaside locations, Bempton Cliffs presents a calmer alternative, where one can indulge in the splendour of nature and rich wildlife encounters without the throngs of tourists.

Tripadvisor reviews are quick to praise the wealth of wildlife and walkability – suitable for both grown-ups and kids.

Kimberleyanddarren shared: “We were unfortunately too late to see the puffins but it didn’t dampen our day. We saw lots of incredible wildlife and loved that it was easy paths and not miles of endless walking which can feel tiring with small children in tow.”

Max R echoed a similar sentiment, describing it as: “Absolutely stunning. We went in the season for puffins and there were a lot of them.”

They added: “We only had binoculars, but there were a number of RSPB [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds] volunteers on site who had telescopes and invited you to look through them to see the nesting puffins and other cliff nesting birds.”

Bempton Cliffs, green grassy cliffs overlooking a large blue sea and with lightly cloudy blue skies above
The views from Bempton Cliffs make for a great hike (Image: Leanne Hall)

Beyond the allure of its wildlife, the area boasts another treasured gem, the award-winning Filey beach, located conveniently nearby.

Filey beach is a breathtaking spectacle, with its vast five-mile expanse of sand forming a majestic crescent nestled between picturesque headlands.

At low tide, the beach dramatically expands to a quarter of a mile in width, treating sun-seekers and fun-lovers to an almost limitless playground for exploration, games, and crafting elaborate sandcastles.