Every autumn, for the past few years, a large group of Atlantic grey seals make a temporary home on one of the beaches at Flamborough Head for breeding. And over the Christmas break, we popped along to see them.
The seals haven’t always gravitated to Flamborough. It’s only been in the past few years that they have appeared there. I used to go to Flamborough quite a bit when I was younger, as my paternal grandparents lived nearby and my Dad was brought up in nearby Bridlington. It may be a sign of a stronger seal population.
The best time to visit is really in October and November. This is the core breeding season, and so you are more likely to see seal cubs at this time. By the time we visited in late December, most of the cubs were mostly or fully grown. Still, there were probably 50-60 seals there – more than we saw on the Farne Islands in 2024.
Access down to the cove, where most of the seals congregate, is restricted. The population is being monitored by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and we saw signage from the University of Hull’s marine biology unit who are involved in research there. However, you get a good view of them from a safe distance from the headlands.
Accessibility
We parked at the Flamborough Head and Lighthouse car park, which is the nearest car park. It’s pay and display, or you can pay on the MiPermit app. Electric vehicle charging isn’t currently available in the car park – we used a rapid charger at the Co-op supermarket in the nearby village of Sewerby.
From the car park, there are unpaved footpaths down to the cliff edge. These are uneven and a little steep in places, and probably not suitable for wheelchairs. Also be aware that the cliff edge doesn’t have any railings or barriers, so bear this in mind if you have young children or dogs with you.
Bridlington is the nearest town with a railway station; from there, you’ll need to catch the number 14 ‘Coaster’ service which runs hourly and can drop you in Flamborough village. From there, it’s about a 10 minute walk.
Other things to see
Flamborough Head in itself is interesting from a geology perspective, as it’s a relatively hard chunk of chalk in an area where most of the nearby coastline is eroding away. You can tell that I studied this for A-level Geography, can’t you?
There is a café at the car park – we stopped there for lunch on our visit. I bet they’re glad that the seals are providing extra custom in the winter.
Flamborough actually has two lighthouses. The one that is currently in use dates from the early 19th century, although it’s now completely automated. It used to be open for tours, but it’s not open at present. The second is slightly further inland and known as the Chalk Tower – it’s the oldest surviving complete lighthouse in England and is now grade II* listed.
Nearby is Sewerby Hall, which is a manor house, gardens, and small zoo, and to the north is RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Plus, there are all the attractions in the seaside town of Bridlington, further along the coast.
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