A chalk headland, large seabird colonies and two distinct lighthouse stories give Flamborough its distinctive coastal character. When planning your trip, you can explore nature reserves and coastal paths on the one hand, and historic buildings and local traditions on the other.
Chalk Coast and Seabird Colonies
Flamborough Head is a chalk headland and was designated a Heritage Coast in 1979. Flamborough’s marine and cliff landscape is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Flamborough is also designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) because of its seabird colonies. Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve is home to one of Europe’s most significant seabird colonies. The King Charles III England Coast Path runs through the protected area. The reserve can be reached via the public coastal footpath from the North Landing car park.
Danes Dyke and South Landing show different sides of Flamborough Headland. Danes Dyke covers 148 acres and contains the largest area of woodland on the headland. South Landing Nature Reserve covers 34 acres and is one of East Riding’s twelve formal Local Nature Reserves.
Paths and Nature Reserves
South Landing can be explored on a circular route starting from the pay-and-display car park. Connecting paths lead through the woodland and via the slipway to the lifeboat station and the beach. Treecreepers and tawny owls are among the birds that use the woodland. Alongside the coastal path and the seabird colony at Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, you can therefore also explore the woodland and look out for these bird species.
At North Landing, access is an important practical consideration: a steep, narrow road leads down to the beach, while the car park is at the top. A walk to Flamborough Head, by contrast, starts in the village of Flamborough and leads up to Flamborough Headland. Check path conditions before walking to Flamborough Headland.
Lighthouses and Building History
The Old Lighthouse in Flamborough is a uniquely preserved, unaltered 17th-century monument lighthouse in England. It was built in 1674 as a business venture by Sir John Clayton. Flamborough Head Lighthouse has a different historical role: it was built in 1806 to guide deep-sea ships and coastal traffic. The two buildings thus represent different periods in lighthouse history, from a 17th-century venture to a 19th-century navigational function.
The Church of St Oswald also brings together several building phases. It dates from around 1100 and was largely rebuilt in 1864 by R G Smith of Hull. Notable architectural details include a 12th-century font with continuous lozenge decoration and a 15th-century chancel screen, which probably came from Bridlington Priory.
A Local Tradition
The Flamborough Longsword Dancers perform in the village and on Flamborough Headland every Boxing Day. If you are considering travelling over this holiday, the annual performance offers a specific cultural point of interest alongside the coastal scenery and architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Hedon, Skirpenbeck, Walkintgon, Carnaby, Nafferton, Bridlington, Everingham, Preston
For the broader travel guide: East Riding Of Yorkshire.
