When you think of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, the sandy coves and jagged cliffs found in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset probably spring to mind. Although the south coast is breathtakingly beautiful, it’s fair to say that it’s quite the trek from Manchester.
Yet there’s a picturesque stretch of coastline a bit closer to home which promises white cliffs, hidden beaches and dozens of rockpools. Three hours’ drive away over the border in Yorkshire is Flamborough Head, an eight-mile stretch of land which juts out between Bridlington and Filey.
Flamborough Head is a world away from its neighbouring seaside resorts with rugged, grass-topped cliffs and mesmerising rock formations carved out by the sea. It’s even got an archway named ‘The Drinking Dinosaur’, which rivals Dorset’s Durdle Door.
READ MORE:
You won’t find another area like it without heading down south either, as Flamborough Head boasts the only white chalk cliffs in the north of England. Its unique features makes it a haven for wildlife with puffins nesting in the cliffs during spring and early summer, while seals can be spotted resting in the quieter bays.
There’s several places to explore along the coast at Flamborough Head, each offering something a bit different. The North Landing beach is one of the most popular spots with ample car parking, toilet facilities, a pub and an ice cream van.
Here a steep ramp and steps lead you down to a small shingle beach nestled between two cliffs. At low tide there’s plenty of rock pools and caves to explore. The beach was even used as a filming location in the 2016 Dad’s Army film.
At the opposite side of the headland is the larger South Landing beach with an expanse of sand and pebbles. It has views across to Bridlington and a lifeboat station, so you may even see the boat being launched when crews are training.
At the tip of Flamborough Head are two lighthouses, one built in 1669 and a second built in 1806. The new lighthouse overlooks Selwicks Bay and there’s steps you can follow down to the stony beach. It’s probably the best bay in the area for rockpooling.
A little further along the coast is The Drinking Dinosaur, an impressive rock formation which curves round a sheltered cove. There’s no longer access down to the beach but it can still be admired from the cliff top - it’s definitely worth bringing binoculars if you want to spot any seals too.
Another cove which is worth checking out is Thornwick Bay with a small rocky beach. There's also walking routes you can follow between the bays, offering incredible views across the cliffs.
For more of the latest What's On stories, click here.
