Nature and wildlife

Bird watching in one of the UK’s most stunning nature reserves, meandering through a medieval deserted village, walking the beautiful Wolds or gently wandering through ancient woodland; this area is the natural choice for unique scenery that will, quite simply, take your breath away.

 

Bird watching

Home to some of Britain's most iconic wildlife, East Yorkshire is also the natural destination for anyone who loves bird watching. Between April and July, Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Cliffs come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of over 250,000 seabirds. With hundreds of thousands stopping off here on their annual migration each spring and autumn, and overwintering mega flocks of waders, Spurn Point is another location that is a 'must visit' for any wildlife lover. Bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers all make their homes in the reedbeds at Blacktoft Sands, alongside the resident conservation grazing Konik ponies and, having successfully colonised the Yorkshire Wolds, red kites are now a regular sight on the skyline. Tophill Low Nature Reserve has multiple bird watching hideouts that are a perfect place to spot birds and wildlife enjoying the reserve.

 

Coastal viewing

Cliffs full of birds are not the only thing to spot along the East Yorkshire coast as the North Sea off Flamborough and Bridlington are ideal locations for seal, dolphin and even Minke whale spotting. Enjoy dolphins dancing in the waves as you walk along Sewerby Cliff tops or for close up view some passengers aboard the Yorkshire Belle have been lucky enough to spot them swimming by the boat. Whilst seals take up residence in the coves around Flamborough Head, the wildlife doesn’t stop there as many species from mammals to butterflies can be spotted all along the coast to Spurn Point.

 

Countryside spotting

With so much beautiful, quiet and luscious countryside along the Yorkshire Wolds it’s a haven for wildlife from roaming deer, to a drove of hares, to bushy squirrel tails and majestic owls. Just taking a walk through the countryside you’re bound to see more than just the view but to really learn of the wildlife’s habitat and see them up close a visit to the Robert Fuller Gallery is a must. Here, there are live cams streaming to some of these amazing wildlife’s homes.

 

Rolling hills, rugged coastline, glorious gardens and picture-perfect parks are the perfect place to relax, catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy a very special view when you visit East Yorkshire.

East Yorkshire's top picks

The Wolds Rangers Way is a challenging circular walk which winds its way 44-miles over the Yorkshire Wolds through remarkable chalk landscapes with dry valleys with stunning wildlife alongside vibrant market towns and ancient Wolds villages. It also captures the unique local history of the Yorkshire…