Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
We don’t live far from Flamborough since our move up to the East Riding of Yorkshire. Flamborough Lighthouse is located on one of the most stunning headlands in the UK.
We visit Flamborough Head where the Lighthouse is situated a lot but the Lighthouse itself is rarely open. Our son actually put visiting the lighthouse on his summer bucket list. Because of this, I made sure that it was one of the first things that we did. Flamborough Lighthouse is a few minute’s drive from the village of Flamborough. Bridlington is a 5-minute drive south from Flamborough and Filey a 15-minute drive north.
Flamborough Lighthouse Visitor Centre Review
There is a car park at Flamborough Head which is not expensive. For example, you can park there all day for just £2.90 (price subject to change). There is also a bus that runs to Flamborough head from Bridlington.
We like to visit the cafe next to the car park and although there are council toilets the ones at the cafe are much better. They have a great choice of food from hot to cold and plenty of hot and cold drinks – they even have a licence! We stopped here first for some lunch, before visiting the Lighthouse.
Flamborough Lighthouse is open almost every day of the East Riding summer holidays but has limited open days for the rest of the year. But don’t let that put you off visiting Flamborough Head as it’s a stunning place to visit and if you’re lucky you may even spot some seals or even some puffins.
A Bit About Flamborough Lighthouse
Flamborough Lighthouse has limited opening times throughout the year. It is still a working lighthouse and at night time the light can be seen for miles around, not to mention the foghorn when it’s needed. The current lighthouse was built in 1806.
Its situation is simply stunning with beautiful white cliffs all around and of course the sea. If you are feeling adventurous and athletic it’s well worth taking the steep step walk down to the North beach. The walk down to the beach is near the Lighthouse and at low tide, you can go rock pooling or in one of the caves formed by the waves.
Flamborough Head is also a popular place for nesting sea birds. If you head to the cliffs right of the lighthouse you will be able to see and hear many nesting birds. In June-July you may even spot a puffin plus seals often rest on the beach that is on the opposite side of the headland to the beach humans can get down to.
On the day we visited they were running guided tours every 30 minutes. We were just a few minutes early so we purchased our tickets and waited on one of the beaches overlooking the beautiful north beach. We were then taken on an approx 20-minute guided tour to the top of the Lighthouse. We were surprised to be the only three on the tour but equally thrilled as it was a lovely personal tour.
You start at the base of the Lighthouse with a talk about why the Lighthouse is in use and all the other Lighthouses run in the UK by Trinity House in London. It was very interesting and we certainly learnt some new snippets of information.
We then walked up the 119 steps to the top. The first main set of steps are lovely and wide and of course, winding. You then stop to catch your breath before the final few narrow steps. Here you have to mind your head and be very able-bodied. It is also obvious why there is a minimum height limit. You could not carry a child up the last section.
We were well rewarded at the top with stunning 360-degree views. Luckily we visited on a very clear day and we could see as far as the Humber Bridge which we could just about make out. It normally takes one hour to drive there from Brid so to be able to see it from the Lighthouse at Flamborough was pretty amazing.
After a good deal of time spent at the top and hearing more interesting facts including seeing the reflective glass turning constantly ready for the lights turning on later in the day we headed back down again.
A walk around Flamborough Head
After our visit to Flamborough Lighthouse, we decided to take a walk around the headland. This is essential to any visit to Flamborough head, especially on a clear day. The views of the surrounding cliffs with sea birds, sea and beaches is more than worth the walk. Be careful near the edge though, it’s a long way down and crumbly in places. It’s worth staying near the edge though as you will spot caves, birds and more along the walk.
North Beach at Flamborough
There are two paths down to the north beach at Flamborough Head. One way down is on the headland between the gift shop and the Lighthouse entrance. The other is a bit further on and has more steps than slopes. It is very steep and only attempt it if you are all able-bodied. It is also worth checking the tide times because the beach is better to visit when the tide is going out.
You then have enough time to explore the caves along the edge which aren’t accessible when the tide is in. Just don’t spend too long exploring as once the tide does start to come back in you won’t want to end up stranded. The north beach also has lots of rock pools once the tide has gone out but do be careful where you are walking.
Important Information
Tours at Flamborough Lighthouse are organised by East Riding of Yorkshire council. They run most weekends during the Spring and summer and during most school holidays. Please check the link above for their up-to-date timetable.
An adult tour to Flamborough Lighthouse costs £5.20 and £4.20 for a child up to 15 years. Please note that children must be 1.1 metres or taller to climb the tower. Children need to be capable of climbing the steps to the top by themselves. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costs £17.50.
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