I had the good fortune to visit Flamborough Head this weekend and it struck me as the perfect situation for a Hull day-out this summer.
Situated on the east coast of Yorkshire, Flamborough Head is a site of geological significance and provides nesting sites for thousands of seabirds every year; unsurprisingly, this makes it extremely aesthetically pleasing and a place of awe as well as wonder. Additionally, for any history geeks, the chalk tower near Flamborough Head is the oldest surviving complete lighthouse in England.
So, if you get the chance this summer, the two-hour round-trip to Flamborough is well worth it!
How to get to Flamborough Head from Hull
Starting from Hull city centre, take the Holderness Road out towards the A165 before joining the A1035 and subsequently Bridlington Road. Then, take a short turn onto Bridlington Bay Road followed by a long stint on the A614 which will take you into Bridlington and the A165. Stay on the A165 and join the B1255 at the Well Lane roundabout in Bridlington. Finally, pursue the B1255 until Flamborough where you are able to follow signs for Flamborough Head. In total, this journey should take one-hour-four-minutes.
Alternatively, it is possible to take the Scarborough-bound Northern train from Paragon Interchange to Driffield. From here, you must take the 121 bus to Bridlington before boarding the 14 bus at Bus Station C1 (by the Prior John pub) to Flamborough. In total, this journey should take two-hours-twenty-six-minutes.
Finally, the Trans Pennine Trail and the Hornsea Rail Trail mean it is possible to cycle to Flamborough Head. However, I must admit that directions are rather complicated, and to avoid potential confusion, I urge you to consult Google Maps. Although, if in doubt, take the aforementioned trails to their end before following road signs for Flamborough. In total, this journey should take you two-hours-fifty-minutes and therefore presents itself as a ‘fitness-friendly’ alternative to the above public transport route.
Points of interest in Flamborough Head
Flamborough Lighthouse
Kognos.
The Flamborough Lighthouse was built in 1806 and acts as a waypoint for deep sea vessels and marks the Flamborough Headland for the vessels heading to the port towns of Scarborough and Bridlington. Interestingly, there was a lighthouse built on Flamborough Head in 1669, however, it was never lit; unfortunately, I do not know if the older lighthouse is still standing — it might be worth asking a knowledgeable local.
Tours do take place regularly with admission prices standing at £5 for adults; £17 for families; and £4 for children.
Seabirds
The joy of all things.The pièce de résistance of Flamborough Head, thousands of seabirds nest in its cliffs every year, carpeting the landscape.
Now, I am not a zoologist by any stretch so thankfully I took note of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust signs dotted around Flamborough Head from which I understand that the main eight species of seabird that nest there are as follows: Gannet; Puffin; Shag; Guillemont; Razorbill; Fulmar; Kittiwake; and Herring Gull. Sadly, the many nuances of these seabirds beat me but I can vouch for their beauty and wonder.
Additionally, there are seals present at Flamborough Head (yes, I know seals do not qualify as seabirds — I had to get them in somewhere!); although, to my dismay, I did not see any.
North Landing Beach
North Landing Beach is small but attractive courtesy of the chalk cliffs that surround it; the pebble-laden ground; and smugglers’ caves. Apparently, North Landing is very popular with bathers; snorkelers; kayakers; and fishermen and, amazingly, was used as a shoot location for the Dad’s Army film!
Danes Dyke
A beautiful nature reserve that covers one-hundred-and-fourty-eight acres, Danes Dyke is arguably one of the finest stretches of coastland on the East coast. Thankfully, there is a 3KM circular trail that you can use to access Danes Dyke; additionally, there are two shorter walks clocking in at 2KM and 1KM — follow the signs for directions.
Flamborough Head Golf Club
If you are in the mood for a spot of golf then the Flamborough Head Golf Club is the place to be. Dubbed the ‘Friendliest Club on the Coast’ it has a strong reputation and to my eye (albeit, one that lacks golf experience) the course is magnificent.
South Landing
Another delightful little beach, the South Landing is set against a backdrop of grassy, chalk cliffs and is home to a number of rock pools at low tide — these are usually teeming with crabs; small fish; and other wildlife. Additionally, the South Landing is a handy spot for enjoying the seabirds present at Flamborough as well as being a fantastic platform for sweeping views of Bridlington Bay.
Flamborough Head Circular
This is an epic walk that takes you along the cliffs at Flamborough head and around the town of Flamborough. Cheerily, the Circular affords the best views of the coast and if you are in luck, you can walk down to a number of pebble beaches around the headland. However, beware, as the terrain can become difficult in poor weather; although, on the whole, it is very accessible.
Food and drink in Flamborough Head
For those who work up an appetite along the many trails of Flamborough Head, the Headlands Family Restaurant Café Bar is the perfect place to have a bite to eat and something to drink. Here, you can get a wide range of dishes including but not limited to lasagne; Whitby scampi; steak pie; fish and chips; and an all-day breakfast. Happily, Headlands represents fantastic value for money and the food is not bad either (I thoroughly enjoyed my burger).
Moreover, apparently, there is the Caravel Bar and Boathouse Burger and Grill; although, I could not spot them. Having not seen them, there is not much that I can say; however, the clues are in the names — if you want a burger or a strong drink, I imagine these are the places to be.
Flamborough Head’s history
Now, as I am a history geek, I feel obliged to mention the Battle of Flamborough Head in 1779. But, fret not if you are bored stiff by history as I will keep this short.
Taking place on the 23rd of September 1779, the Battle of Flamborough Head was contested by a Franco-American squadron led by the Scottish-American John Paul Jones and British escort vessels (who were protecting a large merchant convoy) led by Sir Richard Pearson.
Unfortunately, the British forces were forced to surrender after a valiant fight; however, they are able to claim a strategic victory as the merchant convoy was left unfettered by the Franco-American forces.
Interestingly, this battle earned John Paul Jones a fierce reputation and he would etch his name into history with the immortal retort, “I have not yet begun to fight.”
Places to stay in Flamborough Head
If you are hoping to make a longer stay of your time at Flamborough Head then, happily, it is possible to rent a room at either the North Star Hotel or the Viking Hotel.
Firstly, the North Star Hotel is an award-winning family-owned venue equipped with an exquisite restaurant renowned for its fresh Flamborough seafood. What’s more, the North Star Hotel affords breath-taking views and is within easy traveling distance of many of Yorkshire’s finest coastal destinations.
Further down the road is our second venue, the Viking Hotel. Admittedly, I did not stop to have a nosey at the Viking but, to the best of my knowledge, it is a delightful bed and breakfast which consists of two cottages that serve up to six people and four studios, each sleeping two people.
