Flamborough Lighthouse Walk – Yorkshire Coast

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Izzy Taylor

Flamborough Lighthouse Walk – Yorkshire Coast

Distance

4.6km

Time

1hr – 1.5hrs

Difficulty

Easy

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Published on March 11, 2025

2 min read

Flamborough Head, on the Yorkshire coast is known for being one of the most spectacular chalk cliffs in the UK and this is a lovely, short walk that takes in some of the best sights on the headland.

Perfect for a leisurely stroll, the walk starts at the car park underneath the new lighthouse, built in 1906, which is open for tours. From the lighthouse, head down the stepped path (watch out – this is steep and can get slippy in wet weather) to make it onto Selwicks Bay.

At low tide, wander along the rocky chalk platform, have a peep for marine life in the numerous rock pools, explore the sea caves and arches and keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing around the shoreline. Just be sure to keep a distance from the seals as even though they’re curious, they can scare easily if disturbed, which can lead to mothers abandoning their pups on the beach.

After exploring Selwicks Bay and heading back up to the lighthouse, the path meanders along the cliff top with some stunning views back towards the bay. The path is signposted and easy to follow here. After a few short minutes, the impressive Drinking Dinosaur emerges but don’t worry, it’s not the remains of a fossilised dinosaur but instead, a much loved and popular landmark.

The natural rock formation and arch is said to look like a dinosaur drinking from the sea and if you’re lucky, you might find a huge seal colony basking in the sunshine on the rocky beach.

This is the perfect place to stop and take in the view with a good cup of coffee and when you’re ready, the path continues along the cliff to, before cutting up through some fields to pop out back at the road opposite the old lighthouse of Flamborough. Set up in 1669, there is no evidence of it ever being lit and occasionally it is open to the public.

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This route guide is part of the Taylor’s of Harrogate Coffee Bag Adventures Collection and was created by OS Champion Izzy Taylor

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