How to Hike from Flamborough Head to Bridlington

Flamborough Head is one of my favorite places in England with its white chalk cliffs, rugged coastline, and multiple hiking trails, of course. A great hike in the area is from Flamborough Head to Bridlington, the seaside town a few miles away.

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Flamborough Head to Bridlington Hike, Yorkshire

Distance: 6.5 miles
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kid Friendly? Yes
Pet Friendly? Yes
Wheelchair Accessible? No

Hiking Flamborough Head to Bridlington in Yorkshire

What to Bring

Make sure you bring a backpack with you and pack some essentials for your hike. This may not be hiking up a mountain, but it’s strenuous enough to need a few things.

Water: Seriously.. the most important thing to bring anytime you are walking a distance! Always stay hydrated!
Snacks: There’s a great place to park yourself on the white chalk rocks and have a mini picnic for yourself.
Sunblock: Put some on in the morning and then reapply throughout the day. You’re out in the open and the sun is stronger than you think in the summer.
Cash: Don’t forget some cash for the bus back!! Unless you are expecting to walk back!
Bring a Buddy: You are walking on the side of cliffs and up and down steep stairs with not a lot of people around. If anything happens, you’re on your own. Be safe and bring a hiking partner.
Appropriate Footwear: I’m the kind of person who wears flip-flops all the time, but definitely wear sneakers for this hike, the terrain is uneven and you’re walking on the side of a cliff… I have said that before, right?!

Where and When to Start

The best place to start is the Flamborough Head Lighthouse parking lot. It’s open 24 hours and super cheap… £2.90 for parking all day!!

You need to start this walk as early as possible because the entire hike is out in the open and if it’s a hot day with full sun then you don’t want to be stuck in it at 1pm.

Once you park your car, you’ll start your walk on the path to the left of the lighthouse. Hug the wall around the back of the lighthouse and start walking down the paved path.

Walk all the way to the cliff’s edge and you’ll notice a dirt path that runs along the coast.

Start walking to the south (which will be to your right).

This first set of stacks and arches you come to are spectacular. Follow the path around and you’ll notice the cliffs form a dinosaur sleeping. If you have ever been to Nusa Penida in Bali then this will look very familiar… it seriously reminds me of Kelingking Beach! Crazy that this is England!!

South Landing

Continue walking along the coastal path, it’s pretty difficult to get lost. You’ll walk along the side of a farmer’s field and then around the cliff head, you should now be able to see Bridlington in the distance.

The next landmarks you’ll come to are South Landing and the Lifeboat Station.

There are some steep steps down to the landing and then steep steps up the next cliff to continue your walk, however, this a great spot to take a break, have a snack (if you brought one), or dip your toes in the water.

Dane’s Dyke

Pick up where you left off, head up the stairs, and continue walking along the cliffs.

You’ll come to another separation in the cliffs which is Dane’s Dyke Beach and you’ll have some more steep steps to climb down and back up. If you haven’t taken a break yet, this is another great place to stop.

Head up the stairs to continue your hike and you are now entering Dane’s Dyke, a nature reserve and special area of conservation.

This area, along with much of Flamborough Head, is home to special marine life and about 250,000 seabirds hanging out here for the summer.

Arriving in Bridlington

Continuing on the coastline, you’ll see Bridlington getting closer, but your next landmark will be Sewerby Hall and the cricket ground.

If you want to end your walk here, then there is a land train that will take you into town, with several stops along the way.

But you’re almost done! Keep on walking!

Once you get down to the bottom of the hill, you’re in the main beach area of Bridlington and if you continue along the coastline, you’ll run into the harbor.

There’s plenty to do in Bridlington… amusements, carnival rides, ferris wheels, and great cafes, so enjoy your time here.

Bridlington to Flamborough Head

Once you are finished in Bridlington, it’s time to head back to Flamborough Head. You can either walk back the same way you came, or you can take the bus back.

The bus station is a 5-minute walk from the beach and the main area of Bridlington. It’s not like a regular bus station, there’s only 3 bus lanes in a row and no actual “station”.

There are two buses that run to Flamborough, the 510 and the Beachcomber. Both buses run from the last bus lane and the timetables are posted.

Opt for the double-decker, open-top Beachcomber (it’s also one of the UK’s most scenic bus rides) because it will drop you off right outside the lighthouse on Flamborough Head and it runs every two hours during the season and for under £2.00 for the journey, it’s worth it.

Bus Route Update

The Beachcomber no longer runs in the Flamborough Head area, and there are no other bus routes at this time that will take you to the Flamborough Head car park. Unfortunately, you will have to take the bus to the North Landing and walk down the coast to your car!

The 510 bus will take you to North Landing in Flamborough which will add another 2-mile walk to the parking lot by the lighthouse.

Flamborough Head

Once you’re back, don’t forget to check out where you parked! Flamborough Head is beautiful with its coves and caves made from thousands of years of North Sea storms pummelling the coastline.

It’s a steep and semi-difficult walk down to the cove (the steps are VERY uneven), but there’s so much to do once you get to the cove. I don’t recommend swimming there, save that for North Landing, because there’s A LOT of seaweed and slippery rocks on the way to the ocean, but it’s great for exploring!

When you head back up and the path forks, take the right side…. it’s an easier climb to the top!

Are you looking for more Yorkshire inspiration? Check out these other posts!

What are your favorite hikes in the UK? Have you hiked to Bridlington from Flamborough Head before? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!