One of Yorkshire’s most breathtaking coastal wildlife destinations is celebrating after scooping a coveted national award for its outstanding visitor experience and warm Yorkshire hospitality.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs, perched along the dramatic East Yorkshire coastline near Bridlington, has officially been awarded the prestigious VisitEngland Welcome Accolade.
Renowned as the UK’s largest mainland seabird colony, the dramatic 400-foot-high chalk cliffs provide a home to around half a million breeding seabirds every single year. From colourful puffins and kittiwakes to guillemots, razorbills, and thousands of acrobatic gannets, the site delivers one of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife displays.
During the warmer summer months, sightseers can take to the water on the historic pleasure cruiser Yorkshire Belle, sailing directly beneath the towering chalk cliffs as clouds of seabirds circle overhead, while cliff-top walkers watch gannets plunge into the North Sea at breakneck speeds. The reserve’s global ecological value has earned it designation as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a European Special Protection Area (SPA).
The VisitEngland Accolades reflect independent assessor visits, direct tourist feedback, and online reviews, singling out attractions that go above and beyond to make guests feel looked after. The award certificates were handed over during a celebratory ceremony at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
Dave O’Hara, Senior Reserve Manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, said: “We’re thrilled to receive the VisitEngland Welcome Accolade. Our team always go the extra mile to make sure our visitors feel immediately valued, comfortable, and well-cared for when they arrive here.
“For us, this award is about much more than excellent customer service. It reflects the passion, dedication and care that our staff and volunteers bring every day, whether they’re greeting visitors, supporting events, sharing knowledge or helping people to connect with nature on the reserve. This award is a real celebration of the whole team and the care they put into making Bempton such a special place to visit.”
Poppy Rummery, Visitor Experience Manager at the reserve, added: “Bempton Cliffs is well and truly on the map as one of Yorkshire’s best visitor attractions. Our visitor numbers are at record levels and we’re continuing to invest every year in making Bempton the number one wildlife experience in the country.”
