Yorkshire Cliffs

[Maydup]

We'll be in Yorkshire soon and I'd like to see the puffins and sea birds on the cliffs. Mr M isn't a great walker and my research also suggests the RSPB view points get really crowded. So I was thinking of booking a boat trip from Bridlington. Of course that would be reliant on the weather and tides.

Should we go land or sea, any local tips?

[sunny-dave]

The RSPB boat trips from Brid are very good - I've had a couple of fantastic cruises

http://tinyurl.com/ym4pm5av

[Buenchico]

To see the birds really well, a good pair of binoculars will be needed. Holding binoculars steady on the deck of a moving ship isn't easy, so I'd opt for the land-based route.

The first part of this video was filmed in April of last year but the second part was filmed in July:

[Buenchico]

Parts of this video, filmed in May 2019, show visitors walking to the the observation points and watching the birds from there. That might give you an idea of how crowded (or otherwise) it might be if you stick to the land. (To me, it looks a bit like the situation when I go seal-watching at Horsey Gap in Norfolk during the winter months. While the car park can seem quite full, there's sufficient space for everyone, so that it doesn't seem like you're in among big crowds when you're actually observing the wildlife):

[Buenchico]

A useful link:
https://www.wedreamoftravel.com/puffins-in-yorkshire/

[jourdain2]

Have a lovely time in Yorkshire. I live about 7 miles from Flamborough and bird-watching friends say that the cliffs get very crowded. Consequently, I've never seen a puffin because we go out of season! I should be seeing a 'twitcher' friend of ours on the dog-walk in the morning and will ask him for his opinion. Personally, I'd advise the boat trip.
Lunch-wise - the Flamborough Golf-club is hard to beat. Decent food and spacious surroundings and stupendous views over the bay.
Sightseeing - don't miss Brid. Old Town and the museum near the Priory (also worth a look). It's the old gatehouse, spiral stairs the lot. Ask again about all that. But I will ask our friend.

[Maydup]

Thank you all for some great links and videos. And Jourdain for the local knowledge and tips. The RSPB boat trip is sold out but there are others with very good reviews. At the moment I'm inclined toward the sea option as the videos have helped clarify that the best land views probably involve more walking that Mr M will manage. If we book the boat trip we will have a relaxing time, a great view and a commentary which will help us to identify what we're seeing.