RSPB St Bees Head - Image 1

RSPB St Bees Head

Saint Bees, United Kingdom•4.6(216)•Country Park, Nature Reserve

Explore north-west England's only cliff-nesting seabird colony with stunning coastal views and opportunities to spot Fulmars, Guillemots, and Kittiwakes.

St Bees Head is a spectacular nature reserve perched on the Cumbrian coast between Whitehaven and St Bees, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of one of the region's most important seabird sanctuaries. The reserve features three dedicated viewing points positioned along the dramatic cliff-top path, providing superb vantage points to observe the bustling seabird colony in all its glory. On clear days, visitors can even catch glimpses across the sea to the Isle of Man, adding to the spectacular scenery. The seabird colony is a remarkable assemblage of species, each with distinctive characteristics. Fulmars soar gracefully around the cliffs with their trademark stiff-winged flight, while Guillemots—though seemingly clumsy on land—display surprising agility and elegance in the water. Herring Gulls nest among the cliffs, and during spring and early summer, Kittiwakes create a distinctive cacophony of calls as they communicate with one another. The reserve is ideal for families interested in birdwatching, nature photography, and coastal exploration. Visitors are encouraged to tackle the bracing cliff-top walk to experience this wild and beautiful landscape. The best time to visit is spring and early summer when seabird activity peaks and breeding behaviour can be observed. Note that the trail is steep and uneven with mixed surfaces including wet rocks and loose debris, making sturdy footwear essential. Please be aware that due to landslips, the public footpath from St Bees car park to Fleswick Bay has been closed.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Contact venue for details

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.6(216 reviews)
K
keith ball

keith ball

a month ago

Great place to visit, bit late in the season, checking the place out for a future visit, 2.5 mile walk from the carpark at st bees by the lifeboat station, 1200 feet elevation to the top , it's steep which ever way you go and it's steep descending, was it worth the climb , as hard and slow as it was , yes ,

J
J H

J H

4 months ago

Didn't know there had been a landslip that closed the coastal path to here. No signs up at the Whitehaven end to warn about this. Apparently the landslip happened in March, couldn't really tell where you could still walk down to. SIgns were rubbish had to follow a diversion inland that was boring

G
Gavin Newcombe

Gavin Newcombe

7 years ago

A beautiful part of the Cumbrian coast. A great beach with lots of sand after the tide has gone out. South head also has stunning sand stone rock formations and great rock pools for showing your little ones and sea life.

R
Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan

8 years ago

Beautiful beach. The beach is sandy but the are stones spread across it strangely, it's difficult to describe. See the pictures, they will describe this better. Nearby the are beautiful hills with dark & light green fields, beautiful. Plenty of parking available and there are free public toilets as well. A nice place.

K
Kurisu Miruzu

Kurisu Miruzu

9 years ago

Busy place in Holiday season due to it being right next to a holiday park. Its a "looked after" RSPB location no RSPB branding or information. Poor pathways that have corroded away and no visitor centre. The car park costs and will scam you out of time if you arrive in-between an hour. We arrived at 12:50 paid for 2hrs parking ticket printed and said it expires at 14:00 so we actually only got 1hr 10mins. The walk up the hill is precarious and not for the weak footed but once you are up there I will agree with all the other reviewers it is very peaceful and quiet unfortunately we never got to walk the lenght of the cliffs due to having to leave early but the bit we managed to see was nice. Be warned though if you are going to see wildlife they are nesting on the far cliff faces a long walk away from the holiday park. Guessing due to the noise of holiday goers.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at RSPB St Bees Head

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 28 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about RSPB St Bees Head

Is RSPB St Bees Head free to visit?

RSPB St Bees Head is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is RSPB St Bees Head dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at RSPB St Bees Head.

Is there parking at RSPB St Bees Head?

RSPB St Bees Head doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at RSPB St Bees Head?

RSPB St Bees Head doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is RSPB St Bees Head pushchair-friendly?

RSPB St Bees Head isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at RSPB St Bees Head?

RSPB St Bees Head is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to RSPB St Bees Head by public transport?

RSPB St Bees Head is well-served by public transport.
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