Best attractions and places to see around Reighton include a variety of coastal landscapes and historical sites. This North Yorkshire village offers access to expansive sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and significant natural reserves. The area is characterized by its scenic coastline, providing opportunities for exploration and appreciating local heritage.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Takes about 2 hours from cayton bay along the the Cleveland way to Filey couple of uneven parts on the way but relatively an easy walk
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Happened to be here on a lovely sunny day, but with 40mph winds - It was a great walk out on the Brigg but 'blowing away the cobwebs' a bit of an understatement!
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Lots of viewing platforms along the clifftop public footpath, but early morning in December is definitely not the best time to view the birds, I didn't see many species or individual birds at all. Maybe I scared them off :). Summer probably much better when they are nesting.
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Lots of parking, very quiet in winter, and cracking routes along the south and north of Flamborough Head. Take the north route past North Landing and Thornwick Bay, much more scenic than the southerly route.
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If you can, walk the entire section between the lighthouse and Bempton Cliffs, there are many and varied little bays and rock formations. Footpath muddy in winter, but not terribly boggy. Cracking views and photo opportunities.
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The Rudston monolith is the tallest prehistoric standing stone in Britain, measuring almost 8 metres high, nearly 2 metres wide, a metre thick and estimated to weigh somewhere in the region of a massive 26 tons. This giant block of grey sandstone or gritstone was errected here either in the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age and is thought to have been quarried more than 10 miles away in the Cayton Bay area south of Scarborough, although the glacial transportation of a large block of stone that was then shaped and utilised by the prehistoric residents of the area cannot be ruled out. The top of the stone has been weathered and eroded into a fluted peak similar to the stones of the Devil's Arrows and a lead cap was first added to try to preserve it in the 18th century. The churchyard of All Saints that it stands in is of course much younger and although the christianisation of the site took place around 1100AD the stone had already stood here for at least 3000 years. The monolith stands close to the Gypsey Race, an occasional stream that flows along the floor of the Great Wold Valley from close to the barrow of Duggleby Howe in the east, past another pair of barrows at Wold Newton and Willie Howe before turning south past the Argham Henge and Cursus down to Rudston itself where it bends sharply and heads eastwards to the sea at Bridlington. The whole of the Gypsey Race landscape was obviously important in prehistoric times and holds a rich selection of sites, most of which have been destroyed or badly damaged by ploughing, including many round barrows, several long barrows, four cursuses and at least one henge. It continued to retain its importance into the historic period - a major Roman villa was discovered to the southwest of Rudston village. In the corner of the churchyard is a much smaller stone presumably brought here from a local barrow and also the remains of a double cist that was removed from a nearby barrow on Rudston Beacon by the antiquarian Canon Greenwell in the late 19th century.
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The monument is the former Flamborough Head lighthouse and includes an octagonal tower constructed of coursed chalk rubble with stone dressings. It was built in 1674 as a business venture by Sir John Clayton, but never used.
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Reighton offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit Filey Bay Beach for its golden sands and clean waters, or explore the dramatic cliffs and rock pools at Smugglers' Caves at Thornwick Bay. Reighton Beach itself is known for its vast sands and fossil-rich cliffs. For birdwatching, RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve is a must-see.
For breathtaking coastal views, head to Flamborough Lighthouse, which offers lovely cliff walks towards Bempton Cliffs. North Landing Beach and Cliffs also provides picturesque views of a small cove beach, with a pub and cafe at the top of the cliffs.
Yes, the area has several historical points of interest. Flamborough Lighthouse, built in 1806, is a significant landmark. Within Reighton civil parish, you can find historic churches like St. Peter's Church and St. Leonard's Church, the latter dating back to the early 12th century.
Families can enjoy the vast sandy expanses of Reighton Beach and Filey Bay Beach for paddling and games. The cliffs backing Reighton Beach are great for fossil hunting. The Haven Reighton Sands Holiday Park, located on the cliffs, offers an indoor pool, outdoor lazy river, and various sports. Nearby, you can visit Filey Zoo or SEA LIFE Scarborough for animal encounters.
The best time to visit Reighton largely depends on your interests. For seabird watching at RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, late spring and summer (April to August) are ideal when puffins, gannets, and guillemots are nesting. For beach activities and coastal walks, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn offer more pleasant weather.
Absolutely! RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve is a premier destination for birdwatching. It's managed specifically for seabirds, and you can expect to see gannets, guillemots, and puffins from the cliff-top walks. There's also a visitor center with information and facilities.
Yes, the area around Reighton offers various cycling routes. You can find options ranging from moderate to difficult, including routes that pass by Flamborough Lighthouse and North Landing Beach and Cliffs. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Cycling around Reighton and Road Cycling Routes around Reighton guides.
Reighton and its surroundings are excellent for walking. You can enjoy coastal walks, such as the path from Flamborough Lighthouse up to Bempton Cliffs. The beaches, including Reighton Beach and Filey Bay Beach, also offer pleasant strolls. For running trails, check out the Running Trails around Reighton guide.
Yes, several attractions have nearby refreshment options. Flamborough Lighthouse has a cafe and shop. At North Landing Beach and Cliffs, you'll find a pub and a cafe at the top of the cliffs. RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve also features a cafe and shop at its visitor center.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the dramatic cliffs and expansive beaches. The opportunity to spot diverse seabirds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve is a highlight for many. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Smugglers' Caves at Thornwick Bay and the family-friendly nature of Filey Bay Beach are also highly appreciated.
Beyond the main beaches, Smugglers' Caves at Thornwick Bay offers a unique experience with its chalk cliffs, rock pools, and caves steeped in history. The sea arch formed by erosion adds to its distinctive appeal. Reighton Beach itself is notable for its fossil-rich cliffs, providing opportunities for discovery.


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