Business investment supports RSPB Bempton Cliff to reach record high visitor numbers

Business investment supports RSPB Bempton Cliff to reach record high visitor numbers

RSPB Bempton Cliffs, one of the top visitor attractions in Yorkshire, has seen significant growth in visitor numbers following support from Invest East Yorkshire Business Support Services Team, with visitor numbers reaching an all-time high in 2025.

Bempton Cliffs attracts thousands of visitors each year, particularly during puffin season. The flagship nature reserve also wanted to extend its visitor season and increase year-round footfall.

Through Invest East Yorkshire’s business support programme, RSPB Bempton accessed a UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant, provided by the UK government, supporting them to undertake targeted advertising across regional media and social platforms, as well as the team accessing free social media workshops and ongoing business advice.

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said: “It is great to see how Bempton Cliffs has been able to increase its visibility and start to increase its tourism season, with the help of new marketing activities.

“This success shows how targeted funding can generate wider economic impact for an entire local supply chain, with the opportunities for accommodation providers, restaurants and other independent businesses in the region to benefit from the increased visitor numbers.”

Dave O Hara, Reserve Manager, said:  “Thanks to Invest East Yorkshire, we were able to invest in marketing RSPB Bempton Cliffs as a year-round visitor attraction, increasing visits in the shoulder seasons, so spreading visitor numbers across the year.  This contributed to an amazing year for visitor numbers, our highest on record.”

RSPB Bempton Cliffs, saw 135,561 visitors in 2025, an 18% increase on the previous year. It is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is renowned for its puffin colony, as well as being the only mainland breeding colony of gannets in England.

Bempton also has a Visitor Centre, shop and café,(serving bird-friendly coffee), and has increased its range of events for the summer season.  2025 marked the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Visitor Centre.

Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, work closely with businesses to help them grow and develop, and to access funding where available.

More information about support or grant eligibility for businesses in the East Riding can be found at www.investeastyorkshire.co.uk/business-support

This support was delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), funded by the UK Government.