Despite living in Yorkshire for over 6 years, I’m still discovering new places I hadn’t been. With my move to Australia, I decided to tick one major item off my bucket list before I went: I finally visited Spurn Point! This is one of the most unique and incredible places I’ve been to in Yorkshire, and I can’t believe it took me so long to visit! Here’s my guide for everything you need to know about Spurn Point.

What is Spurn Point?

Spurn Point is a spit of land, a tiny peninsula that sticks out between the Humber Estuary and the North Sea. Google Maps and drone shots give a real feel for what exactly this sliver of land actually is. It’s like standing at the very ends of the earth – but you’re still in East Yorkshire! The area is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust national nature reserve, with lots of wildlife (particularly bird) sightings here. There is a big visitor center at the end of the mainland, where you can then access the point.

There is no road access to Spurn Point, and the lighthouses at the end of the curved peninsula are a 3.5-mile walk from the nature reserve. I felt like I was at the end of the world, it felt so remote from everything else, and so unique! Note that dogs are not allowed anywhere at Spurn Point, so unfortunately any four-legged friends will need to stay at home.

How to Get to Spurn Point

You’ll need a car to get to the Spurn nature reserve. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has a very large car park (£5 for all-day parking), otherwise there may be some parking available on the road south of the reserve. Please park courteously, and do not block the road or obstruct traffic. I parked in this free car park near the old Blue Bell pub – there are toilets here, and it wasn’t difficult finding a spot around noon.

There is no road access to Spurn Point, so you’ll need to walk or bike the 3.5 miles to get here. I recommend sturdy footwear, and a waterproof jacket and pants! It’s a very exposed area so if the weather is bad, you’ll want to be prepared. Check out my outdoor gear guide for all my recommendations.

In 2013, a storm caused a huge tidal surge that washed out the road to Spurn Point. It became a tidal island, and vehicles aren’t allowed here now. Be aware that this is a very exposed coastal region, and there is a 1km “washover” section that is dangerous during high tide. Check the tide times in advance of your visit, and make sure you leave enough time to get back to the mainland at the end of your visit, so you don’t get stuck! If you’re biking, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust offer bike rental from their visitor center.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust also offers Spurn Safaris through the nature reserve. These are on an ex-military overland vehicle, and take you around Spurn Point on a wildlife tour with guided commentary.

What to See at Spurn Point

I had a fantastic day out here – there really is a lot to see and do, especially if you’re birdwatching! Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.

Spurn National Nature Reserve

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has a large visitor center, with toilets, a café, and a shop, along with some exhibitions with information about the area. They offer bike hire and the Spurn Safaris, too. Entry to the visitor center and its facilities is free (they have a charge for parking in their car park if you aren’t a member).

Lighthouse

Climbing up the lighthouse at Spurn Point was incredible, and I highly recommend doing this if you’re visiting Spurn Point! The lighthouse is typically open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and costs £4 for adults and £2 for children. At 128 feet, it’s the tallest lighthouse in Northern England! While they have information and some exhibits about the history of the lighthouse, I really climbed up the lighthouse for the amazing views from the top. You can get a bird’s eye view of the peninsula, and it really made me appreciate just how unique this spit of land is – surrounded by water on nearly all sides, connected to land by just a tiny thread. The lighthouse dates back to 1895, and was decommissioned in 1985.

Military Ruins

There was a military presence at Spurn Point from Napolean’s day up until the 1950s. The Port War Signal Station (PWSS) was a fortified military base, and you can still see a lot of the remnants as you walk around Spurn Point. The old fire command room is located near the lighthouse, and there are searchlight bunkers towards the point.

RNLI Station

Spurn Point is home to the RNLI Humber Lifeboat Station, which is the only lifeboat station with a full-time crew. You can see the lifeboat on the coast, along with the accommodation for the crew members. There is a public toilet, operated by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, just past this point.

The Point

The very point of Spurn Point is really an incredible place. I felt like I was at the end of the world! There’s nothing around you besides the land you came on, and the sea. You could feel the difference between the North Sea and the Humber Estuary, standing and looking out from the point. If you’re coming all the way to Spurn Point, you simply have to come down to the beach and see the very end of it. It’s a moment I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Planning Your Trip to Spurn Point

I visited Spurn Point as a long daytrip from where I live in York. The closest airport is the Humberside Airport, but note that this is closer to Grimsby and across the Humber Bridge (which charges a toll). The other closest airport would likely be Leeds Bradford airport. I book my flights with Skyscanner. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

If you’re planning on visiting Spurn Point, I’d recommend staying in Hull as it will likely offer the most choice of accommodation and transport options. You can search for accommodation below!

Booking.com

Spurn Point was a fantastic day out, and a truly unique place to visit in Yorkshire. I loved my visit here, and I wish it hadn’t have taken me so long to go! This is definitely one place you need to visit in both the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Yorkshire in general. I hope this post helps planning your visit to Spurn Point!

Have you visited Spurn Point before? What did you think of your experience?

You might also like my posts:

The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 88 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

Beverley: One Place You Can’t Miss in East Yorkshire

Flamborough Head: Hiking Along the Yorkshire Coast

All of my Yorkshire posts!

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