Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
St Bees Head
St BeesOpenSee opening timesBlow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk along the cliff top path, and look across to the Isle of Man on a clear day. In spring and summer, stop at the viewpoints to marvel at the largest seabird colony in north-west England.
About
Please be aware that due to landslips the public footpath from St Bees (Council run Capark) to Fleswick bay has been shut.
Welcome to St Bees Head, which supports north-west England's only cliff-nesting seabird colony. St Bees Head pokes out between Whitehaven and St. Bees, in west Cumbria. There are three viewing points to discover, giving you superb views of the seabird colony and, on a clear day, even over to the Isle of Man, across the sea.
The seabird colony here is a muddle of species, including Fulmars, which have a trademark stiff-winged flight as they soar around the cliffs. Guillemots look clumsy on land, but they're agile and elegant underwater. Herring Gulls also nest around the cliffs, spending their time looking for other seabirds to rob food from. Visit in spring and early summer to hear the Kittiwakes calling to each other, making a real racket.
At a glance
Copeland Borough Council Pay and Display car park at St Bees shore, adjacent to the reserve entrance. See their website for information and parking charges. No lighting. No height restrictions. Tarmac surface.
No accessible toilet facilities on-site. The nearest public toilets are in Whitehaven, around 4.5 miles away.
There is no baby changing facility here. The nearest public toilets are in Whitehaven, around 4.5 miles away.
The trail is steep and uneven with a mixture of surfaces including wet rocks and loose debris.
The trail is steep and uneven with a mixture of surfaces including wet rocks and loose debris.
There are no toilets at this reserve. There are council-managed toilet facilities at the car park.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs on leads welcome at all times. Dogs are only allowed on public footpaths and bridleway.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact St Bees Head
stbees.head@rspb.org.uk St Bees Head, Saint Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0EN 01697 351330