Spring forward to refreshing days of coastal nature

From East Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight, 100s of bird species await, but one of the best is at Bempton Cliffs – puffins, everyone’s favourite clowns of the sea.

Looking to get lost in nature? Cast your eyes no further than Yorkshire’s East Coast! Bempton Cliffs near Bridlington ranks among the top wildlife-spotting sights in the UK, come here for around half a million soaring birds above its towering chalk cliffs. 

Gaze at guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars, shags – they’re all nesting here alongside the UK’s largest seabird, the mighty gannet but you’ll also encounter everyone’s favourite clowns of the sea, the puffin. 

Spurn Point is another must-visit for bird-lovers, serious ornithologists or binocular beginners. Spanning three and a half miles into the Humber Estuary, stumble across chalk grassland, mature sand dune alongside sandy beaches with mud flats on the estuary side.  Wander freely over almost all of the reserve. 

Plan a visit this Easter and pop into the Spurn Lighthouse, recently restored and featuring exhibition floors and panoramic top floor views.  

But what better Easter escape than a specially curated four-day break designed for dogs? The furry-friendly guys at Visit East Yorkshire have devised a three-night, tail-wagging stay at Flamborough and Bridlington, perfect for dog-owners who love nature. 

Combine luxury glamping at Flamborough Glamping & Vineyard (check out the Puffin pod!), seal-spotting, tea by the sea, pup-friendly beach walks and much more. 

More than half of the Isle of Wight is designated a National Landscape (formerly AONB) and is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. So little wonder the Isle is spectacularly rich in diverse habitats and wildlife. 

Come here for nearly 100 species of bird, rare butterflies, wild deer and wonderful sea life, but the Isle of Wight is also a red squirrel hotspot. Smaller and brighter than their grey cousins, top spots to catch these fun creatures include Alverstone Mead near Sandown, Parkhurst Forest north of Newport and The Garlic Farm near Newchurch which has a dedicated feeding station.   
 
Arrive in spring and you’ll encounter returning seabirds flying by the ferries, expect to see gannets, fulmars, terns, kittiwakes, razorbills and more.  Occasionally porpoises break through the water’s surface, but Common and Bottlenose dolphins can also be spotted.  Common seals have also taken up residence in the Solent over the last 20 years. 

Join free wildlife walks, get up close to newts, lizards and grass snakes, with a bat cave, an amphitheatre and the largest free adventure playground in the south east, Kent’s made for kids!

Wake up your senses to spring at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve – the only ancient dune pasture in Kent and known internationally for its waders and wildfowl. Breathe in the saline scents of the saltmarsh, listen to the rolling waves breaking on the sand and shingle, and spot Highland cattle and Konik horses. 

Take a nature walk with bird expert Keith Ross and you’re likely to encounter cuckoos, peregrines, seals and lots more. 

Perfect for kids, if you’re in Ramsgate, head to Monkton Nature Reserve, this 16-acre expanse in a disused chalk quarry boasts more than 350 species of flowering plants including 10 species of orchid plus 25 species of butterfly, crested newts, lizards, dragonfly, grass snakes and much more! It’s also home to the first artificial bat cave in the UK. 

To delve deeper into local wildlife, join one of Birdwise East Kent’s free walks and talks, aiming to ensure everyone enjoys coastal birdlife without disturbing migrating birds from the Arctic.  

Rich in wildlife and offering amazing views of Kent’s White Cliffs, in East Cliff and Warren Country Park just outside Folkestone you’ll find a steep, pockmarked landscape known as The Warren which boasts more than 150 species of bird. Spacious lawns, a playground, bowls club and pitch and put golf course lie closest to the town, all overlooked by the Napoleonic-era Martello Towers. 

Great for getting everyone outdoors at Easter, Lower Leas Coastal Park between Folkestone and Sandgate, offers migrating birds and insects thriving in an undercliff area thanks to its unique microclimate. But you’ll also find a 350 -seat amphitheatre, the south east’s largest free adventure playground, a labyrinth of art installations, cycle paths, picnic areas, café, children’s workshops and much more. 

Stroll below the famed White Cliffs and you’ll be in Samphire Hoe, a 30-hectare reserve of exceptional biodiversity and a bi-product of the Channel Tunnel excavation.  A haven for wildlife, it boasts up to 40 species of flowering plants in just one square metre. Spot kestrels circling overhead, skylarks and butterflies and enjoy far-reaching views to France. It’s been awarded 15 Green Flags and 6 South and South East in Bloom awards.  

Meanwhile if you’re exploring the walks and cycle paths of Dover or Dover Castle in spring, you’ll have timed it perfectly - Dover has been announced as one of 18 first-time finalists for Britain in Bloom 2026. 

Visiting the North East this spring? You’ll find a host of healthy outdoor adventures.  

Book an activity with New Adventures and explore a different coastline! As dusk settles over the Tyne, embark on a Quayside Glow Tour in Newcastle, an illuminated kayaking adventure. Paddle through the twilight to see the city in an entirely different light, simultaneously both peaceful and exhilarating. 

For a total switch-off, rejuvenate with a morning meditation session led by Holly Walsh of Balance and Breathe Yoga at Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside. This sandy, crescent-shaped beach is the perfect serene setting for managing stress and refocusing. 

However, wherever you find yourself in Newcastle Gateshead, you’re only a stone’s throw from a stunning coastline.  Check out the sandy stretches of South Shields, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, better still all are accessible by metro, car or bus. Bring your furry friend and stroll for miles, stopping off at independent cafes and restaurants, and don’t miss Tynemouth Station’s Market, packed with stalls for picking up local art and gifts.