The Village Community Website for

F L A M B O R O U G H

Welcome to Flamborough

Navigation: Places To Go - South Landing.

The South Landing

Although South Landing has the same distinctive chalk cliffs as North Landing and the Lighthouse areas, because of it's South facing aspect, the cliffs are not sculpted into caves and stacks, which are a feature of the other sites.

South Landing also has a wooded ravine that is home to many species of native birds. There are also many migrants, which are either blown ashore or seek refuge there from storms. This of course makes it a very popular venue for bird watchers.

From the car park a heritage trail goes along the side of the ravine, across a footbridge and along the other side of the ravine. This leads to a viewing point on the cliff top which gives magnificent views along the coastline and out to sea. The walk may be continued around the fields and back to the car park. A total distance of 1 mile, alternatively, steps near the viewing point lead down to the beach.

For a direct walk to the beach there is a hard surfaced lane from the car park, about 275 yards to the Lifeboat house. This lane is not too steep and the full gradient can be seen from about 75 yards from the car park exit.

The first Lifeboat station at South Landing was established by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1871 and continued in service until 1938. The R.N.L.I station at North Landing continued until 1993 when it closed. A new boathouse was built at South Landing with a high-speed inshore boat coming on station in 1993. The boathouse is open to the public frequently throughout the summer and also has a gift and souvenir shop.

The beach has quite an expanse of sand and numerous rock pools which can be fascinating to explore. Also at low tide over to the left, two long piles of rocks may be seen. These are the remains of a mediaeval port, first mentioned in 1323 and in 1537 was a more secure port than Bridlington. In 1561 Mary Queen of Scots anchored about 300 yards off the port of South Landing as she sailed from France to Scotland. The port may have been finally destroyed about 1568.

Fossils can be found on the beach, some more common than others. The most commonly found is Oyster (Devil's Toe Nails), but Ammonite, Belemnite, Echinoid, and Sponge can be found.

From South Landing there are longer cliff top walks for the more energetic - to the Lighthouse about one and a half miles and in the opposite direction to Danes Dyke, also about one and a half miles. Both can be made into circular walks by turning inland and returning to South Landing through Flamborough village.

Script and information by:
Geoff Balderson.

This website has been set up by Flamborough Community Environmental Action Group with funding through:

English Nature and The Shell Better Britain Campaign.