Spurn Point
East Yorkshire
Spurn Point is one of the most extraordinary natural features on the English coast: a narrow, three-and-a-half-mile sand and shingle spit curling into the mouth of the Humber Estuary at the southern tip of the Holderness coast. The spit is never more than 50 yards wide in places and is in a constant state of natural change. A major storm in 2013 washed away the road to the tip, making the lower section accessible on foot or by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Spurn Safari 4x4 only. The spit is a National Nature Reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and is internationally important for migratory birds, particularly in spring and autumn when thousands of birds funnel down its length. The disused 1895 lighthouse at the tip is now open to visitors, offering panoramic views from its 128-foot lantern room.
Dogs are not permitted on Spurn Point. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's own website is explicit on this point, as the sensitive habitats, ground-nesting birds and protected wildlife of the National Nature Reserve must not be disturbed. This makes Spurn Point a destination for human visitors only. For dog owners, the area around Kilnsea and the beaches to the north of Spurn are accessible, and the Discovery Centre has a cafe and toilets. Parking at the Discovery Centre costs £5 for non-members of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Restricted
- Dogs are not permitted on Spurn Point National Nature Reserve at any time. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust ban is permanent due to the sensitivity of the wildlife and ground-nesting birds.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Shingle, Dunes
- Tide Notes
- The lower spit is a tidal island: high spring tides cut off access from the mainland. Always check tide times before walking to the tip. The road has been impassable to vehicles since 2013.
- Facilities
- Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Discovery Centre at Kilnsea with cafe, toilets and information. Lighthouse tours. Spurn Safari 4x4 tours available
- Parking
- Parking at Spurn Discovery Centre, Kilnsea (HU12 0UH). £5 per car for non-YWT members. Follow A1033 from Hull to Patrington, then B1445 to Kilnsea
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spurn Point dog friendly?
Unfortunately, Spurn Point is not dog friendly at all. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the National Nature Reserve, explicitly prohibits dogs from the site to protect its sensitive habitats, ground-nesting birds and other protected wildlife. If you're visiting the area with a dog, the beaches north of Spurn near Kilnsea are worth exploring instead.
Are dogs allowed at Spurn Point year round?
Dogs are not permitted at Spurn Point at any time of year — this is a year-round restriction, not a seasonal one. The ban reflects the site's status as a National Nature Reserve of international importance, particularly for migratory birds, rather than any temporary measure. There are no exceptions to this rule.
What should I know before visiting Spurn Point with my dog?
The key thing to know is that dogs cannot enter Spurn Point itself, so it's not a suitable destination if you're travelling with your dog. The Discovery Centre at Kilnsea is your best starting point — there's a cafe, toilets and parking (£5 for non-Yorkshire Wildlife Trust members) — and the beaches to the north of Spurn are accessible for dog owners looking to make the most of the area.
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