Spurn National Nature Reserve Review for Families

One of our hobbies as parents is to find all the awesome things to do within a radius of our home. We live in West Yorkshire which is geographically strong. It’s landlocked but is in the middle of the country meaning you can get places quite easily.

A place which has piqued my interest which we’ve never quite been able to get to is Spurn Point in East Yorkshire. It takes approximately 2 hours from home, which is too far for a day trip. Fortunately, over the Christmas school break, we stayed close to Beverley for a few nights and knew we had to take the trip to Spurn National Nature Reserve.

It’s one of those places when you look on a map you feel you have to go. It jets out from the East Coast and is a small slither of land. It’s quite a wonder, to be honest!

Spurn Point offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, history, and hands-on exploration that captivates children and adults alike. Here’s our full review based on our visit over the Christmas school holidays.

Where is Spurn National Nature Reserve?

Spurn Point is located on the east coast of Yorkshire, stretching along a narrow spit of land that juts out into the North Sea. It’s now part of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust but has quite the history including its use for military purposes throughout history, from medieval defences to Napoleonic garrisons.

It’s roughly 40 miles from Hull but feels like you are at the end of the world! It’s a fairly remote part of the East Coast and you can feel the change in population as you venture closer. The reserve feels like a world away from urban life, offering serene landscapes, windswept beaches, and expansive views of the sea and estuary.

The History of Spurn National Nature Reserve

Spurn’s history is as fascinating as its landscape. This dynamic spit has been shaped by centuries of tides, storms, and shifting sands. Spurn Point has been home to lighthouses, military installations, and even a lifeboat station that served the shipping channels of the Humber Estuary.

Now in the stewardship of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the nature reserve is also a haven for wildlife, attracting migratory birds and marine life. Its rich geological history is evidenced by fossils like the belemnite we discovered, which the visitor centre staff informed us was hundreds of millions of years old. Matilda was absolutely over the moon and has since taken this to school to show all her classmates!

Believe it or not, back in 2018, someone found a woolly mammoth tusk, now proudly displayed at the visitor centre.

What Is There to Do?

Fossil Hunting

One of the biggest draws for kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) is fossil hunting. Our children were thrilled to find fossilised treasures along the beach, including a belemnite. It’s like stepping into a time machine, holding a piece of history in your hands.

Walking Trails

For families with younger kids, the reserve offers various walking routes. We managed about a mile on the beach with Barney before his legs needed a break, but the trails cater to all fitness levels. The full route to the end of Spurn Point is about 3 miles each way which is a fair trek but if you have older children or are adults on your own then this would be an epic day out. There’s a lighthouse I believe you can view too. 

Wildlife Spotting

The reserve is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with migratory birds, seals, and other wildlife frequently spotted. We spotted several photographers too and some of the lenses were bigger than the kids’ heads! 

Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is a treasure trove of information with exhibits about Spurn’s history, wildlife, and geology. Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share their expertise. Plus, there’s a cosy café offering hot drinks and snacks. We had lunch in the cafe which we all enjoyed and there were a couple of toys for little ones to play with.

It has awesome views of the estuary and beyond. Members of staff working in the cafe were able to identify our fossils and stones which is a real testament to the passion and enthusiasm of those who work with the Wildlife Trust.

Beach Play

What’s better than kids running wild on a sandy beach? Matilda and Barney loved exploring the shoreline, jumping over rock pools, and collecting shells. There are also sand verges which the kids loved jumping down and climbing back up.

Facilities at Spurn Point

Spurn National Nature Reserve is well-equipped with facilities from Parking to the visitor centre with toilets and a cafe. 

• Parking: There’s ample parking near the visitor centre. Parking is around £5 for the entire day which is think is more than reasonable. Some were parked on the roadside but we wanted to support the Trust in preserving this incredible habitat. 
• Visitor Centre: Includes interactive exhibits, a small shop, and a café. The cafe has a great menu and the staff are wonderful. Couldn’t be more helpful. 
• Toilets: Conveniently located at the visitor centre. These are outside underneath the visitor centre/cafe so can be easily accessed by all. 
• Guided Tours: Seasonal tours are available for families interested in exploring further with a guide.

However, keep in mind that amenities are limited once you venture further down the spit, so plan accordingly.

Areas for Improvement

While we had a fantastic time, there’s always room for improvement:

• Accessibility: The terrain can be challenging for pushchairs around the Washover area so I wouldn’t recommend a pushchair. Baby carriers are more suited to the terrain. 
• Signage: Some trails could benefit from clearer signage, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
• Play Area: While the beach provides endless fun, a designated play area near the visitor centre would be a welcome addition. I believe this would help the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust attract more families too and would bring in much-needed revenue to preserve this wonderful spot.

What Else Have Visitors Found?

As mentioned above one of the most exciting discoveries at Spurn came in 2018 when a visitor unearthed a woolly mammoth tusk. Now part of the visitor centre’s exhibit, it’s a testament to the rich history hidden beneath Spurn’s sands. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know what you might find!

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! Spurn National Nature Reserve is a gem for families seeking a mix of adventure, learning, and natural beauty. It feels unique to anywhere I have ever been; particularly in the UK.

The fossil hunting alone makes it worth the trip and what kids don’t enjoy playing in the sand and throwing stones into the sea?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Spurn Point?

Entry to the reserve is free, but parking fees apply. Guided tours may have additional costs.

Can we bring a picnic?

Yes! There are picnic tables near the visitor centre and plenty of open spaces for a family picnic along the beach.

Is Spurn Point suitable for young children?

Yes, but keep walks short for little legs. A baby carrier is recommended for toddlers as the terrain is not suitable in places for a pushchair.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are allowed on specific trails however this is a Nature Reserve including nesting birds so some of the trails are out of bounds for those with Dogs.

 When is the best time to visit?

Spurn is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Can you ride a bike?

Yes, bikes are allowed which is awesome and is something we plan to do again as a family. We visited in winter and with Barney’s age, we decided to go on foot. We plan to go again and make it to the end which will be far easier on a bike.

 Is there any transport available?

The Wildlife Trust offer a 4×4 experience where you can hitch a lift to the end of Spurn Point. This requires a pre-booking and of course an additional charge.

Pros & Cons

Nature Reserve enjoyment rating

Last Updated on January 24, 2025 by Ryan