Yorkshire’s Spurn Point: A Wild Place to Visit in 2026

Ever consider going somewhere to find yourself? A short pilgrimage in need of inspiration and reflection? Exposing yourself to the elements of an extremely remote place in England? Then Spurn Point, Yorkshire's own, 'Land's End' may be the place for you.

My 'pilgrimage' to this magical haven began on Christmas Day 2020, the year of 'Covid'. I wanted to embark on a journey of reflection. I had heard about this remote, peaceful and beautiful location from friends. But going in the depths of Winter, didn't seem a wise idea. Despite this, I needed to do something different, something that would be challenging and inspirational, so I left in the early hours, bouyed by the optimistic weather forecast.

Spurn Point is at the tip of East Yorkshire, an iconic peninsula separating the North Sea and the Humber Estuary. This strip of land is over 3 miles long and has a width of 350 metres narrowing to 50 metres at a certain point. My car journey from Hull on a long winding road took just under an hour. Parking at Spurn Discovery Centre just South of Kilnsea, I prepared myself for the 7 mile hike - wrapped up from head to toe, to combat the harsh realities of the North Sea.

Walking onto the Spurn National Nature Reserve in the dim light, moments before sunrise felt exhilarating. It was so isolated, no other soul in sight. I was truly on my own.

"I hurried to the sandy beach to position myself to capture sunrise in all its glory. The off shore wind turbines stood majestically in front of the now light orange coloured sky, almost like an orchestra compounding the dynamacy of the moment... Those that witness sunrise, know it is over in a fleeting moment, so I ran to the nearest breakwater to maximise the image of the impending explosion of light, Wow! There are moments in life where you are completely overwhelmed by the raw power, aesthetics, and glory of nature."

I wandered down the deserted beach feeling elated to the awarding winning, Spurn Lighthouse standing in its grandeur at the mouth of the Humber Estuary. It was built in 1895, and guided ships safely for 90 years before being decommissioned in 1985.

The lighthouse is run by volunteers and is open most weekends, school holidays and the Summer. I was able to access it on subsequent visits, price for Adults is £4 and £10 for a family of four. It is the tallest lighthouse in Northern England at 128 feet and provides a fabulous panoramic view of the peninsula.

There are picnic tables directly outside the entrance and you can also sit on the lighthouse wall to enjoy packed lunches and take in the magnificent views.

You also have the opportunity of seeing protected birds, Hebridean sheep, deer, seals and other species as you walk back to the Discovery Centre on trails/footpaths. Dogs are not permitted on this part of the Spurn due to wildlife welfare.

You need to be physically fit in order to complete the 7 mile hike, and be mindful of the tide times, as crossing the 'washover' section may not be possible at certain times.

The Spurn National Nature Reserve has also paused the Spurn Safari Service (Unimog- 16 seater military vehicle) which was the alternative method of access down to the lighthouse and is currently reviewing other options of transportation.

Is it worth visiting?

Spurn Point is certainly worth the trip for the experience alone, but also for birdwatching, wildlife, photography and the history of the buildings (military and maritime). I have continued to visit this idyllic spot for the last 5 years, it has provided inspiration for my artwork, and made me appreciate this iconic place as my spiritual home... finding 'peace'. Make this your destination for 2026.

How to get there

Directions: From Hull, take the A1033 to Partington then the B1445 to Kilnsea, before entering Kilnsea take the right to Spurn Discovery Centre.

Bus from Hull: No 71 Spurn Explorer most weekends & bank holidays.