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St Abb’s Head cliffs
Scottish Borders

St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve

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About this place

Breathtaking coastal headland with dramatic cliffs, famed for its seabird colonies

  • Get close-up views of the feathered residents at this ‘seabird city’ from spectacular cliff-top vantage points.
  • Be awed by the dramatic cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters.
  • Head inland to the Mire Loch in search of swans, ducks, damselflies and butterflies.
  • Discover more about the wildlife, geology and history of St Abb’s Head at the Nature Centre.

This cliff-top nature reserve has fresh sea air and rugged coastal scenery aplenty. It gives you the feeling of being somewhere really wild and remote, yet it’s just off the A1.

You can easily spend hours in the summer months watching and listening to the thousands of seabirds who nest in the high cliffs.

Away from the cliff’s edge a carpet of wildflowers spreads out among the grassland – look out for sea pinks, rock rose, wild thyme and purple milk vetch. The nature reserve also boasts a wealth of other wildlife, as do the surrounding waters.

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Today's Opening Hours

Nature Reserve
Open daily
Nature Centre
09.00–17.00
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Entry prices

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Membership

At all Trust places, admission is free for members.

Join from £5.20 / month

TripAdvisor Rating

Accreditations and awards

  • Green Tourism Gold

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Did you know?

In November and December, the beaches are home to a thriving grey seal colony.