You Can Now Book a Sheep Cuddling Experience on the North Yorkshire Coast
A new animal experience has landed on the Yorkshire coast, sheep cuddling! Here’s what a visit actually involves.
Where is the experience?
The Cuddly Sheep Retreat is a family-run smallholding in Speeton, on the North Yorkshire coast between Bridlington and Filey. It’s run by Sammy and Jo, who have a background in zookeeping and built the retreat around a mission to offer a peaceful, feel-good experience where animal welfare comes first.
The flock itself is made up of Valais Blacknose sheep – the distinctive, fluffy-faced breed that appeared on Clarkson’s Farm and has become something of a social media favourite in recent years.
What to Expect
The core experience is a 45-minute cuddling session, run in small groups, where you’ll learn about the flock, help with feeding, and get plenty of hands-on time with the sheep.
For something more exclusive, there’s a sunset couples retreat – private, exclusive access to the flock, with the option to add a picnic bundle to enjoy while taking in the cliff-top views over the coast.
Over the summer holidays, there’s also a Sheep Explorer Base Camp, aimed at children aged 6 and over. Kids take on the role of junior shepherds, completing challenges and spending plenty of time feeding the flock.
Tip: wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. The sheep are super friendly and love to cuddle up close to you.
Enjoying this hidden gem?
Sign up to our mailing list and receive a list of 25 hidden gems that most locals miss, as well as monthly behind-the-scenes content!
The location
Speeton is a small coastal village sitting roughly midway between Filey and Bridlington, right on the cliff tops. If you’re making a day of it, there’s plenty nearby:
Beach Cafe at Hunmanby Gap: Just down the road, you’ll find a beachfront cafe serving buckets of chips and ice cream
Bempton Cliffs (RSPB): a short drive away, home to one of the UK’s largest mainland seabird colonies, including puffins and gannets in season
Bridlington: a short drive south, with its own beaches, harbour, and seafront amusements
Beach Cafe
Bempton Cliffs
Bridlington
How much does it cost?
45-minute group/private cuddling session: £45pp
Sunset couples retreat: £150
Sunset couples retreat with a picnic bundle: £195
Sheep Explorer Base Camp: £25 (summer holidays only)
Is it worth it?
For something genuinely different on the Yorkshire coast, Cuddly Sheep Retreat is a lovely find. The flock is calm and friendly, the welfare-first approach from Sammy and Jo comes through clearly, and the cliff-top setting adds such a beautiful backdrop. Whether you’re after a relaxed group session, a private sunset visit, or a summer activity for the kids, it’s a strong addition to any North Yorkshire coast itinerary.
🐑 Book your visit
Find places to stay nearby
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places I’ve genuinely visited and loved.
Find out more about our visit below:
I’d love to hear about any other animal experiences you recommend in the comments below. And if this inspired your next trip, give it a share – it really does help!
