It is situated approximately 4 miles (6 km) north-east of Bridlington town centre on the prominent coastal feature of Flamborough Head.

In the village are the fragmentary remains of Flamborough Castle, a medieval fortified manor house.

Occupations included eleven farmers, two blacksmiths, two butchers, two grocers, seven carpenters, four shoemakers, three tailors, a stonemason & flour dealer, a bacon & flour dealer, a weaver, a corn miller, a straw hat manufacturer, and the landlords of the Sloop, the Board and the Dog and Duck public houses.

Four carriers operated in the village, destinations being Hull and York twice a week, and Bridlington, daily.

The village holds an annual Fire Festival on New Year's Eve which in 2017 attracted 5,000 people.