The Farne Islands

A group of rocky islands off the Northumberland coast, renowned for their remarkable colonies of seals, puffins, and seabirds. Accessible by boat, they offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and the chance to visit the historic lighthouse and hermitage sites.

Things to do

• Puffin Photography — Observe and photograph Atlantic puffins in their natural breeding habitat during spring and summer months, particularly on Inner Farne and Staple Island.
• Grey Seal Colony Viewing — Watch grey seals hauled out on rocks and interact in one of England's largest seal colonies, best seen from boat tours circling the islands.
• Seabird Spotting — Identify guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and shags nesting on cliff faces throughout the island group during breeding season.
• St Cuthbert's Hermitage Visit — Explore the historic chapel and hermitage on Inner Farne, associated with the 7th-century saint who lived as a hermit on the island.
• Longstone Lighthouse Tour — Visit the iconic red and white striped lighthouse on Longstone Island, famous from the Grace Darling rescue story of 1838.
• Boat Tour from Seahouses — Take a guided boat tour departing from Seahouses village to circumnavigate the islands and approach wildlife viewing points safely.

Food to try

• Fresh Crab Sandwiches — Enjoy locally-caught crab prepared in simple sandwiches at cafes in nearby Seahouses before or after your island visit.
• Fish and Chips — Sample traditional fish and chips made with locally-caught fish at seaside takeaways in the village of Seahouses.
• Northumberland Kipper — Try traditionally smoked kippers, a local Northumberland specialty, available at delis and restaurants in nearby coastal villages.
• Afternoon Tea at Seahouses Cafes — Warm up with traditional afternoon tea and homemade scones at waterfront cafes overlooking the departure point to the islands.

Local customs & good to know

• Weather-Dependent Access — Boat trips to the Farne Islands are frequently cancelled or delayed due to North Sea weather conditions, so plan with flexibility and check forecasts.
• Breeding Season Restrictions — Visit between May and July for optimal wildlife viewing during peak seabird and seal breeding season, when access to certain areas may be restricted to protect nesting birds.
• Respect Nesting Sites — Follow National Trust guides' instructions strictly to avoid disturbing nesting birds and seals, as these are sensitive wildlife conservation areas.
• Wear Appropriate Gear — Dress in waterproof layers and sturdy footwear as the islands are exposed to wind and sea spray, and landing surfaces are wet and slippery rock.