Farne Islands

A truly amazing wildlife experience, the Farne Islands, lying off the coast of North Northumberland, can be enjoyed on one of the excellent boat tours available.

In summer the Farne Islands are home to over 100,000 pairs of breeding seabirds, including 55,000+ pairs of puffins. Some 21-23 species nest here and are, almost without fail, incredibly tolerant of human visitors. Tolerant, however, may not be quite the right word for the Arctic terns who dive-bomb unsuspecting folk as they pass through their nesting colonies!

When the birds leave in late summer the Farne Islands become the pupping grounds for the second largest colony of grey seals in England.

The view from the Farne Islands back towards Bamburgh Castle will rival any seen from the mainland.

The Farne Islands are open from 1 April - 30 September, with the best time to visit for the breeding seabirds being mid-April through to late July, when landing is possible on Inner Farne, Staple Island, and Longstone. The seal pups can be viewed from visitor boats from late October until mid-December.