Explore Farne Islands

The Farne Islands lie two to three miles off the Northumberland coast midway between the fishing village of Seahouses and the magnificent Castle of Bamburgh. There are between 15 and 20 of these islands depending on the state of the tide. From April until the end of July, these islands are dominated by one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the United Kingdom with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 43,000 pairs of puffins. Truly, the sight of such numbers in the natural and wild habitat of the Farne Islands is a beauty and joy to behold. The islands are also the permanent home for a large, and inquisitive colony of Atlantic or Grey Seals. This is one of the top grey seal pupping sites in England, with more than 2000 pups born out at the islands every Autumn/Winter.

Inner Farne island is open to the public April-September and is managed by the National Trust so a separate entrance fee applies. During the nesting season May-July this island is home to thousands of nesting seabirds which include dive-bombing terns, Guillemot’s, Kittiwakes and characterful Puffins.

Historically, the islands have strong links with Celtic Christianity and St Cuthbert, who lived here in the 7th Century and St Cuthbert’s chapel is open to the public.

our cruises and trips