Farne Islands

April - September Visitors can book a landing trip to Inner Farne and walk amongst the thousands of seabirds that return here to breed every spring To visit the colony during the breeding season ( May - July) is an unforgettable and awe inspiring wildlife experience. By the end of July, the breeding season comes to a close and most seabirds, including puffins, begin to leave the islands and return to life at sea. Visitors travelling from late July onwards should be aware that bird numbers will be greatly reduced. However, puffins can sometimes still be spotted resting on the water around the islands in early August, offering a final glimpse before they head out into the North Sea. As nature takes its course, every visit to the Farnes offers something different, with changing wildlife, fascinating cultural heritage and spectacular coastal scenery throughout the year. National Trust members land for free, a separate boat ticket fee applies.

With links to St Cuthbert who spent the last years of his life living on Inner Farne as a hermit, and the tranquil St Cuthbert's Chapel with it's 17th Century wood carvings and beautiful stained glass window, there is a wealth of history here to discover. Visit during a landing trip to Inner Farne April - September.

Catch a boat from the harbour at Seahouses and sail around the Farne Islands to get a close look from the water at the thousands of birds and seals that come here to breed each year ( May - July) Look out for curious seals popping their heads above the water or lounging on the rocks, stare up in wonder during the breeding season at cliffs jam packed with breeding birds and, if you're very lucky, you may spot dolphins or even orca from the boat.

This National Nature Reserve just off the Northumberland Coast is home to a large colony of Atlantic grey seals and, in early summer, around 200,000 breeding seabirds. The colourful and charismatic puffins are arguably the stars of the show, with 43,000 pairs breeding here. Add to this the Sandwich and Arctic terns, eider ducks and cliffs packed with guillemots, razorbills and shags; This special place is host to one of the best wildlife spectacles in the UK. Please note that the birds are here May - July only.

The home of local heroine Grace Darling, take a boat trip that lands on the island and explore the iconic red and white lighthouse on a guided tour. Only one boat operator takes trips to this island - find out more by contacting Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips.

Pop into the shop in Seahouses before or after your boat trip round the Farne Islands for puffin souvenirs, postcards, homewares, gardening tools, books and more. Every purchase supports our conservation work on the Farne Islands.