Farne Islands

Rocky islands, habitat for seals and many species of seabird

More about this place

Puffins sitting on a rock on the Farne Islands

Hardy puffins are bouncing back  

Throughout May of last year, rangers on the Farne Islands checked hundreds of puffin burrows across eight islands. The final total reveals that puffin numbers are up by 9 per cent on the previous count in 2013. Despite initial predictions that the colony was in decline, rangers found the hardy birds had taken to 'island hopping' in search of better burrows. Keeping a close eye on the numbers, rangers will switch from five-yearly to annual puffin counts.

Arctic tern with chicks on the Farne Islands

Breeding Birds on the Farne Islands 2018 

Here are the latest 2018 bird breeding figures from the Farne Islands

A pair of Arctic Terns on a trial shingle plot

Wildlife calendar 

The Farne Islands are most famous for the puffins and seals, plus many other species. Have a look at our wildlife calendar to find out what you'll see when.

Inner Farne lighthouse on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

Land, sea, sky 

Find out what the Islands are, which ones can be visited, and what there is to do once you land.

A visitor taking photographs of terns on the Farne Islands

Birdwatching and photography 

Birdwatching and photography are very popular activities on the Farne Islands: find out more about how to get the most from both (including information on drones).

A visitor boat on the way to the Farne Islands

Getting to the Farnes 

Boats sail from Seahouses to get to the Farne Islands. There are a range of different trips to choose from to suit all tastes.

St Cuthbert's Chapel on Inner Farne off the Northumberland Coast

Human habitation 

Find out what else there is to see and do on the Farne Islands, as well as spotting the amazing wildlife.

Child with rock pool creature

Family adventures on the Farne Islands 

You can tick off some of the 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ on the Farne Islands and we sometimes have ranger-led activities and events.

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Farne Islands

Shopping

Two puffin products in Seahouses shop

Our Shop 

The Farne Islands has a small retail offer. The main National Trust shop is in Seahouses (where you get the boats from) with much of the range being inspired by the Farne Islands.

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Farne Islands

Wildlife

Terns flying above rangers on the Farne Islands

Discover our wildlife 

Find the seals, puffins and over 100,000 seabirds, that call our special place home each year, on your visit.

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Farne Islands

History

The stained glass window in St Cuthbert's Chapel on the Farne Islands

Discover our history 

St Cuthbert spent over 10 years living as a hermit on Inner Farne, monks, lighthouse keepers, soldiers and even shipwrecked sailors also called this island home.

Discover more about them and their stories.
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Farne Islands

Our work

Four National Trust rangers counting guillemots on the Farne Islands

Our Work on the Farne Islands 

Maintenance work to the boardwalks needs to be done regularly as well as painting and redecorating the Chapel and Tower. Our status as a Marine Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest mean we've other important work to do too.

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