Top things to do with kids on the Farne Islands: Family-friendly wildlife adventures

Biosecurity

The Farne Islands are a globally important haven for seabirds like Arctic terns and Atlantic Puffins, thanks to the absence of ground predators such as rats and stoats. Even a single rat could devastate these fragile populations — a threat seen on islands worldwide.

To keep the Farnes predator-free, please follow these essential guidelines:

• Seal all luggage: Open bags, carrier bags, or unsealed items are not allowed on the island. Zipped rucksacks are ideal.
• Pack carefully: Ensure your luggage is packed in a rodent-free environment and hasn’t been accessed by rodents.
• Stay vigilant: Do not leave bags unattended on Seahouses Harbour or in the carpark.
• Avoid risky items: Do not bring plants with root balls, compost, potted herbs, or seeds.

Please use the disinfectant boot mat and the hand sanitiser provided as you arrive and depart Inner Farne.

What to wear and bring with you

• The boat trip across to the islands can feel chilly, even on very warm days. Bring extra layers of warm clothes and waterproofs - sometimes you can get splashed!
• The cooler temperatures and being surrounded by water can mean that the strength of the sun is deceptive - we recommend lots of suncream and sunglasses.
• Wear wellies or sturdy boots.
• When the Arctic terns are here ( May - July) they may divebomb to protect their nests - wear a soft hat to protect your head. No hard hats please as they can damage the birds' beak.
• Binoculars and cameras.

Toilets and baby change

There are toilets on Inner Farne - at times of low water pressure you may need to use a bucket of water to flush them!

There is no baby change table available.

Exploring with buggies and pushchairs

There is an easy access boardwalk around Inner Farne that is suitable for buggies. Check with your boat operator that they have space onboard for pushchairs.

The area by the lighthouse cliffs is rugged terrain and not suitable for pushchairs.

Picnic benches and seating

There are no catering facilities at all on Inner Farne. There are picnic benches next to the lighthouse, so do bring your picnic and enjoy the wonderful views back to the mainland. Please take any litter home with you.

Seating is available both next to and inside St Cuthbert's Chapel. There is also a bench next to the lighthouse.

Parking and pre-booking a boat

• Pay and display parking is available in the centre of Seahouses, and adjacent to the harbour. There is no NT carpark.
• Parking can fill up quickly so we recommend leaving plenty of time before your boat trip, as you may find yourself in the overflow car park with a bit of a walk to get the the harbour.
• For a stress-free visit we recommend that you book your boat ticket in advance. You can either book a sail-around tour, or a landing trip to Inner Farne or Longstone.
• On arrival at the harbour, collect your boat ticket first, and then come and see the friendly team in the National Trust trailer to purchase your landing ticket ( boat tickets and landing tickets need to be puchased seperately)
• If you're a National Trust member, show us your membership card at the trailer- every time you visit you are supporting us.