The Farne Islands are a small archipelago of rocky islets off the coast of Northumberland, in north-east England, and one of the best places in Europe to watch seabirds and seals. In spring and summer tens of thousands of puffins nest here, together with guillemots, razorbills, shags and Arctic terns, while thousands of grey seals live on the rocks all year round. The islands, managed by the National Trust, are reached by boat from the fishing village of Seahouses.
History
The Farne Islands are linked to St Cuthbert, monk and bishop of Lindisfarne, who in the 7th century lived as a hermit on Inner Farne, where he died in 687. He is said to have laid down rules to protect the birds nesting around his cell: for this reason he is considered one of the first nature conservationists in history. A small medieval chapel dedicated to him still stands on the island.
The islands are also famous for Grace Darling, the daughter of the Longstone lighthouse keeper. In September 1838, during a storm, she and her father rowed a small boat out to the wreck of the steamship Forfarshire, which had struck the rocks, and rescued nine people. Her courage made her a national heroine.
- 676St Cuthbert retires as a hermit to Inner Farne
- 687Death of St Cuthbert
- 1826Longstone lighthouse is lit
- 1838Grace Darling and her father rescue the survivors of the Forfarshire
- 1925The islands pass to the National Trust
What to see
The seabirds
From April to July the cliffs and island tops fill with birds. Puffins, with their colourful beaks, dig burrows in the grassy ground and fly back and forth with their beaks full of small fish for their chicks. Thousands of guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nest on the rock faces. On Inner Farne you walk through colonies of Arctic terns, which defend their nests by dive-bombing visitors: wearing a hat is recommended.
The grey seals
The islands are home to one of the most important colonies of grey seals on the east coast of Britain. They can be seen all year round, sprawled on the rocks or bobbing curiously around the boats. In autumn, between October and December, the white-coated pups are born.
The lighthouses and the islands
The boats circle the islands, passing close to the red and white Longstone lighthouse and the most spectacular cliffs. In season, some trips allow you to land on Inner Farne or Staple Island to walk among the nests, along marked paths.
Practical information
Boats leave from Seahouses harbour, run by several companies, with trips lasting from about an hour and a half to three hours. Landing on the islands requires a separate National Trust ticket and is only possible at certain times. In rough seas, departures are cancelled. The best season for puffins runs from May to July. In recent years avian flu has affected the colonies and has sometimes led to temporary closures, so check the National Trust website before setting off.
Getting there
- To Seahouses: by car along the Northumberland coast, about an hour from Newcastle; by train to Chathill or Alnmouth, then bus or taxi.
- By air: Newcastle Airport is about an hour away.
Nearby
- Bamburgh Castle, perched above the sea, and the small Grace Darling museum in the village.
- The holy island of Lindisfarne, reached at low tide.
- The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle.
Tips
- How long: half a day for the boat trip and the village.
- When to go: May to July for the puffins; October to December for the seal pups.
- A tip: bring binoculars, a waterproof jacket and a hat: the Arctic terns mean business.