The Farne Islands lie just off the North Northumberland coast and they are the perfect way to spend a day enjoying the very best bird and wildlife. The islands are home to literally thousands of seabirds and to one of Europe’s largest grey seal colonies and are internationally known as a breeding site of high importance. The Farnes are a must for anyone who enjoys seeing wildlife and birdlife and to see them in this, their most natural and wild habitat is a truly special experience.
The Farnes consist of around 25 islands with some visible at high tide and some only visible at low tide, they boast wonderful names such as Megstone, Elbow, The Bush, Glororum Shad, Gun Rock, Staple Island, Brownsman, Fang, North and South Wamses, Big and Little Harcar, Nameless Rock, Blue Caps and Longstone to name but a few. The Farne Islands can be broken into two main groups, the first is dominated by Inner Farne, the second a mile away includes Staple Island and the well known Longstone Island, which will be forever associated with the story of Northumberland’s greatest heroine, Grace Darling. In fact if you’re in up in North Northumberland for the day then The Grace Darling museum in the nearby and very gorgeous Bamburgh is definitely worth visiting too!
The Farne Islands are formed from the rocks of the Whin Sill Complex and this can be traced from Upper Teesdale in Durham where it forms the High Force waterfall all the way up to North Northumberland to the Farne Islands and the rocks upon Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles all sit. The dolerite rock gives the Farne Islands their distinctive blackened appearance.
As well as birdlife the islands are also home to one of the largest colonies of grey seals and as you take your trip you’ll see them lazing on the rocks or bobbing inquisitively in the sea. The Farnes are in fact the top grey seal pupping site in England with more than 2000 pups born on the islands each year and to see these fluffy white seal pups visit the islands from late October.
To enjoy the Farne Islands take a boat trip from the fishing village of Seahouses and enjoy either a cruise or a landing trip, boat operators such as Billy Shiel’s and Serenity Boats offer trips to Inner Farne and Staple Island and landing trips to Inner Farne. Choose from their Puffin Cruises, a Birdwatch Cruise, Sunset Cruises and cruises where you can enjoy grey seals as well as the seabirds, and some trips follow the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838. Both operators are renowned for their cruises and their skippers and staff are hugely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and the history of the Islands and give a full commentary during their trips. (do please always check their websites for any current restrictions and up to date sailings)
The Farne Islands are undoubtedly a seabird spectacle with over 23 species of birds including razorbills, guillemots, common & arctic terns, cormorants, shags, eider duck and around 43,000 pairs of puffins and for the best chance of seeing the largest number of birds then ideally plan your visit between late April and late July. If you wish to enjoy a landing visit to Inner Farne, famed for providing sanctuary to St Cuthbert in the 7th century, and the half mile wildlife walk then later in the season may be preferable for a more tranquil visit.
If you love nature and birdlife and don’t mind putting on your sea legs then The Farne Islands offer a great day out in North Northumberland and our top tip for your trip ….take a hat!
