Coquet Island
Island Small Northumberland island important for seabird colonies
Off the Northumberland coast, Coquet Island hosts a Victorian lighthouse and protected seabird colonies; boat trips from Amble bring birdwatchers to see terns and other coastal species.
Coquet Island is a small tidal island off the northeast coast of England, off the village of Amble in Northumberland. It is well known as a seabird breeding site and for its lighthouse.
The island supports colonies of puffins, terns and other seabirds during the breeding season and is managed with restrictions to protect wildlife. A lighthouse is the island’s principal built structure and is visible from boat tours and the adjacent coastline.
The site is primarily of interest for wildlife viewing and coastal photography; there are no public landing facilities and visits are tightly controlled. Local boat operators run wildlife-watching trips that pass the island without landing.
Coquet Island lies a short distance offshore from Amble on the Northumberland coast and is part of the coastal landscape of low cliffs, sandbars and tidal waters.
- Access: Landing on the island is restricted to protect breeding seabirds; viewing is commonly done by boat from the Northumberland coast.
- Best time: The best time to see nesting seabirds is in the breeding season, typically late spring through midsummer.
What to See #
- Lighthouse: A 19th-century lighthouse that marks the island and its surrounding shoals; it is a prominent man-made feature visible from the mainland.
- Seabird colonies: Breeding areas for seabirds, including colonies of puffins and terns that occupy the island during the spring and summer season.
How to Get to Coquet Island #
Coquet Island is viewed by boat from the Northumberland coast, with wildlife cruises commonly departing from Amble. Landing is generally prohibited to protect nesting birds; observe the island via licensed boat operators.
Tips for Visiting Coquet Island #
- Landing on the islet is restricted due to bird conservation - observe from a boat or guided wildlife cruise.
- Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens: the island is famed for its seabird colonies and for the grey seal haul-outs offshore.
- Respect local wildlife regulations - do not attempt to land or disturb nesting birds.
Best Time to Visit Coquet Island #
Best in late spring and early summer for seabird colonies, but access is limited and often restricted to boat-viewing.
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