Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Northumberland, England, famous for dense seabird colonies and grey seal populations. The group comprises roughly 20 islands and skerries and is split into inner and outer clusters.

Birdlife includes large breeding colonies of puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and terns, while grey seals use the islands as haul-out and pupping sites. Many visitors go on guided boat trips to see the wildlife at close range from the sea.

The islands have a recorded religious history linked to early medieval hermits and St Cuthbert, who lived on one of the islands in the 7th century. Over time they have become protected for wildlife conservation and managed to balance visitor access with breeding seasons.

The archipelago lies a short distance offshore from the coastal village of Seahouses in Northumberland; regular boat services and wildlife tour operators run during the main season when sea conditions allow.

• Size and access: Around 20 islands and skerries make up the archipelago, with the main wildlife season from late spring through summer. Boat trips operate from Seahouses and nearby harbors.
• Historic association: Associated with early medieval hermits and St Cuthbert, the islands have a long history of religious use dating to the 7th century onward.

What to See #

• Inner Farne: The Inner group is the most-visited cluster with close landing sites and several of the islands used by nesting terns, guillemots, and other seabirds.
• Outer Farne: The Outer islands sit further offshore and include larger seal haul-outs and additional seabird colonies, visited on boat trips when conditions permit.
• Staple Island: A small, rocky island within the group that supports dense nesting colonies of puffins and other seabirds and is a frequent point of interest on wildlife tours.