Staple Island Island
Small Farne Islands islet hosting seabird colonies
One of the Farne Islands off Northumberland, Staple Island hosts large seabird colonies and grey seals; tourists reach it by boat for wildlife boat trips from Seahouses.
Staple Island at a Glance#
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/farne-islands
Admission: Boat trip fees from landing ports (Seahouses/Alnwick); landing fees vary by operator
About Staple Island#
Staple Island is one of the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast in northeast England and is known for its seabird colonies. It is part of a protected island group valued for breeding seabirds and seals.
The island is notable for dense breeding populations of puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other seabirds during the breeding season. Boat trips from mainland harbours offer close views of the island and seal haul-outs, though landings are regulated to protect wildlife.
The Farne Islands have a long history of human use including early monastic activity and later lighthouse operations on nearby islands; Staple Island has been used historically as part of the archipelago’s maritime landscape. Conservation management now focuses on protecting bird colonies and marine habitats.
Staple Island lies a few kilometres off the Northumberland coast near Seahouses and Bamburgh. It is accessible only by boat and sits among the cluster of islands that form the Farnes in the North Sea.
- Boat access and restrictions: Many boat operators run wildlife trips from Seahouses and other Northumberland harbours; landing on the island is often restricted during bird-breeding season to protect colonies.
- Wildlife: The island supports large seabird colonies including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, and is a common haul-out site for grey seals nearby.
How to Get to Staple Island#
Staple Island is reached by boat from Seahouses on the Northumberland coast. Numerous operators run Farne Islands tours; some land on Staple Island (seasonal and weather-dependent). Departures are typically in the morning from Seahouses harbour; book in advance during May-July.
Tips for Visiting Staple Island#
- Book a boat from Seahouses and choose an operator that offers landings on Staple Island if wanting to set foot - landing is seasonal and weather-dependent.
- Bring waterproof outerwear and a windproof layer - the Farne Islands' sun can be deceptive and conditions change fast.
- Avoid disturbing nesting birds: follow guides' instructions and keep distance from razorbills, puffins and terns during breeding season.
Best Time to Visit Staple Island#
Late spring to midsummer is when seabirds are most abundant; visitors should plan for strong winds and changeable weather.
Weather & Climate near Staple Island#
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (655 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 5° | -3° | 62 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 46 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 9° | 1° | 50 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 43 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 7° | 50 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.0h |
| June | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 50 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.1h |
| July | Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 50 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.6h |
| August | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 63 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.8h |
| September | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 53 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 6° | 63 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 64 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 61 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
