It’s impossible not to love this place as it’s home to possibly the cutest species of seabirds. I am, of course, talking about puffins! During spring and summer, the Farne Isles are brimming with around 200,00 seabirds of about 23 different species, including approximately 43,000 pairs of puffins. Oh, but that’s not all. The isles are also an important sanctuary for the Atlantic grey seal, with more than 2,000 pups born here every autumn.
Unsurprisingly, the Farne Isles are an absolute magnet for wildlife observers, nature photographers, and really anyone who’s simply drawn to the pure beauty of the natural world. Accessible only by water–typically by boat from Seahouses–visitors can choose between sailing around the isles or taking a landing trip, which obviously offers a closer look at the seabird colonies and lounging seals.
Within a short boat ride, you're transported into what seems like a whole other world, full of life and wonder
If you get the chance to visit, please bear in mind that it is a protected wildlife sanctuary. While it’s tempting to go out of your way to get your best shot of these precious animals–like anyone else, they don’t want to be disturbed in their own home. So, no feeding, no approaching too closely, no disturbance of any kind! Being respectful goes a long way, so that others can keep enjoying the experience, too.
It’s genuinely a privilege that an extraordinary place like the Farne Isles is not only so close but also so easily accessible. Within a short boat ride, you’re transported into what seems like a whole other world, full of life and wonder.
It’s much more than a day trip, but truly an opportunity to encounter the wild heart of Britain.