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Farne Islands
National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI). Home to an internationally significant breeding colony of seabirds and Atlantic grey seals.
Near Seahouses, Northumberland, For Sat Nav use NE68 7RQ
Important notice
Please note - landing on the Farne Islands by private vessel, including sea kayaks, is not permitted.
Opening times for 13 March 2025
Asset Opening time Inner Farne Closed Shop 10:00 - 17:00 MTWTFSS242526272812345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123456OpenPartially openClosedInner Farne Off Peak (April, August, September)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £12.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £30.00 Family 1 Adult £18.00 Inner Farne Peak (May, June, July)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £37.50 Family 1 Adult £22.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Family friendly
Inspire the next generation of nature lovers - incredible wildlife and an exciting boat ride. Boardwalk is suitable for buggies.
Shop
In Seahouses
Picnic area
Picnic benches available with one of the best views in Northumberland. Next to the lighthouse.
Toilet
Limited toilet facilities on Inner Farne.
Inner Farne has a boardwalk around the island. Due to the very sensitive nature of the colony, no dogs (including assistance dogs) are allowed on the Islands. Toilets on Inner Farne.
Level access to shop
Seating available
Next to the lighthouse and St Cuthbert's Chapel.
Level access/terrain
Boardwalk on Inner Farne
Steps/uneven terrain
Boardwalk on Inner Farne.
By road
Parking: in Seahouses opposite harbour (pay and display), not National Trust. Northumberland County Council discs are not valid, but keep your tickets for use at other coast car parks on the same day.
By train
Chathill, 4 miles (not Sundays, limited service). Alnmouth (Alnwick) and Berwick offer more regular service but a bus/taxi would then have to be taken to Seahouses.
By bus
X18 - Newcastle to Berwick calling at Alnmouth railway station - or 418 Alnwick to Berwick calling at Berwick railway station.
Near Seahouses, Northumberland, For Sat Nav use NE68 7RQ
Planning your visit
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Booking your boat trip to the Farne Islands
To sail around the Farne Islands, or land on Inner Farne you need to catch a boat from Seahouses harbour. It's recommended that you book your boat trip in advance. Read on to find out how to book and what to expect from your tour.
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Things to see on the Farne Islands
Find out what you might see when you take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, from wildlife such as puffins and grey seals, to centuries-old buildings including St Cuthbert's Chapel.
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How to visit the Farne Islands responsibly
We’ve put together some guidelines for you to follow to make sure the wildlife stays safe when you visit, plus tips for taking photos without disturbing the seabirds.
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Visiting the Farne Islands with your dog
Find out why dogs (including assistance dogs) aren't allowed on Inner Farne or Staple Island, and where else you can take your dog on the Northumberland Coast.
Highlights
Wildlife
This National Nature Reserve just off the Northumberland Coast is home to a large colony of Atlantic grey seals and, in early summer, around 200,000 breeding seabirds. The colourful and charismatic Puffins are arguably the stars of the show, with 43,000 pairs breeding here. Add to this the Sandwich and Arctic terns, eider ducks and cliffs packed with guillemots, razorbills and shags; This special place is host to one of the best wildlife spectacles in the UK.
Take a landing trip to Inner Farne
April - September Visitors can book a landing trip to Inner Farne and walk amongst the thousands of seabirds that return here to breed every spring. To visit the colony during the breeding season is an unforgettable and awe inspiring wildlife experience. National Trust members land for free, a separate boat ticket fee applies.
'Sail around' tours
Catch a boat from the harbour at Seahouses and sail around the Farne Islands to get a close look from the water at the thousands of birds and seals that come here to breed each year. Look out for curious seals popping their heads above the water or lounging on the rocks, stare up in wonder at cliffs jam packed with breeding birds and, if you're very lucky, you may spot dolphins from the boat.
Cultural heritage
With links to St Cuthbert who spent the last years of his life living on Inner Farne as a hermit, and the tranquil St Cuthbert's Chapel with it's 17th Century wood carvings and beautiful stained glass window, there is a wealth of history here to discover. Visit during a landing trip to Inner Farne.
Longstone Lighthouse
The home of local heroine Grace Darling, take a boat trip that lands on the island and explore the iconic red and white lighthouse on a guided tour. Only one boat operator takes trips to this island - find out more by contacting Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips.
Shop
Pop into the shop in Seahouses before or after your boat trip round the Farne Islands for puffin souvenirs, postcards, homewares, gardening tools, books and more.
Things to see and do
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Our guide to puffins
Every year, thousands of puffins come to the places in our care to breed. Find out more about what they eat, when they breed and the best time to see them up close.
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Seals on the Farne Islands
Learn about the grey seal colony on the Farnes, as well as other seals that call the Islands home.
Shopping
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Shopping at Seahouses
Whether you're looking for a souvenir to take home or a present for a loved one, make sure you stop by the shop in the centre of Seahouses. The shelves are bursting with gifts. Find colourful throws made from upcycled wool, home accessories inspired by nature, colourful handmade jewellery and prints by local artists. There are books for all ages and toys inspired by the great outdoors too.
Places to stay
Lookout Cottage
A former lookout, this simple but snug cottage is next to a HM Coastguard radio room.
Rockside Cottage
A former fisherman’s cottage next to a cosy pub with sea views and a bright, contemporary living space.
Risemoor
Close to the sands of Embleton Bay, this coastal cottage is a great spot for wildlife watching.
St Oswald's Cottage
A Grade II listed cottage on Holy Island, designed by Lutyens, reached by crossing a tidal causeway.
Glen House
Explore Holy Island from this comfortable cottage, just half a mile from Lindisfarne Castle.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Farne Islands
The Farne Islands are a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Breeding seabirds
This place is home, during the summer months, to one of the most significant breeding seabird colonies in the UK.
Visitors can expect unrivalled views of the 200,000 seabirds of 23 different species, including approx 43,000 pairs of puffin, that journey here every year to raise their chicks.
Seals
The islands are an important pupping site for the Atlantic grey seal, with more than 2,000 pups born here every autumn.
History
This is also a place of significant cultural heritage, with strong links with early Celtic Christianity and St Cuthbert; He lived here as a hermit in the 7th century.
Explore inside the medieval St Cuthbert's chapel.
Victorian Lighthouse.
A short boat trip to a different world.
Our work
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Our work on the Farne Islands
Find out more about how we care for Farne Islands in Northumberland, from repairing the boardwalks to surveying seals and ringing birds to track their movements.
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Watch The Wild Life series
Our new nature series, The Wild Life, is full of inspirational stories about protecting wildlife and harnessing the power of nature in a changing climate. Join our presenters as they explore five places in our care to find out how the climate crisis is affecting oceans, rivers, woodlands and grasslands.
News
National Trust, RSPB and WWF join forces to save UK nature
We're urging everyone to help us stop the destruction of nature in the UK with the launch of Save Our Wild Isles, a joint campaign with charities RSPB and WWF. Discover a new documentary about the changes needed to save nature and find out what you can do to help.
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Weather and Wildlife Review 2024
Climate change presents serious challenges for nature across the UK. Find out how wildlife fared through the seasons in 2024, and what we're doing to address climate and nature crises.
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Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers kids' podcast
Discover our kids' podcast, Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers. Listen to six stories where Ranger Rae, Apprentice Roxy and their seven animal friends go off on adventures to look after people and animals in trouble.
History
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History of the Farne Islands’ inhabitants
Many people have called the Farne Islands home over the centuries, from hermits and monks to soldiers, lighthouse keepers and even shipwrecked sailors.
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History of the Farne Islands’ buildings
Discover how the Farne Islands have proved to be the ideal location for many structures over the centuries, from a monastery and chapels to a pele tower and several lighthouses.