To visit the Farne islands, you need to catch a boat from Seahouses harbour. The boat trip over to the islands is a magical experience; you will be able to spot seals and seabirds, and, if you’re really lucky, pods of dolphins and the occasional Minke whale have also been seen from the boat.
How long does it take to sail to the Farne Islands?
Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)
Are there toilets on the boats to the Farne Islands?
Our vessels have wheelchair access but only when the tides are right at Seahouses harbour to pick you up. They are also on one level so there is no climbing over anything and have a toilet onboard.
How do I get to Inner Farne?
How to get here. Car park (non-National Trust) in Seahouses, close to harbour. Seahouses harbour to Inner Farne, boat trips daily, April to September, weather permitting. Arriva 501, Newcastle station to Alnwick station to Berwick, alight Seahouses, 1.5 miles (2.4km).
Where do boats go from to the Farne Islands? – Related Questions
Which is better Inner Farne or Staple Island?
The landscape of Staple Island is rockier than Inner Farne so it isn’t suitable for younger children or anyone with mobility issues. Please note: Staple Island is only accessible between May and July, and a National Trust fee is charged on landing.
What is the best time to visit the Farne Islands?
The Farne Islands are open to visitors from 28th March to the 1st Nov. The best time to visit, for the breeding seabirds that is, being mid-April through to late July, when landing is possible on Inner Farne, Staple Island, and Longstone.
Can you drive to the Farne Islands?
Car Parking
There are plenty of well sign posted public car park spaces in Seahouses but it does get very busy! Car parking is available on the harbour pier itself and hardly gets used. Car parking costs are about £4 for the full day and £2 for a few hours.
Are the Farne Islands open to visitors?
Historically, the islands have strong links with Celtic Christianity and St Cuthbert, who lived here in the 7th Century. To land on Inner Farne or Staple Island you will need to book a boat ticket with one of the three boat companies, and purchase an admission ticket at the National Trust trailer on Seahouses harbour.
Can you land on Inner Farne?
Sailing to the Farnes
All sailings in April and from August to October go to Inner Farne only and allow for one hour landing on Inner Farne. There are usually sailings every hour between 10.00 and 15.00 but check with the boat companies before you arrive at the harbour.
Are there toilets on Inner Farne?
Inner Farne is open in the afternoon. As well as all of the birds that breed on Staple Island, there are also thousands of nesting Arctic, common and Sandwich terns. There are toilet facilities and a small National Trust shop on Inner Farne and St. Cuthbert’s Chapel is open to the public.
Who owns the Farne Islands?
In 1894, the islands were bought by industrialist William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong. The islands are currently owned by the National Trust.
Is Lindisfarne a Farne Island?
Lindisfarne Castle and the Farne Islands are now both in the care of the National Trust, but the links between the two places go back much further. I’ve been thinking recently about how closely the Farne Islands and Holy Island are connected and how so often the stories of the two places intertwine through history.
Does anyone live on the Farne Islands?
Living on the Farnes
People have been living on the islands for centuries; hermits, monks, lighthouse keepers, soldiers and even shipwrecked sailors.
What is the best time to see puffins on Farne Islands?
Each year, puffins return to the Farnes to breed. This is generally between April and late July with the peak breeding season being in May and June. For the remainder of the year, the birds fly out to sea, overwintering on the water, only returning to land each year for a short window to breed and raise their young.
Why is Seahouses called Seahouses?
The village now known as Seahouses was originally named Sunderland, then North Sunderland (to distinguish it from the Wearside city of the same name) and was a mile or so inland from the sea. When a purpose built fishing community was built by the sea it comprised small cottages or ‘sea houses’.
What is the best time to see puffins?
When to See Puffins. You can see puffins at their colonies from late April to August, but June and July are the best months to see them as at this time they are busy feeding their single chick.
Which Farne Island is best for puffins?
Inner Farne and Staple Island are major sanctuaries in the UK for about 22 species of breeding seabirds, including Guillemots, Razorbills, Eider Ducks, 4 species of Terns and a staggering 70,000 Puffins. There are no facilities on Staple Island. Inner Farne has public toilets and a small information centre.
How long do the puffins stay at the Farne Islands?
The life expectancy of these birds is often 20 years or more. Puffins come back to the Farnes to breed every year in early April and stay in the area until mid- to late July. The peak breeding season usually falls in May and June, so it is the best time to take a tour to the islands.
Can you touch puffins?
Touching of the puffins feathers can remove the protectant oil they need to keep their feathers watertight while swimming. So even though they are adorable and cuddly keep from touching them and just enjoy the view.
Do people eat puffins?
2. Puffin. Icelanders also, according to legend, sometimes eat the friendly seabird puffin. Visitors can actually order them in many tourist restaurants in Reykjavík, usually smoked to taste almost like pastrami, or broiled in lumps resembling liver.