The Farne Islands are fifteen to twenty dolerite islands, depending on the tide, between two and five miles off the coast at Seahouses. They are owned by the National Trust and are one of the great seabird colonies of Britain. From May to July they are packed with nesting puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, shags and Arctic terns. Several thousand grey seals live here year-round and pup in the autumn.
Boats leave from Seahouses harbour, and several operators run trips of one and a half to three hours, some landing on Inner Farne or Staple Island. Inner Farne also has the little chapel of Saint Cuthbert, who lived here as a hermit in the 680s. The Arctic terns nest right beside the paths and will dive at your head, so wear a hat.
Landings depend on the season, the weather and bird flu restrictions, and the Trust charges a landing fee to non-members. If the sea is rough, boats don't go at all. Trips that circle the islands without landing still give close views of the seals and the cliffs.