September on the Farne Islands: Last Landings & First Seal Pups
One of the joys of staying in our Wooden Star Cottages near Hexham and Hadrian’s Wall is how much variety there is in a Northumberland break. Your cottage is perfectly placed for day trips, so one day you could be walking along Roman forts or exploring local villages, and the next you might be standing at the edge of the North Sea watching seals splash in the surf.
The beaches, castles, and harbour towns of the Northumberland coastline are within reach in under an hour and a half by car, making a great day out. At this time of year, there’s one coastal trip that really stands out—the Farne Islands. September is the last month when you can land on Inner Farne, so if you’ve ever wanted to step ashore, this is the moment to plan it.
What are the Farne Islands?
The Farne Islands are a group of rugged islands located just off the Northumberland coast near Seahouses. Protected as both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the islands are internationally renowned for their seabird colonies and grey seals.
Each summer, tens of thousands of seabirds return to breed, from puffins, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, eider ducks and shags. The islands are also home to one of the largest colonies of grey seals in England.
Boat trips to the Farnes run from Seahouses throughout the visitor season. Between spring and the end of September, you can usually land on Inner Farne itself, giving you the chance to follow boardwalks, look closely at the wildlife, and soak up sweeping views back towards the coast.
Why September is a great month to visit
As the end of September marks the close of the landing season, it’s the last chance of the year to actually set foot on the island. By this point most of the puffins have left for the open sea, having raised their chicks earlier in the summer. But the islands are still alive with activity.
Grey seals start to gather in greater numbers and by the end of the month the first pups begin to appear. Watching them bask on the rocks or bob in the surf is a highlight of the trip. Shags, terns and fulmars remain too, so there’s plenty to look out for even after the puffins have gone.
From Wall Country to the Sea
The drive from the Hadrian’s Wall area to Seahouses takes around 90 minutes. It’s an enjoyable route in its own right—rolling fields give way to the open coastline, and you could stop en route at Alnwick for a coffee, or pause at Bamburgh beach beneath the famous castle. By the time you reach Seahouses, you’ll find yourself swapping stone walls and green hillsides for fishing boats, seabirds, and the bustle of a working harbour.
The Boat Trip Experience
Several local operators run regular trips, including:
Whether you choose a landing trip or a sailing-only option, being out on the water is part of the adventure. You’ll pass cliffs alive with seabirds, see grey seals hauled out on the rocks, and, if you land, have time to wander along the boardwalks of Inner Farne.
The National Trust manages the landings. Members don’t pay extra, though everyone needs to book a boat ticket, and non-members pay a small landing fee. As September weather can be mixed, it’s best to bring layers and a waterproof. Even if the wind picks up, the trip feels refreshing and memorable.
What If You Miss the Last Landing?
If you’re visiting later in the autumn, it’s worth knowing that boat trips around the islands often continue after the landing season has finished. While you won’t be able to walk on the islands after September, the boat tours still offer superb wildlife watching. In fact, October and November are peak months for grey seal pupping, with thousands born on the islands each year. Seeing the colonies from the water is just as memorable, and sometimes even more dramatic as the weather and seas begin to shift.
A Day Out to Remember
A visit to the Farne Islands fits beautifully into your Northumberland holiday. From our cottages near Hadrian’s Wall you can set off after breakfast, enjoy a full day at the coast, and be back in time for supper. Seahouses has plenty of character too, from fish and chip shops and pubs to harbour cafés. And with Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh and Craster all close by, you can easily extend your day with more coastal sights.
Catch the Moment
September is the last chance of the year to land on Inner Farne. The puffins may have flown, but the first seal pups are appearing, and the islands feel alive in a different way. Whether you step ashore before the season closes or circle the islands by boat, you’ll be part of a story that changes with each month, but always leaves a lasting impression.
So, if you’re staying with us this September, swap a day of Roman walls for seabird cliffs. The Farnes won’t reopen for landings until spring—so make the most of the chance while you can.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience this unique event, providing a cosy retreat after a day full of activities. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.