Planning a Trip to the Farne Islands: Puffins, Seals & Boat Trips
A boat trip to the Farne Islands makes a wonderful day out during your stay, offering the chance to experience some of Northumberland’s most remarkable wildlife. Just a short sailing from Seahouses, the Farne Islands are internationally recognised for their seabird colonies, grey seals and breathtaking coastal scenery.
In recent years they’ve also made headlines following the rare sighting of orcas off the Northumberland coast. While these magnificent marine mammals remain an unexpected bonus rather than something visitors should expect to see, the sightings are a reminder of just how rich these waters are for wildlife.
For guests staying in many of our cottages, Seahouses is an easy day trip, making it possible to enjoy a few hours on the coast before returning to the peace and quiet of the countryside. We’ve put together everything you need to know before you go, from choosing the right boat trip to what to wear, where to park and how to make the most of your day.
Getting to Seahouses
From our cottages to Seahouses, the approximate driving times are:
• Hexham – around 90 minutes
• Bellingham – around 90 minutes
• Corbridge – around 75 minutes
• Alnwick – around 30 minutes
The harbour is well signposted once you arrive in Seahouses. There are two main council run pay and display car parks:
Station Yard Car Park (postcode NE68 7RQ) is central in the town
Harbour Car Park (postcode NE68 7RN) is closest to the sailings but is smaller.
Both can become quite busy during peak holiday season so it’s worth arriving a little earlier than your sailing time.
Choosing Your Boat Trip
Two long-established operators run regular sailings from Seahouses throughout the season. Both offer cruise-only and landing trips, and tickets can be booked online in advance or from the booking huts on the harbour.
Cruise-only trips sail around the islands without landing. These are ideal if you’re mainly interested in the scenery and wildlife or are travelling with younger children. There are also sunset cruises available.
Landing trips allow visitors to step onto Inner Farne (when open) and spend time (usually 1 hour) walking around the Island before returning by boat. These trips are understandably popular during puffin season and booking in advance is highly recommended. Inner Farne is cared for by the National Trust, so a landing fee is payable when you arrive. Both operators have details when booking. Weather and sea conditions can occasionally affect sailings, so it’s always worth checking with your chosen operator before setting off.
Both operators have websites where you can book tickets in advance. They both have booking office huts on the harbour.
The Wildlife
Puffins
For many visitors, the puffins are the stars of the show.
Each spring and summer, thousands return to breed on the islands, creating one of the UK’s best wildlife spectacles. Despite their colourful appearance, they’re surprisingly small birds, and one of the joys of landing on Inner Farne is just how close they often come as they fly between the sea and their burrows.
If you’re interested in photography, it’s well worth bringing a camera with a zoom lens, although you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs even with a phone.
Grey Seals
The Farne Islands are home to one of England’s largest grey seal colonies.
Seals are regularly spotted swimming around the boats or resting on the rocks, and many visitors see them before they even reach the islands.
Later in the autumn, the islands become one of Britain’s most important breeding sites for grey seals, although they can be enjoyed throughout much of the year.
Orcas – A Rare Bonus
The Farne Islands have attracted additional attention recently following several reports of orcas being spotted off the Northumberland coast.
While sightings remain rare, they have added another layer of excitement for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the area. However, spotting orcas should be viewed as an unexpected bonus rather than something to expect on every trip – but it does highlight the incredible diversity of marine wildlife found in these waters. Billy Shiel’s facebook page has some great video’s of the recent 2026 Orca sightings (the video below is from last year). Serenity Boat Trips facebook page also documents some great videos of wildlife and tours.
What Should You Wear?
Even on a warm summer’s day, conditions at sea can feel surprisingly cool and it can get quite windy.
A waterproof jacket or windproof layer is always a good idea, together with comfortable footwear if you’re taking a landing trip.
Binoculars are useful if you have them, and don’t forget to fully charge your phone or camera before setting off.
If you’re visiting during the seabird breeding season, don’t be surprised if an Arctic tern swoops overhead. They’re famous for fiercely protecting their nests and therefore most landing sites recommend wearing a hat during nesting season.
Making a Day of It
A Farne Islands boat trip easily combines with other highlights along the Northumberland coast.
Many visitors spend time exploring Seahouses before or after their sailing, whether that’s browsing the independent shops, enjoying an ice cream overlooking the harbour or treating themselves to traditional fish and chips.
If you have time afterwards, Bamburgh is only a short drive away. Its impressive castle, wide sandy beach and village cafés make it an ideal place to continue the day.
Alternatively, head south towards Beadnell or Craster, where quieter beaches and spectacular coastal walks offer a different perspective on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
A Few Practical Tips
Before setting off, here are a few things worth remembering:
• Book your boat trip in advance, particularly during school holidays.
• Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure to allow time for parking and collecting tickets.
• Take an extra layer, even in summer.
• Pack binoculars if you have them.
• Check the weather forecast, as sailings are weather dependent.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before boarding.
• Public toilets are available near the main car park in the village. There is also a toilet on Inner Farne.
A Day You'll Remember
A trip to the Farne Islands is about much more than simply ticking another attraction off your holiday list.
Whether it’s watching puffins return to their burrows, seeing seals swimming alongside the boat or simply enjoying the Northumberland coastline from the water, it’s an experience that many visitors remember long after they’ve returned home.
Combined with a walk along the beach, fish and chips by the harbour or a visit to Bamburgh Castle, it makes for a wonderful day out before returning to the peace and quiet of your cottage and planning tomorrow’s adventure.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. 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.