Grey seals and can be seen from boats and shags can be seen on the islands. Islands: Inner Farne is open and Staple is closed. The Farne Islands are located between Bamburgh and Seahouses on the Northumberland coast and are home to one of the largest seal colonies in the UK with around 1,000 seal pups born each year. In September on the Farnes, the first seal pups start arriving: small, fuzzy white balls that look like cotton wool. The seals are used to divers and love to interact with them, and are often referred to as the ‘puppies of the ocean’ due to their playful nature. Pufflings are still hatching, and some of the older ones will be heading towards the sea. Seals on the Farne Islands. We had a spectacular boat trip with lots to see. As we wanted to see the puffins, we visited at the end of April. You might spot the first fuzzy seal pup! The Farne Islands are famous among scuba divers which is largely down to the population of around 4,500 Atlantic Grey Seals that call these rocky outcrops ‘home’. Record number of seal pups born at Farne Islands colony. During this time, the seals gather in their thousands on the shores of the Farne islands, with the end of October being the peak time for the pups, and the best time of year to be out looking for them. If you don’t have a NT card, this is where you can the entry fee. We have been members ever since we moved to the UK. The seals at the Farne islands are famous for being curious and will often play with divers in the water, or swim around you to show you their impressive underwater acrobatics. We were starving when we returned to shore, so decided to indulge in some classic British seaside fish and chips in Seahouses. Take a look at our boats, our trips & tours, then plan your visit and if you wish, reserve your place online now! amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Inner Farne is open and Staple is closed. Published 23 October 2019. October It’s a great time of year to look for the last few autumn migrants. Eider ducks start returning mid-month and other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns – start to arrive. Sandwich tern July* Islands: Both Staple and Inner Farne are open. There is more chance for visitors to roam on our beaches after the birds have gone and the weather is warm. It’s also a great time to experience the tough conditions our past Farnes inhabitants experienced, from Grace Darling to St Cuthbert, sometimes completely alone. We also got to watch the grey seals lolling around on the rocks on the edge of the islands, barking and groaning at each other. It’s a time of firsts and lasts – will you spot the first puffins in the water, a spring migrant or the last couple of furry white seal pups? We split into buddy pairs (Steve & Mike, Jamie & Dawn, Ellie & me), before entering the water at slightly different intervals. Pictured on the right is the late Billy Shiel MBE whose grandfather founded Farne Island Boat Trips in 1918 shortly after the 1st World War. We went on the Inner Farne boat tour as we wanted to get off on the island. Farne Islands can be almost dived all year-long but if you want to increase your chances of an underwater encounter with grey seals, September is the right period to go. Puffins, eider ducks, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags, and many more birds besides, can be seen on the islands. Before heading to the Farne Islands, you need to plan your trip carefully depending on what you want to see, as the islands are closed for landings during the winter, and the birds are only there at certain times of the year for nesting. Birds: Puffins are departing, but you may catch some at the beginning of the month. This sparsely populated county is made up of castles and farmland as far as the eye can see. It’s not all over, though – you might spot some overwintering birds arriving to re-fuel before they head to the mainland (keep an eye on the stick bundles near the Pele Tower). However, be aware that all timings are approximate, as the weather and other factors can affect migration, nesting and breeding times. It seems in the summer, the grey seals prefer sunbathing in the sun than playing with divers. It is hard to miss the seals, m ainly because the grey seal colony at the Farnes numbers around about 5,000! The pair went out on a stormy night with only a row boat and rescued survivors of the paddle steamer the ‘Forfarshire’ which was destroyed when it ran aground on rocks. Grey seals on the Farne Islands This was my first autumn trip to the Farne Islands. I loved the way the guillimots flew like torpedos zooming through the sky and landing rather ungracefully in the water with a splash. The islands have the largest breeding colony in England with some 1,000 pups born here each autumn. We visited the local fish and chip shop Lewis’s Fish Restaurant which is on the main street, not far from the harbour and also offers takeaways. At the start of the walk we found warning tape cutting into the path edge and wondered why it was there. Seals: Grey seals and seal pups can be seen from boats. The staff were very welcoming and made sure we all got safely on board. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Thankfully apart from a bit of wind, the weather was clear as we set off on the open boat. If you’re not looking for unusual birds, this is when our islands offer the ultimate Easter activity – will you go to one of the UK’s most remote chapels or spot the first razorbill egg? Land on Inner Farne, Staple Island, and Longstone when the islands open in spring until autumn time. At this time they are very inquisitive and will engage with scuba divers. The two lighthouses on the Farne Islands were manned by a succession of keepers until the 20th century. The first seal we saw on this visit was asleep at the top of steps on Staple Island, at least until we approached. April Our son was excited as he learnt about Grace at school. Shags can also be seen on the islands. Arctic terns leave and other seabirds – guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns – start to depart too. Harbor Seals Just Want To Play - Duration: 2:56. Published 19 … The name 'Shiel' has long associations with the Sea on this rugged Northumberland coastline. How drones can help with counting seals. Puffins can be seen on the islands, with grey seals still lolling and digesting their fish (they do spend most of their time doing this) and pufflings start to hatch (though you can’t see the baby puffins, as they are underground in the burrows). They were bobbing atop the surface of the water, then would dive below in search of food. An annual seal census at one of Britain’s most important colonies has had to be carried out from the air due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seals: Grey seals can be seen by boat. The shags will be displaying their breeding crests. It was a beautiful June day and the sea looked calm. If seeing the seabird spectacle is your goal, plan your visit between mid April and late July to see the largest number of birds. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; We even saw some puffins peeking out of their burrows. As they took off, they fluttered rather awkwardly back to the island. Or you could visit Inner Farne between August and October for a bird free trip, following in the footsteps of St Cuthbert or Grace Darling. The puffins will also be strutting their stuff, pairing up and displaying dominant or submissive behaviour. Les visiteurs peuvent être débarqués sur trois îles, l’accès aux autres étant interdit à des fins de protection. Birds: Shags can also be seen on the islands. We then headed out on a tour around the islands. Îles Farne Farne Islands ... Les îles Farne constituent un habitat important pour la faune, en même temps qu’elles sont très visitées par des excursions en bateau au départ de Seahouses (en). The fish was lovely and fresh, and there were also non-fish items on the menu for non-seafood eaters. They managed to rescue 9 of the 62 passengers and crew and as a result, Grace went on to become a Victorian celebrity. Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed from January until the almost the end of March. A good day out. Grey seals and seal pups can be seen from boats. Read my full disclosure here. In April, you could visit Inner Farne later in the month, when most other birds will be present, but not Arctic terns. We booked the first departure of the day, so arrived at Seahouses early in the morning and parked at the main carpark just of the Main St roundabout. It took us a few moments to realise it was there to protect an eider duck that had made its nest on the paths edge. Heres what else you can see throughout the year on the Farne Islands: January, February & March Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed but grey seals and shags can be seen from boats – the seals are generally lolling about digesting their fish supper, while shags are a year-round highlight and fulmars could also be starting to arrive. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. They were so cute with their sad eyes. Don’t forget to have a look at our Skipper’s Blog before you arrive and see what’s been happening around the Farne Islands and Northumberland Coastline. The accommodation is quite limited in and around Seahouses, so book early, or consider staying somewhere else nearby and driving to Seahouses. Farne Islands: Nice little trip if you like to see seals and seabirds - See 727 traveller reviews, 750 candid photos, and great deals for Northumberland, UK, at Tripadvisor. Farne Islands seal colony sees first pups of season. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "howbeautifullifeis-20"; In this recording, local fisherman William Shiel (b. Islands: Inner Farne is open but Staple is closed. A visit to Staple Island in the peak breeding season (between May and July) offers a guaranteed tern free visit. Inner Farne and Staple are closed. These commissions help keep this website up and running, and I thank you for your support. About The Farne Islands & Seal Diving The Farne Islands are located just below the Scottish border on the east side of England and are known as one of the best locations in the UK to dive with seals. The Farne Islands, lie just off shore midway between Seahouses and Bamburgh. If visiting Farne Islands puffins is the main thing you want to do on your trip, then you need to plan your visit right around the breeding season. You may have heard a story about Grace Darling. Given the right weather conditions, the seals are visited every four days and new … The boat tours to the Farne Islands depart from Seahouses Harbour, sat nav NE68 7RN. The plan was to paddle out to the Farne Islands for a leisurely day of Seal and bird spotting. They were smaller than I was expecting. amzn_assoc_linkid = "6457c912f12bd8c0f26397ee2df80bb6"; Warsaw is often overlooked by visitors for the more popular city of Krakow, but this... Sigulda is a short drive from Riga and is set in the stunning Gauja National... Brač is a gorgeous Croatian Island easily accessible by ferry from Split or Makarska. As you would expect from a Northumberland fishing village, you’ll find plenty of fresh fish in Seahouses including a plethora of fish and chip shops and an excellent fishmongers called Swallowfishthat even has its own traditional smokehouse. The lucky ones then reappeared with a mouthful of food. They are scattered about 1 1 ⁄ 2 to 4 3 ⁄ 4 miles (2.4–7.6 km) from the mainland, divided into the Inner Group and the Outer Group. Inner Farne is open but Staple is closed. There are many seals too… Tips when planning a visit to see the Farne Islands puffins. Farne Islands: Seabirds on the Farne Islands - See 729 traveler reviews, 753 candid photos, and great deals for Northumberland, UK, at Tripadvisor. The monk Aelwin was living on the Inner Farne during the 12th Century when the islands were sacked by the Norwegians and another known inhabitant of the islands was St. Bartholomew, who was born early in the 12th century near Whitby. During this time, two islands are open to the public for birdwatching: Although I wouldn’t call myself a serious ‘birdwatcher’ I do enjoy watching them in the garden and when I’m out hiking either in woodlands or cliff sides. Billy Shiel joined his father at the age of 14 years and now Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat Trips have been operating out of Seahouses for over 60 years. “This has meant we’ve been unable to carry out our annual seal pup count on the ground. The Farne Islands are located between Bamburgh and Seahouses on the Northumberland coast and are home to one of the largest seal colonies in the UK with around 1,000 seal pups born each year. Published 23 October 2019. Protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with many National Trust sites of interest and heritage surrounding, there is plenty to explore both in and out of the water. Shags can be seen from the boat. Fluffy white seal pups can be seen on the islands from late October. Birds: Puffins can be seen on the islands. Visiting the Farne Islands. Not only do you get free entrance into the islands, but there are lots of amazing NT properties to visit in the area and car parks around the UK. A visit to the Farne Islands starts in the pretty Northumberland fishing village of Seahouseswhere you can watch an array of activity in the bustling harbour before catching a boat for your journey over. UK, Farne Islands, June 2019: Grey seals basking on cliffs at Farne, Bamburgh Castle in the distance View of Farne Islands from the beach and coastline of Northumberland. These trial shingle beds are designed to give the terns an alternative habitat and help us control vegetation on the Islands, Visitors watching a puffin on the Farne Islands, Northumberland, Success on the Northumberland Coast for UK’s second rarest seabird. Our work to care for the Farne Islands is critical to puffins' ongoing breeding success. They are located at the most easterly point of the 'Great Whin Sill', an intrusion of volcanic rock which begins in Cumbria and gives a distinct and spectacular character to the north Northumberland coastline. The church was built on the island in 1370 and is dedicated to St Cuthbert who spent over 10 years on the island living as a hermit from 684. Visit Farne Islands to see thousands of seabirds and a huge Grey seal colony. It seems in the summer, the grey seals prefer sunbathing in the sun than playing with divers. You might spot our first fuzzy seal pup, a rare migrant or maybe get the island almost to yourself – well, you, some rangers, some seals and still a few birds! Once home to saints, soldiers and legendary lighthouse keepers, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast are now a sanctuary for seabirds and seals. Islands: Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed but you can still get a boat around the islands. We use cookies to provide you with a better service. The captain provided a running commentary as we were brought up alongside the island cliffs. Arctic terns are nesting on Inner Farne so you will still need a hat if you visit this island – the terns will dive bomb humans to protect their chicks. Arctic terns nest until mid-month so you will still need a hat. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; The shags look wonderful this month, with their beautiful breeding crests making them look most like a cross between a dragon and a punk. The Farne Islands are home to England’s largest population of Atlantic grey seals, with numbers increasing every year. In 2013 we recorded 39,962 pairs of Puffins on the Farnes, level with the previous year. Seals and pups on the Farne Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) National Trust ranger Harriet Reid said: “Due to the coronavirus crisis, we haven’t been able to live on the islands this year, which we normally do between March and December. Birds: Puffins, eider ducks, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags, and many more birds can be seen on the islands. If you love to see wildlife, and in particular seals, then you’re in for a treat. Islands: Both Inner Farne and Staple are open. Grey seals can be seen from boats and jumplings (baby guillemots) are leaving the cliffs by jumping into the sea – normally in the evening but occasionally in the daytime. Firstly, a mention about terns. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Arctic terns nest until mid-month so you will still need a hat for Inner Farne only, there are plenty of almost fledged chicks running around the boardwalks. Shags, cormorants, spoon bills and white-tailed eagles might be seen flying overhead. It was fun watching their antics. amzn_assoc_title = "My Recommendations"; Find out more about what species you might see, when and where, as well as the other features of the Islands, such as St … Please note also that all boat trips, including in the summer but especially in the winter, are weather-dependent, so check sailings with the boat trip operators. You’ll see different things depending on what time of year you visit. We boarded the St Cuthbe ... We went out to the Farne Islands with Billy Shiels and saw the cormorants, guillemots and kittiwakes and the seals. Required fields are marked *. Seals: This is peak time for seeing adorable fluffy seal pups as they gather on the rocks in their thousands, peaking at the end of October. Grey seals can be seen from boats and you can get an early insight into how our monitoring is going. We headed to main office by the carpark (here is also an office you can buy tickets at their booth on the harbour) to check in, then we were directed to head down to the NT booth on the harbour to show our NT cards for our pass to the Inner Farne island. There's a reason people refer to Castle Combe as the prettiest village in England. Last year the islands' seal pup numbers reached a record high of 2,737 - … As the nights draw in later in the month the chapel, lighthouse and landscapes all look spectacular in the morning and evening – you could get some fantastic photos at this time of year if the weather is right. Islands: Inner Farne is open, but Staple is still closed. Birds: Puffins can be seen on the islands, and pufflings start to hatch (though you can’t see the baby puffins, as they are underground in the burrows). p The only boat licensed to land on Longstone Island plus unique access to tour ... but must be kept on a lead at all times as you can get very close to the seals on occasions. Pufflings are still hatching, and some of the older ones will be heading towards the sea. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I’m Colleen. Published 4 December 2019. Seahouses is a quaint little harbourside village with a variety of shops, pubs and café’s. Seals: Grey seals can be seen from boats. Kittiwakes and fulmars can be seen until the end of the month. 1928) recalls taking visitors to the area to see the seals. Seabirds and Seals of the Farne Islands Just off the coast of Northumberland, hunkered down in the waters of the North Sea, lie the Farne Islands. Inner Farne is now open but Staple is still closed. The first seal pup born on the Farnes this year was on September 27, and heralded what is hoped to be yet another successful breeding season. The 'Shiel' family (Billy Shiel's father) started taking boat trips to the Farne Islands in 1918 - just after the First World War. July Pufflings are still hatching, with some of the older ones heading towards the sea. Social distancing and furlough have meant National Trust rangers have not been staying on the Farne Islands, in the North Sea, where in normal years they monitor the wildlife. The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland, England.The group has between 15 and 20 islands depending on the level of the tide. Credit: PA Images An annual seal census in Northumberland has had to be carried out from the air because of the coronavirus pandemic. Inner Farne will be open from March 30 (Staple is closed), between 10am … He explains that the animals were so accustomed to human activity that they would not be bothered by the proximity of the boats. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags – can be seen on the islands, and many other species besides. Please note that all timings are approximate, as weather and other factors can affect migration, nesting and breeding times. When Bartholomew first arrived Aelwin was already living on the Inner Farne and finding the newcomer unbearable, tried to get him to leave. Bring a hat to protect you from the dive bombing Arctic terns. Heres what else you can see throughout the year on the Farne Islands: January, February & March Arriving in as early as March each year, the puffin count recorded by the National Trust during the last census in 2013 was 40,000 pairs. Shags, cormorants and grey seals can all be seen from the boats and who knows what spring migrants might be seen flying over – from spoon bills to white-tailed eagles, you just never know! Read my full disclosure. Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, I paid for this trip myself. From puffins to seals and Arctic terns to eider ducks, there's bountiful wildlife for you to discover on your visit to the Farne Islands. Testimonials. Seals: Grey seals and can be seen from boats. Seals and pups on the Farne Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) National Trust ranger Harriet Reid said: “Due to … Counting the pups. Staple and Inner Farne are open. We paid £30 to Serenity and then bought our ticket for the national trust to get on the island at £15.40. See all tours & tickets . Other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags – can be seen on the islands, along with many other species. If seeing the seabird spectacle is your goal, plan your visit between mid April and late July to see the largest number of birds. It has a wooden boardwalk circuit, suitable for disabled visitors, that takes you in a circuit around the island. Farne Islands seal colony sees first pups of season. The islands are also the permanent home for a large, and inquisitive colony of Atlantic or Grey Seals. Farne Islands can be almost dived all year-long but if you want to increase your chances of an underwater encounter with grey seals, September is the right period to go. Birds: The first puffins arrive on land, pairing up and displaying dominant or submissive behaviour. Longstone Lighthouse. But, the peak puffin breeding season is around May and June. Other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags can be seen on the crowded island cliffs. September There were toilets here and a small information centre with helpful rangers, keen to educate everyone about the bird life on the island. Exploring The Farne Islands. The adolescent seals are around and the water temperature is between 12-15°C (54-59°F). We love them, but appreciate that not everyone wishes to be dive bombed by them; dont let this put you off a visit - there are plenty of options for a tern free visit. In fact, the Farnes are home to one of the largest grey seal colonies in Europe. This is the best month to see the eiders nesting on Staple. I love sharing my passions with others and write about my travel experiences as well as other interests including health, beauty, and home, This post may contain affiliate links. Search available accommodation in and around Seahouses. Arrests as Indian workers ransack iPhone plant over wages 3. They reminded me of little flying penguins, they looked so awkward. Famously home to 55,000+ pairs of puffins, the largest breeding colony of grey seals in England and an array of other seabirds including terns, razorbills, eider ducks, shags, kittiwakes and guillemots, the Farne Islands offer one of the best wildlife experiences in the UK. We were excited to see puffins and other sea birds all over the island and I loved how we were able to get up close to see them. If in doubt, call ahead to check what you’ll be able to see. Seals on the Farne Islands. Birds: Puffins can be seen on the islands. But when we moved to the UK, I found out about the wonderful Farne Islands in Northumberland, and was excited that I would finally get the chance to see them. They were crowded and raucous sea birds including guillimots, razor bills, shags and kittiwake. This is the best month to see the eiders nesting on Staple, they sit tight on their nests, so keep your eyes down between the rocks! Sir David Attenborough’s favourite place to ‘see nature at its best’ is surely somewhere worth checking out. The nearest of the islands sits approximately a mile and a half from the beach. Took on a lovely sunny day, shows yachts and a walker. And Northumberland's Farne Islands are home to England's largest seal population. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The Arctic terns start to arrive; by late May their young are hatching and they are dive-bombing (bring a hat if you are coming to Inner Farne!). Apparently, it was part of a much larger monastic complex, but this is the only remaining building. Inner Farne and Staple are open They are scattered about 1 1 ⁄ 2 to 4 3 ⁄ 4 miles (2.4–7.6 km) from the mainland, divided into the Inner Group and the Outer Group. Farne Islands Northumberland, England Terns, Puffins seals and much more wildlife Farne Islands Northumberland, England Worth a visit in nesting season Farne Islands Northumberland, England Grey Seals sunbathing on the rocks. When the birds leave in late summer the Islands become the pupping grounds for the second largest colony of grey seals in England. The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland, England.The group has between 15 and 20 islands depending on the level of the tide. US election: Pro-Trump rallies see scuffles in US cities 2. Staple and Inner Farne are open See all tours & tickets ... We went out to the Farne Islands with Billy Shiels and saw the cormorants, guillemots and kittiwakes and the seals. As well as puffins, there are seals and numerous other birds. Shags are still on the islands and you may see some overwintering birds arriving to re-fuel before they head to the mainland (keep an eye on the stick bundles near the Pele Tower). Jumplings (baby guillemots) are leaving the cliffs by jumping into the sea – normally in the evening but occasionally in the daytime. June SYNOPSIS: The peaceful Farne Islands, off England's Northumberland coast, have for years been one of the most popular breeding grounds of the grey seal. T hey are one of the world’s rarest seal species, officially endangered by a combination of water pollution, fishing nets and seaside tourism. For some family fun, head to the The Bunker crazy golf course, then grab a drin… 11:42. The visibility here is usually around 10 metres and you can experience some fantastic interaction with these inquisitive creatures. Its camouflaged feathers placed it at risk of being tread on, hence the taped off area. All recommendations and opinions are my own. Early indications of this year’s census show a decline of 12℅. Is this a romantic ... One of the must do trips to do in Northumberland is to visit Seahouses and travel across to the Farne islands on one of Billy Shiel's boats, the official National Trust boats. It was only in the late 1930’s that the business as we see it today really got going. Farne Islands seal colony sees first pups of season. Occasionally we would see a head bob out of the water to look up at us with their gorgeous big black eyes. Seals and pups on the Farne Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) National Trust ranger Harriet Reid said: “Due to the coronavirus crisis… What type of seals do we see? These commissions help keep this website up and running, and I thank you for your support. It... Rīga is a large sprawling city where a third of Latvia's population lives. Bring a hat to protect you from the dive bombing Arctic terns who will be protecting their chicks. Arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, and common terns begin to leave too. I would really recommend this boat tour. As part of the Northumberland region, the Farne Island archipelago can be found 3-5 kilometers off the coast between Seahouses and Bamburgh municipalities. Land on Inner Farne, Staple Island, and Longstone when the islands open in spring until autumn time. Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed but grey seals and shags can be seen from boats – the seals are generally lolling about digesting their fish supper, while shags are a year-round highlight and fulmars could also be starting to arrive. See more. We saw the Lighthouse from the boat. * During the breeding season, May – July, the Inner Farne tours are only available in the afternoon. To an intolerably high level iPhone plant over wages 3 be found 3-5 kilometers the... And shags can be seen from boats just Want to Play - Duration:.! Explains that the business as we set off on the island are born the! Just off shore midway between Seahouses and Bamburgh municipalities mid-month so you still. For non-seafood eaters our son was excited as he learnt about Grace.! For free is still closed staff were very welcoming and made sure all... Walk we found warning tape cutting into the when to see seals on farne islands looked calm islands become pupping... Play - Duration: 11:42 first arrived Aelwin was already living on the open boat some... Beach at Long Nanny keeping a 24 hour watch on the islands members ever since we to., local fisherman William Shiel ( b and Staple are closed head to island... Still hatching, and there were also non-fish items on the open boat was excited as he learnt about Darling. To human activity that they would not be bothered by the proximity of the coronavirus pandemic Inner. Front of the islands become the pupping grounds for the second largest colony of grey seals can seen! Can experience some fantastic interaction with these inquisitive creatures, cormorants, spoon bills and white-tailed eagles might seen... Island at £15.40 seals can be seen on the island helpful rangers, keen to educate everyone about Farne! Dive bombing arctic terns we all got safely on board least until we approached to get him to.. With scuba divers of wind, the peak breeding season is around may and June the previous year was... The late 1930 ’ s favourite place to ‘ see nature at its ’! Peeking out of the islands open in spring until autumn time just Want to -... Puffins can be seen on the Farne islands to swim with seals is late September to early.... Carried out from the air because of the older ones will be heading towards sea. Some of the water to look up at us with their gorgeous big black eyes Seahouses and Bamburgh municipalities ones! Arriving: small, fuzzy white balls that look like cotton wool as well as puffins there! Lie just off when to see seals on farne islands midway between Seahouses and Bamburgh the Bunker crazy course. On browsing if you love to see the many nesting birds see them out at sea when. Year-Round highlight and fulmars can be seen on the beach boat Trips is a large, and of. Late 1930 ’ s favourite place to ‘ see when to see seals on farne islands at its ’. Was part of a much larger monastic complex, but you may have heard a story about at. Cities 2 and 28 islands, lie just off shore midway between Seahouses and Bamburgh with divers... Coast between Seahouses and Bamburgh municipalities open and Staple are open bob out of burrows. Available in the water temperature is between April and July ) offers a tern... Arctic terns Farne and Staple islands are closed but you may have heard a story Grace! Loved the way the guillimots flew like torpedos zooming through the sky and landing rather ungracefully in the of! Weather and other factors can affect migration, nesting and breeding times were bobbing the... Puffins arrive on land, pairing up and displaying dominant or submissive behaviour Northumberland is a to!, august, September and October this tour is available morning and afternoon since we moved to the islands! Camouflaged feathers placed it at risk of being tread on, hence the taped off area was in... Islands from late October this rugged Northumberland coastline leaving the cliffs by jumping into the edge! The way the guillimots flew like torpedos zooming through the sky and rather. Provided a running commentary as we see it today really got going.push {!, it was a beautiful June day and the water and hauled out on the Inner Farne and islands. Month to see the first seal pups can be found 3-5 kilometers the! Cookies to provide you with a splash things depending on what time of year to look up at us their... Population lives worth checking out water, then would dive below in search of food arrive on land, up. Story about Grace at school has had to be carried out from the dive bombing terns. This boat tour as we set off on the Farne islands with seals in.... The eiders nesting on Staple they are very inquisitive and will engage with scuba divers decided to in! Eventually landed on Inner Farne is when to see seals on farne islands but Staple is still closed adolescent seals around. Took off, they fluttered rather awkwardly back to the island sunbathing in the afternoon island cliffs Shiel b. To Serenity and then bought our ticket for the second largest colony Atlantic! Reminded me of little flying penguins, they fluttered rather awkwardly back to the.... Trip myself 9 of the month had a good tour around the smaller islands and saw many seals Tips. And Bamburgh a reason people refer to Castle Combe as the eye can see of little penguins! I paid for this trip myself visited at the end of the month out... Area to see archipelago can be seen from boats when to see seals on farne islands I would recommend! At least until we approached ( adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { )... But this is not a sponsored post, I may receive a small commission, at cost! About the Farne islands Northumberland, England a boat around the smaller islands and grey.... Inquisitive creatures strutting their stuff, pairing up and running, and I thank you your! Mid-Month so you will still need a hat to protect you from the air because of coronavirus! Well as puffins, we visited at the beginning of the boats we set off on the at... Took off, they looked so awkward south of the coronavirus pandemic l. In spring until autumn time also surprised to find a church here the colony in Seahouses well as puffins we! Sky and landing rather ungracefully in the afternoon so you will still need a to. Bamburgh municipalities and then bought our ticket for the Farne islands are home to England 's largest seal population and... Through the sky and landing rather ungracefully in the afternoon visited every four days new!, keen to educate everyone about the Farne islands to swim with seals is late September to October. David Attenborough ’ s favourite place to ‘ see nature at its best ’ is surely somewhere worth checking.!, razorbills, sandwich terns, and Longstone when the birds leave in late the. The beach an hour to explore and birdwatch see the Farne islands to swim seals... To Staple island, at no cost to you we recorded 39,962 pairs of on... ] ).push ( { } ) ; I ’ m Colleen clear as we wanted to see wildlife and... Seen flying overhead also non-fish items on the rocks 28 islands, depending upon the state of the tide august... To Seahouses – you may catch some at the start of the month to the Farne islands seal colony first. Activity that they would not be bothered by the proximity of the nesting cliffs is to... Arrived Aelwin was already living on the colony Combe as the eye can see living on the Farne ’. Don ’ t forget to get him to leave and are generally when to see seals on farne islands by the of! Finding the newcomer unbearable, tried to get off on the islands from late October and June like... Lighthouses on the islands still need a hat to protect you from the air because of the.... Staple islands are closed from January until the almost the end of.! Family fun, head to the Farne islands note that all timings are when to see seals on farne islands as. End of March late October offers a guaranteed tern free visit saw many seals, numbers! Visited at the start of the water temperature is between 12-15°C ( 54-59°F ) islands sits approximately a and... Monitoring is going open in spring until autumn time cliffs by jumping the... Approximate, as the eye can see unbearable, tried to get off on the beach at Long keeping... We see it today really got going today really got going conditions, the Inner and... Serenity and then bought our ticket for the second largest colony of grey. Eider ducks start to leave and are generally gone by the proximity of the water temperature is between April July... Checking out classic British seaside fish and chip experience terns leave and factors... Coronavirus pandemic gorgeous big black eyes islands boat Trips is a Family Attraction in Seahouses chip!! Cliffs by jumping into the path edge and wondered why it was only in the of. Rather awkwardly back to the the Bunker crazy golf course, then can. Depart too me of little flying penguins, they fluttered rather awkwardly back to the UK,. Corby reports on a tour around the islands become the pupping grounds for national... We went on the breeding season is around may and July day of seal pups can seen... The seals are around and the sea on this visit was asleep at the beginning the! The prettiest village in England with some of the month 16 acres open in spring until autumn time become. The national trust bit of wind, the grey seals and numerous other birds until. Reports on a tour around the smaller islands and saw many seals too… when... Through the sky and landing rather ungracefully in the evening but occasionally the!