Farne Islands
Farne Islands
5
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A group of islands on the very north-east of England which represent one of the greatest dangers to shipping around the entire British Isles.
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5.0
750 reviews
Excellent
654
Very good
76
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Chrissy
6 contributions
Jun 2021
We travelled by boat at a cost of £20 each which was excellent value for money. We travelled via car to Seahouses and easily parked then hopped onto the boat for the ride to the Farne Islands. It was June and there were plenty of birds and seals. The Captain was very informative and friendly. It took about one and a half hours for the tour and social distancing was in force.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
royandjeanette
Keighley506 contributions
Oct 2020
We took a boat trip from Seahouses harbour. Booking was easy at the Billy Shields kiosk. It was a lovely sunny day with a slight breeze and we enjoyed the one and a half hour trip round the islands. At this time of year we saw a large colony of grey seals, Grace Darling’s Longstone lighthouse and different types of birds. We would love to do this again earlier in the year to see the puffins. The captain was very knowledgeable too. A definite must do
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seasidedad
Weymouth, UK420 contributions
Sept 2020
Due to the COVID pandemic landing on the island is not allowed so you can only view the islands from a boat, trips go from Seahouses Harbour. In September most of the sea birds have left as nesting season is over.
However the grey seals are present in plenty, and gannets fly past and if your lucky you may have dolphins accompany your boat, we did!
There are several lighthouses including the one in which Grace Darling lived.
However the grey seals are present in plenty, and gannets fly past and if your lucky you may have dolphins accompany your boat, we did!
There are several lighthouses including the one in which Grace Darling lived.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little Jenny
London, UK575 contributions
Jul 2022
We took a Serenity boat out to the Farne Islands. The boats are roomy and have a toilet. The crew were really friendly and provided a great commentary and took care that everyone saw the birds close up whichever side of the boat you were on. The islands are great to see and we got close to several different types of birds as well as seals. it was lovely to see the puffins flying. I would love to go back when the avian flu risk has passed and the islands are open to walkers.
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L4481MAhelenr
North Yorkshire, UK25 contributions
Jun 2022
Visited the Farne Islands during the nesting period which I would consider the best time to experience the islands. Our trip took us to the outer Farne Isles to see the birds on the cliffs and then to the inner Farne Isles to go ashore and walk around the island. Fantastic to see the terns and puffins nesting right next to the footpath, and the shags nesting at the tope of the cliffs. Also a delight to see some of the chicks.
The smell isn't nice so don't bother taking a picnic!
The smell isn't nice so don't bother taking a picnic!
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B W
Oxford, UK76 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Our boat trip around the Farne Islands was one of the highlights of our holiday in Northumberland. We had the choice of several trips with various companies, all based at Seahouses. We chose a 2 hour trip which encompassed both the inner and outer islands and gave good views of seals as well as numerous bird species. Unfortunately, landing was prohibited due to avian flu which had seriously affected the bird population, but it was still an unforgettable experience.
Written 13 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
Middlesbrough, UK2,381 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Excellent commentary on the St. Cuthbert II. Probably a little expensive at £20 an adult and £15 for a child but still very enjoyable. My immediate family and I enjoyed our sea board tour of areas of the Farne Islands greatly. Lots of different variety of birds and numerous relatively close sights of grey seals.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SDLD
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire31 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Visited using Billy Shiel’s tours having booked online. The Farne Islands are stunning, saw many birds and grey seals. Beautiful to see them in their natural habitat. Slightly gutted to arrive without seeing the puffins but next time we will check they are in residence. Landed on Inner Farne having our boat pass stamped by the National Trust prior to departure. The Rangers are very knowledgeable about the history of the islands and conservation issues. We will revisit next year to ensure that we see the puffins, we were told by the Rangers that the birds do peck and dive at your head and to expect bird poo on your clothing.
Written 13 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ghosthunter75
Bedlington, UK61 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
There is no better way to spend a day then sailing around the farnes. They are a sight to behold. The wildlife the reside there make it even more amazing from the puffins to the seals. It is a majestic place a must visit
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mariet t
South Shields, UK2 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
On Saturday 28th July 2012 we (we were 2 family groups totalling 11) went to Seahouses harbour to book a boat trip for an afternoon sailing.
Despite the firm next door informing us that due to changing weather they had changed an earlier afternoon Longstone trip into a non landing sailaround.
The lady in the Golden Gate booth shrieked at us that the Golden Gate skipper was far better qualified and had more sea knowledge and also skippered for Trinity House and assured us that her boat would land for definite on Longstone Island and that the children would have a definite tour of the lighthouse.
The Golden Gate was nearly 30 mins late but we had parked for all day, this was not an issue for us, it was a minor annoyance (no doubt if we had parked for 3 hours we would have been issued with a parking fine).
The tour of the islands was good and we saw seals and puffins. The children were all excited by the promised lighthouse visit, but when we reached the island we were informed by the skipper that the boat COULD NOT LAND DUE TO THE SEA CONDITIONS!
The children were all bitterly disappointed and the trip was spoilt and the adults felt conned.
On returning to the harbour we were going to speak to the woman who sold us the tickets and tell her how disappointed the children were, and that if other firms knew they could not land on Longstone due to the weather, surely if the Golden Gate skipper was so highly qualified so should he.
The group was not suprised to find she had locked up and gone home.
After reading the other review about this firm I have no doubt she would not have cared about our complaint anyway, they just want your money .
This price seemed very low for a trip of this type but now I know why!
I would never recommend this firm to anyone it appears that the woman in the booth knowingly sold a landing trip she knew could not land or that the skipper did not have enough knowledge to inform her prior to sailing (unlike several other skippers already had).
Either way avoid at all costs.
The Farne Island is certainly worth a visit but NOT via Golden Gate.
Printed on the tickets it reads 'Landings are made at the discreation of skippers' but if other firms had already made a decision much earlier I fail to see how such a qualified person could not
Despite the firm next door informing us that due to changing weather they had changed an earlier afternoon Longstone trip into a non landing sailaround.
The lady in the Golden Gate booth shrieked at us that the Golden Gate skipper was far better qualified and had more sea knowledge and also skippered for Trinity House and assured us that her boat would land for definite on Longstone Island and that the children would have a definite tour of the lighthouse.
The Golden Gate was nearly 30 mins late but we had parked for all day, this was not an issue for us, it was a minor annoyance (no doubt if we had parked for 3 hours we would have been issued with a parking fine).
The tour of the islands was good and we saw seals and puffins. The children were all excited by the promised lighthouse visit, but when we reached the island we were informed by the skipper that the boat COULD NOT LAND DUE TO THE SEA CONDITIONS!
The children were all bitterly disappointed and the trip was spoilt and the adults felt conned.
On returning to the harbour we were going to speak to the woman who sold us the tickets and tell her how disappointed the children were, and that if other firms knew they could not land on Longstone due to the weather, surely if the Golden Gate skipper was so highly qualified so should he.
The group was not suprised to find she had locked up and gone home.
After reading the other review about this firm I have no doubt she would not have cared about our complaint anyway, they just want your money .
This price seemed very low for a trip of this type but now I know why!
I would never recommend this firm to anyone it appears that the woman in the booth knowingly sold a landing trip she knew could not land or that the skipper did not have enough knowledge to inform her prior to sailing (unlike several other skippers already had).
Either way avoid at all costs.
The Farne Island is certainly worth a visit but NOT via Golden Gate.
Printed on the tickets it reads 'Landings are made at the discreation of skippers' but if other firms had already made a decision much earlier I fail to see how such a qualified person could not
Written 30 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning a trip to Farne Islands around 4th October. Will it be a good time to go? Well there be much to see/do?
Written 18 August 2019
Be prepared for the weather. Check the forecast and pick the best day you can. You will see a wide variety of sea birds and, of course, seals. However, Puffins only nest and bread in April/May/June.
Written 25 August 2019
How much would if cost for a group of girls brigade girls and leaders aprox total of 30 to hav a boat trip to farne island
Written 5 August 2019
You'd need to speak to a tour boat operator. Google them for addresses and phone numbers. Inner Farne, the island most commonly visited is owned by the National Trust and you either need to be members or may a fee. Again, speak to them for more information.
Written 25 August 2019
We're visiting the area next week and really wanted to do this trip with our 5 year old and 7 month old baby. Is there access for buggies?
Written 27 July 2019
We took our 4 month baby over in May this year - visited both Inner Farne and Staple Island. Was thankful we put her in the sling, as we saw someone else struggling with a buggy due to the pretty uneven surface. It would be doable but may shave a bit off the enjoyment factor.
Written 31 July 2019
What is the best airport to land in to get there by public transport thereafter?
Written 9 June 2019
Is it possible to get there by public transport if I land at Newcastle?
Written 9 June 2019
Difficult but possible if you plan. You can get a train to Alnmouth station then a bus (but they are a bit hit-and-miss). Check the X18 and 418 bus timetables from Alnmouth Station. There is a bus (418) that goes on the coastal route just aftr 9 a.m and 11 a.m which could get you to Seahouses about an hour later, or less. Good luck, it is well worth it.
Written 13 June 2019
Hi. Are there any boat trip companies that let you visit Inner Farne for 2-3 hours? We would be coming a long way for this trip so would want longer than 1 hour on the island. Thanks
Written 9 March 2019
I did an all day trip with my local RSPB Group approx 3-4 years ago. We where all very lucky that conditions where very calm, hot and sunny and our birdwatching group where able to land on Staple Island as well as Inner Farne. Staple Island can be very difficult for landing at times and sometimes impossible, even when landing is available for landing on Inner Farne. The cost on that occasion for an all day trip by boat 3-4 years ago was over £30.00. I got free landing on both Islands as I'm a National Trust member. If your not a member of the National Trust, the coast of landing on both Inner Farne and Staple Island 3-4 years ago was over £8.00 per Island, that was £16.00 in total. The price now for landing this year will have gone up of course and in 2020 the landing charges will be available to see on the National Trust website, but not available as of yet for 2020. The prices for the all day boat trips are best checking the different boat companies websites. I don’t know if the costs of the all day boat trips are available yet on those websites. If not they will be available in 2020.
Written 22 November 2019
Hi, does anyone know of any companies that offer snorkeling trips near the Farne Islands?
Written 1 March 2019
Hi -realise that this is the North sea You would require Dry suits for any warmth and not suitable for snorkaling. hope this helps
Written 15 April 2019
How much time does the visit take - how long is the boat trip and if you disembark how long did you stay?
Written 24 January 2019
You can do an all day boat trip to the Farne Islands, landing on both Inner Farne and Staple Island. Warning at times it’s impossible to land on Staple Island as it can be difficult to land. When I did the all day trip 3-4 years with my local RSPB Group we left Seahouses Harbour about 9.30am maybe slightly later and had about 2 hours on Staple Island in the morning, maybe more and about 2 hours on Inner Farne in the afternoon, again possibly longer. And also a long close up tour of all the Islands, longer than the normal standard trips. Out Group arrived back into Seahouses Harbour around 6.00pm. All the different boat companies provide an all day trip to the Farne Islands, but only during May, June and July. It’s highly recommended you book in advance for these all day trips as the trip are limited. Although normally there are spaces on the day these all day trips take place. The cost of these all day boat trips 3-4 years ago to the Farne Island was over £30.00 on that occasion, but of course the cost will have gone up since my trip. In addition the cost of landing on those two Islands was over £8.00 per Island, costing £16.00, unless your a National Trust member like myself and then you get free admission to those two Island. I would warn, that if your not an enthusiastic bird watcher like myself, probably the all day trips are not for you. The boat prices for the all day will be available for 2020 on the different boat companies websites either now or if not in 2020. The National Trust landing charges for the two islands are not available yet for 2020 on the National Trusts website, but should be available in late December on the National Trusts website
Written 22 November 2019
How much are the boat trips and is it suitable for 2 years up?
Written 22 January 2019
Cant remember the prices exactly but it's worth shopping around the stands. Also there's a discount to land if you are a national trust member. About a toddler I think they'd find it boring & long going on the boat especially once the animal spotting angle has been exhausted. Older children will love it though.
Written 8 February 2019
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