Category: Art

The Farne Islands.

The Farne islands are home to one of the largest colonies of Atlantic or Grey Seals in the UK. Thousands of the seal pups are born each year during the winter months and numbers grow each year with a current estimated colony of up to 10,000 seals. inner Farne is the largest of the Farne Islands and is an important, thriving National Trust bird sanctuary for breeding seabirds. During the nesting season ( May – July ) there are over twenty different species of breeding seabirds. including Guillemots, Razorbills Eidlerducks, Terns, and a staggering seventy thousand Puffins. A one hour landing on this island is possible via our Inner Farne boat trips. The Farne Islands lie two to three miles off the Northumberland coast midway between the fishing village of Seahouses and the magnificent Castle of Bamburgh. As well as being the most famous Sea Bird Sanctuary in the British Isles, they also have a large colony of Atlantic or Grey Seals. Longstone Lighthouse stands on the outer group of the Farnes It was made famous on the 7th September 1838 by Grace Darling when she and her father recused nine survivors from the Forfarshire, a Paddle steam ship which ran aground on Big Harcar in stormy seas. Longstone Lighthouse was manned for 164 years before automation was introduced in 1990. Holy Island or Lindisfarne is known as the ‘Cradle of Christianity. It was here that St. Aidan and St. Cuthbert spread the Christian message in the seventh century. Popular places to visit are the Priory Museum ( English Heritage ) Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust), and St Aidans Winery. Please check opening times of attractions as they may vary. The boat trip reaches Lindisfarne at high tide when the Islands is cut off from the mainland and the true peace and tranquillity of Island life can be experienced.