The Farne Islands in Northumberland

David Attenborough - approved islands

Scattered a couple of miles off the coast of Seahouses, this cluster of islands was declared by Sir David Attenborough as his favourite place to see nature in the UK. Around 23 different varieties of birds can be spotted here, including colourful puffins who reunite with the same mate each year.

Head to Seahouses between March – October and book a Farne Islands boat trip at one of the wooden kiosks that line the harbour. Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, Billy Shiel Boat Trips or the Golden Gate Farne Island Tours all sail daily in the summer months and at weekends and school holidays throughout the year, weather permitting. 

Look out for the island’s colony of grey or Atlantic seals lazing on the rocks or bobbing inquisitively in the sea. The islands have the largest breeding colony in England  and fluffy, white seal pups can be seen on the islands from late October.

If seeing the seabird spectacle is your goal, plan your visit between mid April and late July to see the largest number of razorbills, guillemots, eider duck and, of course, puffins. Remember to wear a hat - Arctic terns tend to swoop and dive-bomb unsuspecting visitors to protect their nests.