SEAHOUSES SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Inner Farne Landing: A Two‑and‑a‑Half‑Hour Seabird and Seal Encounter from Seahouses
A 2.5–3 hour outing that combines a scenic cruise of the Farne Islands, an hour ashore on Inner Farne to see its seabird colonies and historic monastic sites, and seal‑spotting from the boat.
Inner Farne Landing: A Two‑and‑a‑Half‑Hour Seabird and Seal Encounter from Seahouses.
From Seahouses, a steady coastal run takes you to Inner Farne—the largest of the Farne Islands—where thousands of nesting seabirds concentrate in summer and a compact island of monastic remains, lighthouses and rangers’ buildings tells stories reaching back to St Cuthbert.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Massed seabird colonies in peak season
Inner Farne is home to many thousands of nesting seabirds in summer, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, terns and a range of other cliff‑nesting species—visible as you cruise the island group during the trip.
Grey seals and coastal wildlife viewing
The cruise includes close passages by the grey seal colonies and opportunities to watch seals from the boat as you work around the islands.
St Cuthbert, monastic remains and Grace Darling’s route
Inner Farne’s buildings (other than the lighthouse) date from the monastic period and the island preserves links to St Cuthbert; the cruise also follows the route taken by Grace Darling and her father during their famous 1838 rescue.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The outing is a coastal cruise around the Farne Islands with a narrated passage past cliff‑nesting birds and seal colonies, followed by an approximately one‑hour landing ashore on Inner Farne when the skipper permits—offering concentrated wildlife watching and a brief exploration of the island’s historical sites.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should take care
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is approximately 2.5–3 hours in total and includes around one hour ashore on Inner Farne when a landing is made.
Bring any National Trust landing fee required if you are not a member; the landing fee is payable at the National Trust kiosk on the harbour before departure.
Boarding and departure are from the harbour at Seahouses; confirm the exact meeting point at Seahouses harbour before departure.
National Trust members land free; non‑members pay the National Trust landing fee at the kiosk—fee levels vary between off‑peak and peak breeding season and are payable separately from the boat fare.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the boat trip and how much time ashore is included?
The outing runs approximately 2.5–3 hours in total and includes around one hour on Inner Farne when a landing is made.
Is the National Trust landing fee included in the boat fare?
No. The boat fare does not include the National Trust landing fee; non‑members must pay this at the National Trust kiosk on the harbour before departure, while National Trust members land free of charge.
What happens if the skipper cannot land on Inner Farne?
If the boat is unable to land on Inner Farne, the trip becomes a 2.5‑hour non‑landing bird‑watching cruise to view cliff‑nesting birds and seals instead.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted on the boat but are not allowed on Inner Farne; well‑behaved dogs may remain on the boat with the crew while owners go ashore.
What are the age categories for fares?
Child prices apply for ages 5–15; under‑5s are classed as infants; over‑65s are classed as seniors.