Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary – 3 Hr Trip to the Farne Islands

The Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Farne Islands. This 3-hour excursion promises an up-close encounter with a diverse array of seabirds, including the iconic puffins, graceful terns, and distinctive razorbills, all thriving in their natural habitat. With expert guides providing insightful commentary, visitors can explore the rich history and ecology of this remarkable ecosystem, enhancing their appreciation of the region’s natural wonders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable coastal adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Good To Know

• Explore the Farne Islands, a renowned bird sanctuary home to diverse seabirds like puffins, terns, and razorbills during a 3-hour excursion.
• Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour of the Inner Farne with expert commentary, providing an opportunity to observe the seabirds in their natural habitat.
• The tour is suitable for nature enthusiasts with moderate physical fitness, as it requires some walking on uneven terrain.
• Visitors can take advantage of additional sights, such as viewing seals and waterfalls, during the tour.
• The tour departs from Seahouses, UK, and is easily accessible via public transportation, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview

The Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary trip offers a 3-hour excursion to the Farne Islands, where visitors can spot an array of seabirds, including puffins, terns, and razorbills.

The tour includes an hour-long landing at the bird sanctuary, where expert commentary provides insights into the area’s rich history. Participants will have the opportunity to sail around the islands, taking in additional sights such as seals and waterfalls.

This group tour is an efficient and cost-effective way to explore the Farne Islands, with a maximum of 60 travelers.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Tour Details

With 40 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Viator and Tripadvisor, this group tour offers cost-efficient exploration of the Farne Islands.

Accommodating a maximum of 60 travelers, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness. However, the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience allows for flexibility.

While no food or beverages are included, confirmation is received at booking, and the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.

Meeting Information

Travelers meet outside the booking office (NAVY bottom, WHITE top, GOLD middle) at Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips in Seahouses, UK, at least 30 minutes before the 1:00 PM departure.

From there, the 3-hour tour begins, sailing around the Farne Islands to spot a variety of seabirds. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Arrive early to check-in and get situated before the tour begins.

2. Look for the distinctive booking office with its navy, white, and gold color scheme.

3. Be prepared to stand for the duration of the tour, as it’s not wheelchair accessible.

4. Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the incredible wildlife sightings.

Pricing Information

The tour price starts at £30.00 per person.

Entry fees for Inner Farne are additional, costing £13 for adults, £6.50 for children, £32.50 for families, and £19.50 for families with one adult.

However, National Trust members enjoy free landing at the site.

The tour company offers cost-effective group pricing to make the experience accessible.

Secure your spot with a reserve now, pay later option, which maintains your flexibility.

Though no food or beverages are included, the 3-hour tour provides excellent value, with a highly-rated 4.5-star experience as per Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.

Plan your visit to the Farne Islands’ bird sanctuary with these straightforward pricing details.

Additional Information

No food or beverages are included in the tour price, though visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, providing travelers with assurance of their reservation. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, allowing for easy access to the departure site. Lastly, the tour company offers a flexible reserve now, pay later option, enabling visitors to secure their spot while maintaining scheduling flexibility.

The tour experience offers several additional perks:

1. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Farne Islands without the hassle of planning logistics.

2. Learn from expert commentary and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and wildlife.

3. Capture unforgettable memories with ample photo opportunities throughout the adventure.

4. Travel worry-free with the tour company’s reliable operations and emphasis on guest satisfaction.

Puffins and Seabirds

Undoubtedly, the Farne Islands are home to an extraordinary array of seabirds, including the charismatic Atlantic puffin, a highlight for many visitors to this National Trust sanctuary.

These comical birds, with their vibrant beaks and waddling gait, nest in burrows along the islands’ rocky cliffs, allowing visitors an up-close glimpse of their captivating antics.

Along With puffins, the Farnes host breeding populations of other iconic seabirds such as the graceful Arctic tern, the distinctive razorbill, and the majestic shag.

Witnessing the frenzied activity of these seabird colonies, from the aerial acrobatics to the synchronised dives for fish, is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

The Farne Islands offer a truly remarkable opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Island History

Though steeped in natural splendor, the Farne Islands also boast a rich and compelling history that has shaped their development over the centuries.

Early records indicate the islands were home to a Christian monastic community as far back as the 7th century, with Saint Cuthbert, a revered figure in the region, establishing a monastery on one of the islands and spending time in solitary contemplation on the windswept shores.

This spiritual legacy has endured, with the islands later serving as a refuge for hermits and religious orders, their isolation a boon for those seeking a life of ascetic devotion.

The Farne Islands’ storied past includes:

1. Cuthbert’s hermitage, where he meditated and performed miracles

2. A 7th-century monastery founded by Aidan, a Celtic missionary

3. Harrowing Viking raids that saw the islands pillaged and plundered

4. The hotel of a lifeboat station in the 19th century to aid shipwrecked mariners

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors to the Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary are treated to an unparalleled opportunity to observe a diverse array of seabirds that call these remote islands home.

From the iconic puffins with their vibrant beaks to the graceful terns soaring overhead, the Farne Islands teem with an abundance of avian life that captivates and delights nature enthusiasts.

During the guided tour, guests can spot a variety of species, including razorbills, kittiwakes, and guillemots, as they nest and breed in the sanctuary’s nooks and crannies.

With knowledgeable commentary from the expert guides, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem and the resilient creatures that thrive in this rugged coastal environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, food and beverages are not included in the tour. However, the tour does not explicitly state whether guests can bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific policies.

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

For the tour, visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Layering is recommended as the islands can be quite windy. Bringing a waterproof jacket is also advised in case of inclement weather.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities on the Islands?

There are no restroom facilities on the Farne Islands themselves. Visitors should plan accordingly before departing for the islands. Restrooms are available at the departure point in Seahouses prior to the tour’s start.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, guests can take photographs during the tour. The Farne Islands offer excellent opportunities for capturing breathtaking images of the diverse wildlife, including puffins, terns, and seals. However, flash photography may disturb the animals, so it’s recommended to use natural lighting.

Will the Tour Run in Inclement Weather?

The tour will likely run in inclement weather, as boat excursions are generally not canceled due to moderate conditions. However, the tour operator may adjust the itinerary or cancel the trip for safety reasons in severe weather.

Sum Up

The Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Farne Islands.

This 3-hour excursion allows visitors to observe a diverse array of seabirds, including the captivating puffins, in their natural habitat.

With expert guides providing insightful commentary, this tour promises an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts amidst the stunning coastal scenery.