Explore Inner Farne with Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips
- Enjoy a scenic cruise around all the Farne Islands
- Spend one hour ashore on Inner Farne island
- See puffins, seabirds and Grey Seal colonies up close
- Follow the historic route of Grace Darling’s famous rescue
- Hear expert commentary throughout the journey
- Discover one of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats
Inner Farne Landing Trip experience
- Duration: Approximately 2½–3 hours
- Landing: One hour on Inner Farne island
- Departure: Seahouses Harbour
- Note: National Trust landing fee payable separately
Step onto one of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife islands
This unforgettable boat trip takes you around the Farne Islands before landing on Inner Farne, the largest island in the group. During the breeding season, it becomes a haven for thousands of seabirds, offering incredible close-up encounters you won’t forget.
- See puffins, guillemots, razorbills and terns nesting in large numbers
- Visit Grey Seal colonies along the rocky shoreline
- Explore historic landmarks including St Cuthbert’s chapel
- Enjoy detailed live commentary from knowledgeable crew
- Experience a full wildlife and heritage journey in one trip
With a perfect blend of wildlife, history and scenery, the Inner Farne Landing Trip is one of the most immersive ways to experience the Farne Islands.
More about the beautiful Inner Farne Island
At 16 acres, Inner Farne is the largest of the Farne Islands and in the summer months from May till the end of July it is home for many thousands of nesting seabirds. These birds include Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Roseate Terns, Arctic Terns, Shags, Cormorants and Eider Ducks.
In the year 678 Inner Farne was also home to St Cuthbert. After 12 years as Prior of Lindisfarne, St.Cuthbert retired to Inner Farne until he became Bishop of Lindisfarne in 684. He returned to Inner Farne when his health deteriorated and died there on 20th March 687. A church was built on the island in 1370 dedicated to St Cuthbert and is open to the public today.
Apart from the Inner Farne Lighthouse, all the buildings on the island date from the monastic period. The “Fishehouse” situated beside the landing jetty is all that remains of the Guest House which was built by St Cuthbert for his visitors. In 1500 a Prior named Castell built the “Pele Tower” to house the monks who lived on the island. The Tower is now home to the National Trust Rangers who live there for 9 months of the year to look after the Island and its’ wildlife.
The tour includes a cruise around all the Farne Islands, viewing the sea birds on the cliff faces, visiting the Grey Seal colonies and also follows the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838. A full commentary is given en route and the boat stops at Inner Farne for one hour.
Other important info:
- Your tickets do not include the National Trust Landing fee on Inner Farne Island. This fee is payable at the National Trust kiosk on the harbour (beside the booking office) before departure. All landings are made at the Skippers discretion and are not guaranteed. If the boat trip company are unable to land you at this island, the trip will become a 2.5 hour non-landing bird watching trip to view the cliff nesting birds and the seals.
Landing fees are approximately £13 for adults, and £6.50 for children - Dogs are permitted on the boat but not on Inner Farne. Well behaved dogs may remain on the boat with the crew while you spend the hour ashore.