FARNE ISLANDS
Inner Farne
The Inner Farne is the largest of the Farne islands group and is home to many of the breeding birds during the season, Puffins,Shags, Guillemots, Cormorants and Razor Bills. The birds nest on the rock faces and close to the path allowing an excellent vantage point for keen ornithologists or photographers. A small chapel also stands on the island, where St Cuthbert had a cell dug out during his time as a hermit, the chapel still holds services for visiting pilgrims. The island opens at 13:30 during the breeding season and trips leave the harbour at 12:30 sailing around the inner group before landing visitors on the island itself.
Longstone
Longstone Island is the most important island for shipping along the Northumberland coast. The lighthouse is a key navigational aid and stands 23m tall at high water, flashing every 20 seconds. It was also the home of Grace Darling who moved there in 1826 and gained national fame when 12 years later she assisted her father William Darling in the rescue of the survivors of Forfarshire on the 7th September 1838. Longstone Island is also home to an Atlantic Grey Seal colony. The landing is free and guided tours inside the lighthouse are exclusive to passengers on the MV Golden Gate.
Brownsman
Brownsman Island is not open to the public for landings however some excellent vantage points can be achieved from sea level. Brownsman is an important habitat for the sea birds nesting in the area. The island is home to Puffins, Guillemots, Terns, Razor Bills, Cormorants and many other species of birds during the breeding season. Brownsman also used to be the main island for the seal pups during the breeding season, however the National Trust wardens keep the seals off this island as they cause erosion. The seals are now found on Longstone Island. There is a small cottage on the Brownsman which used to be the home of Grace Darling and her family before they moved to the lighthouse on Longstone, the cottage is now used by the National Trust bird wardens who look after the island during the summer.