The Seahouses: Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse Tour offers a chance to explore one of the UK’s most captivating coastal regions. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant seabird colonies and the captivating Grey Seal Colony, all while learning about the area’s rich natural and historical heritage. With a range of options, from a one-hour landing on Inner Farne to an additional tour of the historic Longstone Lighthouse, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Key Points
- 2-hour excursion with a free half-hour landing on the Farne Islands, priced from $34.28 per person.
- Opportunity to observe diverse seabird colonies and a grey seal colony during the peak season from April to July.
- Guided tour of the historic Longstone Lighthouse, former home of Grace Darling, available for an additional fee.
- Expert local commentary enhances the visitor experience, and visitors may bring their own refreshments.
- Meeting point at the wooden booking office at Seahouses Harbour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Seahouses: Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse Tour offers a 2-hour excursion, including a free half-hour landing. Priced from $34.28 per person, this tour provides visitors the opportunity to explore the Farne Islands, known for their diverse seabird colonies and Grey Seal Colony.
Guests can also opt to tour the historic Longstone Lighthouse for an additional fee. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, and the tour allows for reserving now and paying later.
With expert local commentary and a knowledgeable crew, this tour highlights the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the Farne Islands.
Looking for more options in Seahouses? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Wildlife and Attractions
During the tour’s peak season from April to July, visitors can observe a variety of seabirds, including puffins, terns, razorbills, and guillemots.
The Farne Islands also house a grey seal colony that can be viewed year-round.
A year-round opportunity to observe a thriving grey seal colony on the Farne Islands.
Plus, visitors have the opportunity to tour the historic Longstone Lighthouse, which was once the home of Grace Darling, a legendary lighthouse keeper’s daughter who courageously rescued shipwrecked sailors.
The crew on board the tour boats are knowledgeable, providing expert local commentary to enhance the visitors’ experience.
Tour Highlights
What sets this tour apart are its highlights, led by an expert local guide, George, a Trinity House Lighthouse Attendant.
Explore the Inner Farne, a National Trust Bird Sanctuary, for a one-hour landing.
Cruise around the islands to spot resident and migratory seabirds up close, including puffins, terns, razorbills, and guillemots during peak season.
Follow the route of Grace Darling’s famous 1838 rescue.
And for a small additional fee, tour the Longstone Lighthouse, the former home of this local heroine.
With knowledgeable crew and ample opportunities to see wildlife, this tour is a must-do experience.
Additional Information
Along With the tour highlights, visitors should note a few key details.
The landing fee for Inner Farne isn’t included in the ticket price, but is free for National Trust members. Visitors may bring their own refreshments.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable crew who can provide expert commentary throughout the excursion. Guests are advised to dress for the weather, as the islands can be exposed to the elements.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Directions
The meeting point for the Seahouses: Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse Tour is the wooden booking office at Seahouses Harbour.
This navy blue building with a white top and gold band is easy to spot. The booking office serves as the starting point for the tour. Guests should arrive at the designated meeting point to check in and board the boat.
The location is conveniently situated within Seahouses Harbour, making it accessible for visitors. Guests can open Google Maps for step-by-step directions to reach the meeting point prior to their tour.
Exploring the Farne Islands
As guests board the boat, they embark on a captivating journey to explore the Farne Islands, a renowned nature reserve teeming with diverse wildlife. The islands offer a unique opportunity to observe seabirds and seals up close. The following table highlights the key attractions and wildlife visitors can expect to see:
| Attraction | Description |
|————|————-|
| Seabirds | Puffins, terns, razorbills, and guillemots during peak season (April-July) |
| Grey Seal Colony | Resident grey seals can be seen year-round |
| Longstone Lighthouse | Tours available for a small additional fee |
| Landing on Inner Farne | One-hour stop at the National Trust Bird Sanctuary |
| Grace Darling’s Rescue Route | Visitors can follow the path of her famous rescue |
Knowledgeable crew provide expert commentary, enhancing the overall experience.
Visiting Longstone Lighthouse
Visitors have the opportunity to tour Longstone Lighthouse, a small additional fee for charity.
The lighthouse was the former home of Grace Darling, a heroine who famously participated in a daring rescue from the Farne Islands.
On the tour, guests can learn about Grace’s courageous story and explore the historic building.
The tour provides an intimate glimpse into the lighthouse’s past and the life of its former inhabitants.
With knowledgeable guides on hand, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for this significant landmark and its connection to the region’s maritime history.
What to Expect on the Tour
Embarking on the Seahouses: Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors.
Led by an expert local guide, the tour cruises around the islands, providing close-up views of seabirds like puffins, terns, and guillemots during peak season.
The highlight is a free 30-minute landing on Inner Farne, a National Trust Bird Sanctuary, where guests can explore the lighthouse and follow the rescue route of Grace Darling.
Along the way, the guide shares captivating commentary on the islands’ history and wildlife.
With an optional visit to Longstone Lighthouse, this tour showcases the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Farne Islands.
The Sum Up
The Seahouses: Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse Tour offers a captivating 2-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the diverse seabird colonies and the picturesque Grey Seal Colony. Priced from $34.28 per person, the tour includes a one-hour landing on Inner Farne and an optional tour of the historic Longstone Lighthouse, providing a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Farne Islands.
You can check availability for your dates here: