Golden Gate Farne Islands

Exciting experience to cruise around all islands and bird sancturies. Close-up views of the Puffins, Seals and other seabirds*. Follow Grace Darling's Rescue route with current Lighthouse Attendant. FULL EXPERT COMMENTARY EN-ROUTE.

Sail with George, current Trinity House Lighthouse attendant onboard the locally purpose built 'Golden Gate'.

Puffin & Seal Cruise

The Farne Islands are both a major area for nesting seabirds and Grey Seals.

Sailing into inlets, you will experience close up views of Puffins, Seals and other Seabirds*

It is estimated, that there are 40 000 breeding pairs of Puffins in the height of the breeding season (May-July). Making the Farne Islands both one of the largest, and accessible, colonies to view them. You will learn all about them on this cruise.

In addition, you will also be able to see Guillemots, Razorbills and three species of terns (some times more if you're lucky). These again visit the Farne Islands during the breeding season and you will be able to see an abundance of them from the boat.

Not to forget our resident seabirds such as the Cormorants and Shags that look so impressive on the ridgeline of the islands.

The Grey Seal Colony on the Farne Islands is one of the largest in Europe. There are estimated to be 5000-7000 Grey Seals. Unlike the breeding seabirds, we are so lucky that they remain with us all year around.

You will also learn about all of the history of the Farne Islands, it's unusual geological foundation and of course, Grace Darling! Who better to traverse Grace Darling's rescue route than the current Longstone Lighthouse attendant who maintains her lighthouse?

Receive a full expert commentary en-route by current Trinity House Lighthouse Attendant, George. Learn about all of the local wildlife, history of the area and quirky knowledge he has amassed over the years. Also, from our incredibly knowledgeable crew.

Landing trip to Inner Farne, National Trust Bird Sanctuary. Free landing for National Trust Members. Non-members will have to pay an additional landing charge directly to the National Trust. May-July are designated by the National Trust as Peak Season.

As National Trust have restricted numbers landing on the island this year, booking in advance is highly advised.

This is a landing trip with approximately one hour landing on Inner Farne, National Trust Bird Sanctuary. Cruise around all of the islands with full expert commentary by Trinity House Lighthouse Attendant, George.

Visit all of the resident and migratory seabirds such as Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills close-up from the boat, when they have arrived at the Farne Islands (April-July).

Also visit one of Europe's largest Grey Seal colonies. The Grey Seal's are luckily with us all year around.

Follow our local heroine Grace Darling's rescue route. Who better to traverse Grace Darling's route than with current Longstone Lighthouse attendant, George?

George will also deliver a full expert commentary en-route. Incorporating all of the wildlife and local history. He'll also share with you some quirky information he has amassed over the years. Also, our crew is incredibly knowledgeable.

Inner Farne

Inner Farne is the largest of the Farne Islands Group. Here you can land on the National Trust Bird Sanctuary for approximately one hour. Free for National Trust members.

Former home to St.Cuthbert, the Inner Farne is home to one of the largest Bird Sanctuaries in the UK. In April, the Puffins and Terns have started to arrive but they don't usually start breeding until May, all the way through until July.

It also homes two very important religious buildings. St.Cuthbert's Chapel and the Peel Tower. The island is also lucky to host Inner Farne Lighthouse. One of the first ever to be both automated and powered by solar energy.

Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips are the ONLY boat allowed to land on Longstone within the Farne Islands and the ONLY boat allowed to tour inside the Longstone Lighthouse!

Exclusive to the Golden Gate. A guided tour inside Longstone Lighthouse, on one the outermost of the Farne Islands the former home of the local heroine Grace Darling. Sail around the bird sanctuaries to view the wealth of seabirds which nest on Farne Islands and visit the Grey Seal Colony. We are the ONLY boat allowed to land on Longstone. (All landings are made at the skipper's discretion due to health and safety and can be made at short notice).

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 Longstone Lighthouse are exclusive to passengers on the MV Golden Gate.

Visitors can step inside Grace's bedroom and look out the same window she did to see the Forfarshire wrecked on the rocks, climb to the very top and get stunnng views of the Northumbrland coast and the Farne Islands. The lighthouse has an excellent visitor centre and toilets.