Wildlife-watching campsites in Farne Islands National Nature Reserve

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A cluster of rocky isles marooned off the coast of Northumberland; the Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s most important seabird sanctuaries. Cruise out to the islands, head ashore to admire the views around Staple Island, or visit the medieval chapel and Victorian lighthouse on Inner Farne Island. Wildlife-watching opportunities are spectacular on the islands—there are more than 100,000 seabirds, including puffins, arctic terns, guillemots, and razorbills, as well as grey seals and Eider ducks. Campers will have to stay on the mainland, but there’s plenty of choice in the coastal AONB.

99% (159) 70 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Farne Islands National Nature Reserve

Walkmill Campsite

1. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Northumberland, North East England
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

2. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Bamburgh Under Canvas

3. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%
(5)
5 units · Glamping · Northumberland, North East England
Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£131
 / night
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

4. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Bamburgh, Northumberland, North East England
We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£135
 / night
Old Rectory Howick

5. Old Rectory Howick

2 units · Glamping · Alnwick, England
The Old Rectory is surrounded by farmland near to Howick Village. Close to the Northumberland Coast we are within walking distance of the Howick Hall Gardens and the seaside Village of Craster. Our Bell Tent and Shepherd's Hut allow you to get close to local wildlife including Hares and Rabbits. Roe deer, hedgehogs, pheasants and songbirds.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£95
 / night

A cluster of rocky isles marooned off the coast of Northumberland; the Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s most important seabird sanctuaries. Cruise out to the islands, head ashore to admire the views around Staple Island, or visit the medieval chapel and Victorian lighthouse on Inner Farne Island. Wildlife-watching opportunities are spectacular on the islands—there are more than 100,000 seabirds, including puffins, arctic terns, guillemots, and razorbills, as well as grey seals and Eider ducks. Campers will have to stay on the mainland, but there’s plenty of choice in the coastal AONB.

99% (159) 70 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Farne Islands National Nature Reserve

Walkmill Campsite

1. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Northumberland, North East England
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

2. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Bamburgh Under Canvas

3. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%
(5)
5 units · Glamping · Northumberland, North East England
Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£131
 / night
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

4. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Bamburgh, Northumberland, North East England
We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£135
 / night
Old Rectory Howick

5. Old Rectory Howick

2 units · Glamping · Alnwick, England
The Old Rectory is surrounded by farmland near to Howick Village. Close to the Northumberland Coast we are within walking distance of the Howick Hall Gardens and the seaside Village of Craster. Our Bell Tent and Shepherd's Hut allow you to get close to local wildlife including Hares and Rabbits. Roe deer, hedgehogs, pheasants and songbirds.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£95
 / night

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Wildlife-watching campsites in Farne Islands National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Boat tours run year-round, but it is only possible to land on the islands from March to September, May through July is the breeding season and the best time for bird-watching—ticket prices are higher during this period. By autumn, many of the birds have started their winter migration, but this is seal pupping season, with hundreds of pups born across the islands.

Know before you go

  • Boat tours sail to the Farne Islands from Seahouses along the Northumberland coast. There is parking in Seahouses, or else buses run from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick.
  • There is an admission charge to land on the islands, as well as a fee for boat tours. Tickets can be bought at Seahouses Harbour, and advance booking is recommended in peak season (May through August). Boat tours are occasionally cancelled if the weather is too rough.
  • The island’s Arctic Terns are notoriously defensive of their nests and have been known to dive-bomb the heads of passing walkers. Wear a hat if visiting during the breeding season!
  • There are restrooms and a gift shop on Inner Farne, but there are no other facilities on the islands, so bring everything you need with you. 
  • There is a boardwalk around Inner Farne Island that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.