Stay at Bamburgh and see the most beautiful marathon in the country

Bamburgh holiday at its best Back for its 5th year, join us on the shores of Northumberland’s beautiful Kielder Water for a weekend of exciting events for all the family! Take on ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful’ marathon or one of the popular 10K and Run Bike Run events. Entries still open at kieldermarathon.com, don’t miss out!

Early Return of Puffins to the Farne Islands

The mild weather is thought to be behind an unusually early return of Puffins to the Farne Islands Puffins have been spotted on the Farne Islands this week in what is possibly the earliest ever sighting of the birds in the region. It is believed they have arrived at their Northumberland coast habitat weeks before they are normally seen because of the mild weather the region has been enjoying. Already there have been sightings of over 500 puffins on the Farne Islands It marks an amazing turnaround in fortunes for the birds on the Farne Islands. Last year was a horror story, as hundreds of dead birds washed ashore along the east coast from Northumberland up to Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Scientists feared thousands of puffins may have died of starvation, due to severe weather conditions in the North Sea. It is thought the birds were unable to feed due to storms at sea. The death of such large numbers of seabirds in a single incident is known as a “wreck”. Experts at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said it was more than 60 years since such a large puffin wreck was recorded. It is hoped this mild spell of weather will be a sign of things to come and the Puffins and other seabirds of the Farne islands - which are open to the public from April 1 - have a successful year. The islands are home to 40,000 pairs of Puffins during spring and summer

Puffin Count on Farne Islands

A puffin "census" has started on the Farne Islands in Northumberland, with National Trust rangers surveying how many breeding pairs of the birds live there.


The count, which takes three months, takes place every five years. The last survey indicated numbers had fallen by a third.

Deal Sealed to See Farne Islands Seal Colony

For the first time visitors will be able to visit the Farne Islands during the breeding season. This autumn boat trips will continue out to The Farnes from Seahouses to see the 4,000 Atlantic Grey Seals that give birth to 1,500 seal pups at this time of year. The National Trust has decided to allow visitors the privilige of seeing the seal pups for the first time in its 87 year history.

Every day until the 31st Octber two boats will set sail from Seahouses Harbour and land on Staple Island. They will be met by a team of trust rangers who will share their first hand knowledge of the islands seal colony.

The tours cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and will take place at noon and 1pm each day. Spaces are limited and bookings are advisable with The Gald Tidings boat company on 01665 720038.

The Farne Islands

Rocky islands once home to saints, soldiers and lighthouse keepers, now a sanctuary for seabirds and seals.

Our cotages in Bamburgh are the ideal place to stay to visit The Farne Islands. We would recommend going to The Farnes with Billy Shiel from Seahouses, only 3 miles away from Bamburgh and Bamburgh Holiday Cottages.

The Farne Islands are a haven for over 100,000 pairs of nesting seabirds such a sthe Puffin and Gulliemot. It also has one of Europe's largest grey seal colonies.

So there is no time to waste - we still have a few weeks left for the peak viewing period

Calling all Love Birds

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic interlude in North East England, with its idyllic places to hide away, beautiful accommodation and fine restaurants.

Stay at one of our delightful seaside cottages in Bamburgh, with romantic walks on the beach and evening by the fire in a cosy pub, theer is no better way to spoil your loved one this Valentine's Day.

Set the scene with an enchanting walk along Durham’s tranquil riverside or stroll hand in hand along one of our peaceful golden beaches. Or why not pack a picnic and escape to the magical Holy Island to savour real quality time surrounded by the breathtaking views?

Wander the woodland paths of Gibside, Belsay or Howick Hall and Gardens and see the nodding white heads of the snowdrops announcing that spring is on its way. Indulge your love of the finer things in life at Rockcliffe House or Jesmopnd Dene House, or make a romantic gesture with a difference: a hot air balloon over Durham or star gazing at Keilder Forest and Country Park.

Seal safari on the Farne Islands

Treat the family to a day of seal watching around the Farne Islands and a Wildlife Safari along the Northumberland Coast. Book for 2 adults and up to 3 children and benefit from a generous discount. Price includes collection from wherever you are in Northumberland (within reason), transport, Grey Seal cruise and a picnic lunch.
Northern Experience Wildlife Tours provides exclusive natural history excursions and birdwatching tours with an enthusiastic, experienced and friendly leader with an intimate knowledge of Northern Britain.

Seal Safari (20/10/2009)
Seal Safari (27/10/2009)
Seal Safari (29/10/2009)

Ticket Tariff:
Adult
£75.00 per ticket type
Child (must be with adult)
£50.00 per ticket type
Family ticket
£200.00 per ticket type

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Boat trips depart from

Seahouses Northumberland NE68 7YT
Tel: +44 01670 827465