Go on an island adventure in Northumberland
There are over 6,000 islands in the British Isles. Most are tiny or uninhabited, but many are easily accessible and make an epic family adventure. During the summer, 28 Farne Islands see a staggering 150,000 pairs of breeding seabirds, including the much-loved puffin, plus razorbills, arctic terns, guillemots and eider ducks. Grey and Atlantic seals can easily be seen bobbing about in the water too, and they also use the islands as a breeding site. Over 1,000 pups are born here each autumn.
A British jewel of conservation, Sir David Attenborough described the National Trust-owned islands as his favourite place in the UK to see wildlife, and it is a fantastic place for kids to learn about the birds and the bees at close range. The Farnes also have strong Celtic roots and are a fascinating place to uncover stories about ancient Christianity and isolated island life.
Where? Farne Islands, Seahouses, Northumberland.
Age ranges? All ages.
Low carbon transport? Chathill, Alnmouth and Berwick are the nearest train stations but require a taxi to get to Seahouses harbour. Then take a ferry across to the islands.
Other ideas? There are plenty more UK islands that are family-friendly such as Looe in Cornwall, Brownsea in Dorset, Lundy in Devon, Lihou or Herm off Guernsey, Northey in Essex, Thorney in Sussex, Llanddwyn off Anglesey, Flat Holm near Cardiff and Samson, part of the Scilly Isles.