A beautiful collection of UK islands are Sir David Attenborough’s ‘favourite’ destinations for spotting wildlife in the UK, with around 23 bird species, seals and dolphins.

Situated off the Northumberland coast are the Farne Islands, a premier wildlife sanctuary among some of the most remarkable landscapes. Their remote location means they’re only accessible by a boat trip departing from Seahouses harbour, which is around an hour’s drive from Newcastle, yet what awaits is well worth the voyage.

The cluster of islands are a haven for wildlife and is home to a large colony of Atlantic grey seals, alongside adorable white seal pups. There will rarely be a time when visitors won’t be able to spot their bobbing heads peaking above the water, or capture the marine mammals during a walk around some of the larger islands with lighthouses and viewpoints.

Dolphins have even been known to be spotted among the lapping waves. Taking centre stage during the warmer months are the 43,000 pairs of breeding Puffins that line the rugged cliffs.

The Farne Islands are one of the prime spots to see the colourful birds that breed in large colonies atop coastal cliffs or at offshore islands across the North Atlantic. During the start of summer, around 200,000 breeding seabirds, including Arctic terns, guillemots, eider ducks, razorbills and cormorants, can be spotted among the UK islands.

It’s paradise for avid bird watchers, naturalists, or those who simply want to admire the wonders of this incredible wildlife, which is hard to find anywhere else. It’s been so highly praised that broadcaster, writer, and naturalist Sir David Attenborough himself declared the Farne Islands as one of his ‘favourite places’ for wildlife in the UK, and he shed light on the islands during his BBC series, Wild Isles.

Ecologists at Arbtech also named the Farne Islands among the best UK locations to spot wildlife this year, thanks to its ‘internationally significant breeding colony of seabirds and Atlantic grey seals’. The collection of islands offer a rare chance to witness the UK’s most thriving wildlife population, which has declined by 19 per cent since 1970, as Arbtech noted.

It’s recommended that the best time to visit the islands is between mid-April to late July, particularly if you want to catch a glimpse of the colony of seabirds. There are boat trips available to book that depart from the harbour at Seahouses in north east Northumberland, to sail around the Farne Islands in a truly remarkable experience.

Some of the boat trips available to book at Seahouses harbour include Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, Billy Shiel Boat Trips, and the Golden Gate Farne Island Tours. They all set sail daily during weekends and in the summer months, but it’s best to check availability directly with the company.

The other best spots in the UK to see wildlife, as outlined by Arbtech, include:

• Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire
• Blakeney Point, Norfolk
• Isle of Anglesey, Wales
• Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
• Dartmoor National Park, Devon

A spokesperson for Arbtech said: “We want to put the spotlight on these incredible wildlife spots to showcase just how important conservation projects are, and how nature can thrive in this country when it’s protected.

“Our survey shows that the majority of Brits do care about the decline of wildlife, but many may not know what they can do to help. Supporting local conservation efforts or even making small changes at home can make a real difference.

“Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a powerful reminder of what we have to lose if we don’t act now, and could inspire people to take steps to protect species for future generations.”

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