Wildlife in Northumberland

Meet the locals

Adorable puffins, lazing seals, magical dolphins and rare ospreys are just some of the array of wildlife in Northumberland. Go wild goat spotting in the Cheviots, take wildlife boat trips and tiptoe through forests to find deer peeking from the trees.

Born to be wild

See ospreys at Kielder Water & Forest Park, adorably uncoordinated puffins at The Farne Islands and grey seals basking on the beach in Berwick. From rare roseate terns on Coquet Island, to wild cattle at Chillingham, to elusive Cheviot goats, we have so many locals for you to meet.

Outstanding inland landscapes

Our incredible inland landscapes are made up of diverse nature, an array of wildlife and staggering views. From spotting red squirrels at the National Trusts Wallington House, Gardens and Estates to discovering deer scattered across the North Pennines, there are scenic spots filled with wildlife for you to enjoy. Discover wildlife watching in Northumberland on countryside walking and hiking routes, as well as along some of the region’s best cycling routes.

North Pennines

Northumberland National Park

The Cheviots

Kielder Lakeside

Much ado about puffins

Go dolphin-spotting on the River Tweed in Berwick, kayaking with seals around Coquet Island and pop to The Farne Islands to see puffins. Northumberland’s coastline boasts amazing wildlife, renowned for scenic views, vast beaches, hidden gem coves and islands, and the best days out throughout the seasons. So get your wellies at the ready and make sure to check tide times before heading out on a coastal wildlife spotting adventure.

Northumberland Coast

Northumberland’s coast is so breath-taking, dramatic and precious that it is safeguarded as a designated National Landscape. Endless beaches, quiet bays and drifting dunes sit along the stretch from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Amble.

The Farne Islands

On this group of islands off Northumberland's coast in The North Sea, birds rule the roost, seals laze on rocks, and dolphins skim the surrounding waters. Regular boat trips run from Seahouses harbour between March - October for a day trip filled with wonderful wildlife.

Boat trips and tours

One of the best ways to spot Northumberland's wildlife is by setting sail on the North Sea. There are a number of different boat trips in Northumberland for you to enjoy, offering everything from puffin watching to grey seal spotting. Go on a wildlife adventure with our list of boat trips in Northumberland.

Coquet Island

Crammed with birdlife for half the year, Coquet Island sits a mile off the coast of Amble. You can’t step foot on the island, but you can come tantalisingly close on a boat trip from Amble to see the puffins that return to breed in spring.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Cobbles, castles, beaches, and boat trips await you in historical Berwick-upon-Tweed. Located on the border of England and Scotland, secrets of a bloody, conflict-filled British history linger in its Elizabethan walls and ruinous castle remains.

Country Parks and Nature Reserves

Our idyllic woodland areas, picturesque nature reserves and activity filled country parks are the perfect places for a spot of wildlife and bird watching. From Bolam, Druridge Bay and Tyne Riverside country park, there are so many destinations to experience the region’s most loved wildlife.

Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Award winning Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre is one of the best wildlife watching spots in the North East.

Druridge Bay Country Park

Druridge Bay Country Park includes three miles of beautiful beach and sand dunes, as well as a 100 acre lake surrounded by woods and meadows. The variety in the landscape and pleasant coastal environment ensures you of an enjoyable visit.

Plessey Woods Country Park

Country Park with open meadows, pleasant woodland and river walks. Visitor centre, cafe and children's play area.

Sun setting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Ashington

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park, Local Nature Reserve

Sitting unexpectedly in Northumberland’s industrial town of Ashington, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park offers a stunning area

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