Coquet Island Lighthouse and Seabird Sanctuary

A Storied Maritime Beacon

Constructed in 1841 by Trinity House, Coquet Island Lighthouse stands on the southwestern shore of Coquet Island, a small green pasture island just off Amble on the Northumberland coast. Designed by James Walker, the lighthouse’s unique castellated, fortress-like appearance was influenced by the Duke of Northumberland, who insisted on a structure resembling a miniature castle rather than a typical tower. This aesthetic echoes the battlements of the Duke’s London residence, Syon House, and gives the lighthouse a striking silhouette against the rugged coastal backdrop. Originally manned by keepers who lived on the island with their families until automation in 1990, the lighthouse continues to serve as a vital navigation aid marking hazardous sandbanks and guiding vessels safely along the coast.

Historic Roots and Architectural Character

The lighthouse was built atop the remains of a Benedictine monastery, integrating its unpainted stone base into the lighthouse’s foundation, now a scheduled ancient monument. The island’s history stretches further back to Norman times, when St. Henry of Coquet, a Danish hermit and prophet, lived there. The lighthouse complex includes Grade II listed structures such as a Napoleonic gun battery, explosives store, and crenellated garden walls. The lighthouse’s light was modernized over time, with the original optic now displayed at Souter Lighthouse after being replaced during automation. Recent upgrades in 2025 have re-engineered the light to improve its range and visibility.

A Sanctuary for Rare Seabirds

Coquet Island is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) managed nature reserve and a critical breeding ground for seabirds, including the UK’s largest roseate tern colony, which represents over 90% of the national population. The island also hosts tens of thousands of nesting puffins, Arctic, common, and sandwich terns, along with grey seals that haul out on the rocks in early summer. Due to its ecological sensitivity, public access to the island is prohibited, with only RSPB wardens permitted to live and work there during the breeding season to monitor and protect the wildlife.

Wildlife Observation and Visitor Experience

Although landing on the island is not allowed, visitors can enjoy boat trips departing from Amble Harbour that circle the island, providing spectacular views of the lighthouse and close encounters with puffins, terns, and seals. These trips operate seasonally, mainly from May to July during peak breeding periods. For those unable to take a boat trip, live video feeds streamed from cameras on the island offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of the seabirds, including rare live footage from inside roseate tern nest boxes and puffin burrows.

Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement

The RSPB’s ongoing conservation work includes habitat management, predator control, and the creation of nesting terraces and boxes to support roseate terns. The island has seen a gradual recovery of seabird populations despite challenges such as bird flu outbreaks. Community projects, including the involvement of local volunteers and innovative initiatives like tern rafts constructed by prison inmates, contribute to the island’s preservation. Coquet Island remains a symbol of successful wildlife conservation combined with maritime heritage.

Natural Beauty and Photographic Appeal

The lighthouse’s fortress-like design and the island’s rugged coastal scenery create a dramatic setting favored by photographers and nature lovers. Sunrise and sunset cast striking light on the lighthouse and surrounding seascape, while the bustling seabird colonies add dynamic wildlife interest. The nearby town of Amble serves as a charming base for exploring the Northumberland Coast National Landscape and other regional attractions.