Coquet Island Lighthouse and Seabird Sanctuary
A historic castellated lighthouse on a protected island sanctuary, home to rare seabirds and dramatic coastal views.
Coquet Island Lighthouse, built in 1841 on a small island off the Northumberland coast near Amble, is a distinctive castellated maritime beacon set amidst a vital seabird sanctuary managed by the RSPB. The island is renowned for its rare roseate tern colony and large puffin population. While the lighthouse is automated and not open to the public, seasonal boat trips offer close views of the lighthouse and abundant wildlife in this protected nature reserve.
A brief summary to Coquet Island Lighthouse
- Morpeth, Amble, NE65 0SF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book boat trips from Amble Harbour well in advance, especially during May to July, to secure a spot for wildlife viewing around Coquet Island.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear for boat trips, as the island terrain is uneven and the boat decks can be slippery.
- Use binoculars or zoom lenses to observe puffins, roseate terns, and seals from the boat or from vantage points on the mainland.
- Check live RSPB camera feeds online during breeding season for up-close views of nesting seabirds if you cannot visit in person.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Boat Trip
Seasonal boat trips operate from Amble Harbour to Coquet Island between May and September, lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. These trips offer close views of the lighthouse and wildlife but require advance booking due to limited capacity. Prices typically range from £25 to £35 per adult.
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Car and Walking
Drive to Amble town center, where parking is available for visitors. From there, a short walk to Amble Harbour provides access to boat trip departures. Walking around the harbor area offers scenic views of Coquet Island and the lighthouse from the mainland.
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Public Transport
Regular bus services connect Morpeth and other nearby towns to Amble, with journey times ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. From Amble bus stops, it is a 10- to 15-minute walk to the harbor. Bus fares typically cost £5 to £8 one way.
Coquet Island Lighthouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Coquet Island Lighthouse
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Amble Harbour Village
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Sundial
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Warkworth Beach
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Warkworth Castle
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Sugar Sands
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Northumberland Zoo
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Barter Books
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Essential places to dine
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The Fish Shack
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Bistro 23
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The Whittling House
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Restaurant Italia
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The Hope & Anchor Hotel
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The Cook & Barker Inn
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The Treehouse Restaurant
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Sonnet Restaurant
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Adam and Eve
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The Market Tavern, Steakhouse and Lodge
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The Dirty Bottles
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Glamble Gifts & Accessories
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Raggy Dolls Limited
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Gray's Northumberland Ltd
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Aln Gift Shop
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Jane & Harry
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Willowburn Retail Park
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Robinson's
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The Original Factory Shop (Alnwick)
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Social Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
