Coquet Island

Coquet Island is a seabird paradise situated one mile from the fishing port of Amble. More than 33,000 pairs of seabirds nest on Coquet Island each year. Many travel from as far as Africa to nest here, some returning to the same next site that they used in previous years.
The island, with its unusual square-towered lighthouse is owned by the Duke of Northumberland and managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. 

The Island has been a place of sanctuary since the time of St Cuthbert, who landed here in AD 684. The lighthouse was built in 1841 on the ruins of a 15th century monastery. Some of the monastic building has survived and is now a protected site.

Puffins are the most eye catching of the birds that can be spotted on the island. Over 1,000 pairs nest in the burrows across the island gathering on the water in the evening forming ‘rafts’ as they preen. Roseate Terns – one of the rarest breeding birds in the UK and Eider ducks – known locally as ‘cuddy ducks’ also live on the island.

To prevent disturbance to the nesting birds landing is not permitted on the island. You can enjoy spectacular views of the birds of Coquet Island by taking one of the boat trips departing from Amble. For more info tel: 01665 712313