Islands in Northumberland have been named among the most beautiful in the UK by TimeOut Magazine.
The popular travel and culture magazine rounded them up based on a new book 'Hidden England' by Ellie Walker-Arnott, where she visits several of the country's off the radar spots. The first, a collection of islands, rather than one island itself, is the Farne Islands.
One of the standout activities of a trip to Northumberland, visiting the Farnes offers you a near-unique experience where you can see seals and seabirds. However, landing on most of the islands is off the cards this summer, as they are closed as a bird flu precaution.
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That said, you can still visit Longstone Lighthouse on Outer Farne, six miles off the Northumberland Coast. You can also take cruises to the islands, including at sunset, from Seahouses.
Just last week, Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours took gold for the experience of the year for the whole of the country at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Of the Farne Islands, it was written: "‘Off the rugged coast of Northumberland, the Farne Islands are home to an incredible breeding seabird colony. Twenty-three species of bird frequent the island, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, Arctic terns and eider ducks, among others.
"Grey seals also call this rocky outcrop home. The islands can only be accessed by boat."
The other named on the list will come as no surprise - Holy Island. Cut off by the tide twice a day, Holy Island is one of Northumberland's must visit destinations for many tourists, while plenty of day trippers visit from our own region too.
The article read: "An otherworldly island in a remote part of Northumberland, Lindisfarne has a big history. It is a spiritual place of pilgrimage, the home of saints and the centre of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon times and ransacked by Vikings in the eighth century.
"Like St Michael’s Mount, it’s a tidal island, cut off from mainland England at high tide. But, if you can make it across the causeway, there’s a little more life to be found on the other side, where there is a small but permanent population.
"As well as a castle clinging to the coastline and an ancient priory, you’ll find cafes, a coffee roasters, pubs and even a gin distillery on the surreal little island."
To read the full article of the most beautiful islands in the UK, visit TimeOut.
Where is your favourite island in the UK? Let us know!
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