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If you’re a birdwatcher enthusiastic to spot puffins, the UK offers several prime locations. From the rugged cliffs of Bempton to the picturesque Farne Islands, you’ll find thriving colonies of these charismatic seabirds. Whether you choose to visit Skomer Island or the Shiant Isles, you’re in for a truly remarkable experience. Of course, these are just a few of the top spots – there’s even more to discover.
Key Points
- The Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast are home to around 50,000 puffin breeding pairs, with guided boat tours available from April to July.
- Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire is the only mainland UK colony of puffins, with over 200,000 breeding seabirds and best puffin viewing from mid-May to mid-July.
- Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire hosts one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the UK, with a stable population of over 41,000 puffins.
- The Isle of May in the Firth of Forth has a thriving puffin population of around 52,000 occupied burrows, with boat trips and guided tours available.
- The Shiant Isles in the Outer Hebrides is home to the second-largest puffin colony in Scotland, with around 240,000 breeding pairs.
Farne Islands, Northumberland
Where are the Farne Islands located? The Farne Islands, situated off the Northumberland coast, are a prime destination for puffin watching in the UK.
This archipelago of around 28 islands is home to a thriving population of 50,000 breeding pairs, a 15% increase since 2019. A full puffin census is underway for the first time since 2019. Despite avian flu outbreaks, the puffin population remains stable, showcasing their resilience.
Visitors can enjoy guided boat tours from Seahouses Harbour, with the peak season for puffin sightings from April to July.
National Trust rangers manage access to protect the nesting sites, while the Seabird Monitoring Programme informs national conservation strategies for this red-listed species.
Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire
Situated on the Yorkshire coast, Bempton Cliffs boast the only mainland UK colony of puffins.
Bempton Cliffs, situated on the Yorkshire coast, boast the only mainland UK colony of puffins.
This RSPB-managed site offers cliff-top viewing platforms along marked trails, accessible from the Bempton Cliffs visitor centre. Over 200,000 breeding seabirds call this home during the March to October breeding season. Puffins are most active from late April to early August, with the best viewing from mid-May to mid-July, especially in the early mornings.
Binoculars and zoom lenses are essential for spotting these colorful seabirds nesting in natural cliff fissures. The 2022 census counted nearly 3,000 puffins offshore. While climate change and avian flu pose threats, the RSPB’s conservation efforts help protect this endangered species’ historic recovery.
Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire
Though not as well-known as Bempton Cliffs, Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire offers an equally impressive puffin-watching experience. Home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the UK, the island supports a stable population of over 41,000 birds. Puffin count on Skomer and Skokholm islands in March 2023: 42,513 Its grass-covered slopes provide ideal nesting sites, while the surrounding protected waters guarantee a healthy supply of sand eels, the puffins’ primary prey. Visitors can observe puffins in flight, carrying mouthfuls of fish to feed their young, from late April to July.
With daily visitor limits and guided tours, Skomer provides an accessible yet immersive encounter with these charismatic seabirds and their remarkable island ecosystem.
Isle of May, Firth of Forth
The Isle of May in the Firth of Forth offers another prime puffin-watching destination in Scotland. This island boasts a thriving population of around 52,000 occupied burrows, a 33% increase since 2017. Rapid population increases in the 1980s and 1990s have stabilized in recent years, though conservation efforts remain crucial.
As a key colony in the UK’s European stronghold, the Isle of May provides an excellent opportunity to observe these charming seabirds. Visitors can take advantage of:
- Boat trips from nearby towns during the puffin-viewing season.
- Guided tours emphasizing responsible wildlife viewing.
- On-island facilities like hides, trails, and real-time monitoring displays.
- The island’s designation as part of the Firth of Forth’s nationally important wildlife route.
Despite facing climate and food pressures, the Isle of May remains a prime location to witness the enchanting puffins up close.
Treshnish Isles, Inner Hebrides
The Treshnish Isles off Scotland’s west coast offer a prime location to witness the puffins and other seabirds that call this important European breeding ground home.
Lunga, the largest island, boasts a notable puffin colony that’s easily observed during summer, but keep a 2-meter distance to avoid collapsing burrows. In 2019, there were over 3,100 occupied puffin burrows here. The islands are home to 20% of the British storm petrel population.
Lunga’s notable puffin colony can be easily observed in summer, but a 2-meter distance is advised to avoid burrow collapse.
Nearby Harp Rock hosts guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and shags. The islands support a significant percentage of the UK’s European storm petrel population too.
Annual monitoring by the Treshnish Isles Auk Ringing Group provides insights into these seabird communities, which are protected as part of the Inner Hebrides conservation area.
Shiant Isles, Outer Hebrides
Moving from the Treshnish Isles further north, the Shiant Isles in the Outer Hebrides offer another prime puffin watching destination.
This private archipelago boasts:
- The second-largest puffin colony in Scotland, with around 240,000 breeding pairs.
- A seabird haven with over 265,000 breeding individuals across species, including 18,000 common guillemots.
- Recent eradication of invasive rats, improving prospects for shearwaters and petrels.
- Limited visitation due to harsh weather, requiring advance arrangements with the private owners.
With no permanent human population and stunning coastal landscapes, the Shiant Isles provide an exceptional opportunity to observe puffins and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
Sumburgh Head, Shetland
Sumburgh Head, located at the southern tip of mainland Shetland in the Shetland Islands, is a premier destination for puffin watching. Accessible via public roads, it offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and sea.
Sumburgh Head, a prime location for puffin spotting, offers breathtaking vistas of Shetland’s rugged coastline and surrounding sea.
The area includes a historic lighthouse and a visitor center managed by RSPB and Shetland Amenity Trust for conservation and tourism. Visitors can spot colonies of puffins, fulmars, guillemots, and shags during the summer, as well as occasional sightings of whales, orcas, and dolphins.
Puffin censuses have been conducted to monitor population trends, and educational resources are available on-site to learn about seabird conservation.
With parking, walking paths, and guided tours, Sumburgh Head provides an immersive experience to appreciate Shetland’s abundant natural heritage.
Lundy Island, Devon
Lundy Island, situated in the Bristol Channel off the coast of North Devon, offers a unique opportunity for birdwatchers seeking to spot the resurgent puffin population. Lundy supports 95% of England’s breeding Manx Shearwaters, totaling approximately 25,000 individuals. Thanks to successful rat eradication, the island’s puffin numbers have increased from just 9 birds in 2003 to around 375 in 2024.
Key highlights for visiting birdwatchers include:
- Guided tours and walks to spot puffins and other seabirds.
- Iconic coastal areas like Jenny’s Cove for prime viewing.
- Spring and summer as the best seasons for observation.
- Accommodation options through The Landmark Trust for a comfortable stay.
With its rugged cliffs, diverse seabird colonies, and conservation success, Lundy Island is a must-visit destination for avid puffin enthusiasts.
Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly offer a diverse range of habitats and a small but notable colony of puffins. Around 100 pairs nest on the islands annually, though this can vary up to 200 pairs depending on conditions. Significant milestone for seabird conservation in the area. Puffins breed from early spring to late summer, nesting in the abundant burrows and rock crevices. Beyond puffins, the islands host a variety of seabirds, though populations have declined since the 1980s. Visitors can reach the Isles by ferry or plane, with spring to late summer being the best time to spot puffins. Guided tours and various accommodation options make the islands an ideal birdwatching destination.
Final Words
If you’re a puffin enthusiast, the UK’s stunning coastlines offer a wealth of prime birdwatching locations. From the Farne Islands to the Isles of Scilly, you’ll find thriving colonies and breathtaking views. Don’t miss the chance to witness these charming seabirds during their breeding season – the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
