Nicknamed the ‘clowns of the sea‘, puffins are incredibly popular seabirds, known for their striking appearance and comical behaviour. If you’re a bird watcher, nature lover, or simply want to know the best places to see puffins in the UK, you’re in for a treat. The UK is home to several stunning locations where you can observe puffins in their natural habitat, from remote islands off the coast of Scotland and Wales to the rugged cliffs along the coastlines of England and Northern Ireland.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top destinations to see puffins in the UK, providing you with insider tips and inspiration for your next birdwatching adventure. So grab your binoculars, put on your hiking boots, and let’s get ready to find puffins in some of the most breathtaking locations the UK has to offer!
Skomer Island, Wales
Skomer Island, located off the coast of Wales, is a renowned wildlife haven known for its puffin colonies and beautiful scenery. With its rugged cliffs, stunning beaches, and diverse birdlife, Skomer Island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for birdwatching and photography.
Seeing puffins on Skomer is a truly magical experience. As you approach the island by boat, you’ll be greeted by stunning coastal cliffs and bright green vegetation, and the distinctive sight of puffins soaring above. Once you step foot on the island, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the rugged trails, leading you to puffin nesting sites where you can see puffins as they fish, feed and greet each other.
When to go: Typically from April to August, when the island is accessible to visitors and the wildlife is most active.
How to get there: Boat transfers to the island are available from Martin’s Haven.
Farne Islands, England
The Farne Islands, situated off the Northumberland coast in England, are a group of rocky isles known for their vibrant bird populations, including puffins, guillemots, and terns. The islands are also home to one of the largest grey seal colonies in England, making them a popular destination for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.
Encountering puffins on the Farne Islands is a truly awe-inspiring experience. As you approach the islands by boat, you’ll be met with a cacophony of seabird calls and the unmistakable sight of puffins perched on the rocky shores. You’ll be able to witness these charismatic birds in action, as they take flight with impressive wingbeats, dive into the sea in search of food, and interact with each other in their bustling colonies.
When to go: Typically from May to July, when the weather is mild and the bird colonies are at their peak activity.
How to get there: Boat tours are available from Seahouses.
Handa Island, Scotland
Handa Island, located off the northwest coast of Scotland, is a remote and rugged island known for its rich biodiversity and stunning coastal scenery. Home to one of the largest seabird colonies in Europe, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, Handa Island is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking an unspoiled wilderness experience.
Spotting puffins on Handa Island, a remote and uninhabited island off the northwest coast of Scotland, is a remarkable adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. On the journey over from the mainland, you’ll be treated to breathtaking coastal scenery that only continues as you step foot on the island. Walking along the cliff edges, you may catch sight of puffins perched on rocky ledges or flying gracefully through the air. The island’s grassy slopes and rugged cliffs provide ideal nesting sites for puffins, and you may even be lucky enough to observe these charming birds up close as they tend to their burrows or interact with each other.
When to go: During the summer months of May to August, when the island is open to visitors and the puffins are most active.
How to get there: Limited ferry trips are available to Handa Island from Tarbet Pier.
Bempton Cliffs, England
Bempton Cliffs, found on the Yorkshire coast in England, is a renowned nature reserve known for its stunning chalk cliffs and large colonies of puffins, gannets and kittiwakes. With thousands of birds nesting and soaring above the cliffs in the summer months, Bempton Cliffs offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of seabirds in their natural habitat.
As well as panoramic views of the North Sea, the cliffs offer the opportunity to observe puffins as they gather to nest and raise their young. You may see them perched on the cliff ledges, flying in and out of their burrows, or diving into the sea to catch fish to bring back to their pufflings. The sight and sound of these charismatic seabirds going about their daily activities against the stunning backdrop of the cliffs and sea is a truly beautiful sight.
When to go: The cliffs offer excellent vantage points to observe puffins during the breeding season, which usually runs from April to July.
How to get there: The Bempton Cliffs nature reserve is easily reachable by car. Alternatively, you can take a train to the nearby town of Bridlington and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the Bempton Cliffs.
Staffa, Scotland
Staffa Island, located in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is a unique and mesmerising destination known for its stunning basalt column formations, including the famous Fingal’s Cave. Staffa offers visitors a chance to marvel at its otherworldly landscape, observe wildlife, including puffins, during the summer months, and experience the dramatic beauty of this remote and rugged island.