The Northumberland islands with dolphins and shipwrecks you can only see at certain times

For a trip brimming with breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife and dramatic cliffs, you needn't look further than the the UK's own Farne Islands. Nestled off the Northumberland coast, these 28 islands are a haven for nature lovers, boasting puffins, seals and even scuba diving opportunities.

Inner Farne, the largest and most famous of the islands, was once home to the healing monk, St Cuthbert. While it no longer houses permanent residents, it operates as a wildlife reserve under the stewardship of National Trust rangers.

From April to July, visitors can marvel at large colonies of puffins breeding and fishing in the frigid North Sea. But puffins aren't the only feathered inhabitants; over 20 bird species, including eider ducks, guillemots, razorbills and four types of tern, call the Farnes home.

At the peak of breeding season, up to 150,000 birds flock to the islands. The islands also host seal breeding colonies, best observed during autumn and winter, and some fortunate visitors have even spotted dolphins.

For the adventurous, diving expeditions to explore the numerous shipwrecks around the islands are on offer, reports the Mirror.

Despite the ravages of time on many of the vessels, there's still a wealth to explore. Sovereign Diving provides tours of these underwater graveyards, with some spots featuring three or four distinct wreck sites, according to the Express.

This leads to an abundance of boilers, propellers and engines lying on the ocean floor, creating a perfect habitat for sea creatures. It's also a boon for novice divers, as some of these dive locations are shallow enough for them to venture into alongside more experienced divers.

However, not all of the Farne Islands can be visited. Depending on the tide, as few as 15 of the 28 islands may be visible, with only Inner Farne, Staple Island and Longstone open to visitors.