Where to See Atlantic Puffins in the UK: 5 Unforgettable Locations for Wildlife Lovers

Every spring, the UK’s rugged coastlines welcome one of the most beloved seabirds on the planet: the Atlantic puffin. With their brightly coloured bills, waddling gait, and surprisingly agile flight, puffins have earned a loyal following among wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and nature travellers alike.

I’ve had the chance to photograph puffins on windswept islands and dramatic cliff tops — moments that have stuck with me for life. In this guide, I’ll walk you through five of the best places to see Atlantic puffins in the UK, based on my own experiences and everything I’ve learned from the field.

Whether you’re planning your first puffin-spotting adventure or looking to expand your puffin portfolio, these locations offer unforgettable encounters with one of Britain’s most iconic seabirds.

Meet the Atlantic Puffin

Before we dive into the locations, here’s a quick look at the star of the show.

The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a member of the auk family, and perhaps the most recognisable seabird in Europe. Known as “sea parrots” thanks to their colourful beaks, puffins are remarkable creatures — spending most of the year far out at sea and returning to land only to breed.

In the UK, puffins come ashore between April and early August, making the summer months the best time to see them. They nest in burrows on grassy clifftops and islands, often in large, bustling colonies.

Despite their charm, puffins are currently listed as vulnerable to extinction, with threats including overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation. That makes seeing them in the wild a genuine privilege — and a powerful reminder of what we must protect.

1. Skomer Island, Wales

📍 Pembrokeshire Coast, South West Wales
🗓 Best time to visit: Late April to July
🚤 Access: Boat from Martin’s Haven (booking essential)

If there’s a puffin paradise in the UK, Skomer Island might be it. This small island off the Pembrokeshire coast is home to one of Britain’s largest puffin colonies — and when you visit during peak season, they’re everywhere.

The puffins here are remarkably relaxed around people. You’ll often find them just feet from the path, standing on grassy mounds with beaks full of sand eels, totally unfazed by your presence. The island also hosts guillemots, razorbills, seals, and wildflowers galore.

Photographer’s tip:
Try to get as low as possible to get those classic eye-level shots but be mindful not to touch any burrows.

2. Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire

📍 Yorkshire Coast near Bridlington
🗓 Best time to visit: May to early July
🚶‍♂️ Access: RSPB Reserve with clifftop paths and viewpoints

While most puffin colonies require a boat ride, Bempton Cliffs offers puffin viewing with your feet firmly on the ground. This RSPB reserve boasts over 400,000 seabirds in spring and summer — and among the gannets, kittiwakes, and fulmars, you’ll spot puffins nesting in cliff crevices and grassy ledges.

It’s a brilliant spot for beginners, families, or anyone who prefers not to sail.

Photographer’s tip:
Use a telephoto lens (300mm or longer) to isolate puffins on the cliffs. Visit mid-week to avoid crowds and increase your chances of peaceful encounters.

3. Farne Islands, Northumberland

📍 Off the Northumberland coast near Seahouses
🗓 Best time to visit: May to early August
🚤 Access: Boat trips from Seahouses (several operators available)

The Farne Islands are legendary among birders and photographers. Managed by the National Trust, this cluster of rocky islets becomes home to over 40,000 puffins each year. Unlike Bempton, here the birds are nesting at ground level — which means incredible close-up encounters.

You’ll often see puffins flapping past your head or peeking from their burrows just beside the footpath. It’s puffin photography at its most thrilling — and sometimes, chaotic.

Photographer’s tip:
Protect your gear — and your head — from divebombing Arctic terns who nest nearby. Wear a hat, and shoot fast.

4. Lunga Island, Scotland

📍 Treshnish Isles, Inner Hebrides (West Scotland)
🗓 Best time to visit: May to July
🚤 Access: Boat trips from Mull, Oban, or Staffa

Wild, remote, and alive with seabirds, Lunga is one of Scotland’s true natural treasures. Part of the Treshnish Isles, it’s home to puffins, razorbills, shags, and guillemots — but the puffins steal the show.

They nest all along the cliffs and grassy knolls, and are curious, calm, and wonderfully photogenic. The setting is breathtaking: you’ll be surrounded by sweeping ocean views and dramatic basalt formations.

Photographer’s tip:
Bring a wide-angle lens for scenic shots, and a long lens for intimate portraits. The light changes quickly here — pack lens wipes and a waterproof cover, just in case.

5. Staffa Island, Scotland

📍 Near Iona and the Isle of Mull
🗓 Best time to visit: May to July
🚤 Access: Boat tours from Mull, Iona, and Oban

Known best for Fingal’s Cave, the basalt sea cave that inspired Mendelssohn, Staffa is also a seasonal home for puffins. These charismatic birds nest atop the cliffs and can often be seen circling overhead or bobbing just offshore.

If you’re lucky with the weather and tides, you’ll get a chance to land and walk the island — encountering puffins in small numbers, but in truly iconic surroundings.

Photographer’s tip:
Combine your trip with Lunga for the ultimate Hebrides puffin adventure. Staffa is also a perfect place for dramatic seascapes and coastal compositions.

Final Tips for Puffin Spotting in the UK

• Best time to visit: Late April to early August. Peak puffin activity is usually May–July.

• Timing matters: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light (and fewer crowds).

• Stay respectful: Always follow local guidance, stay on paths, and avoid disturbing burrows or nesting birds.

• Bring binoculars: Even in close-contact sites, puffins spend time in the water — binoculars let you enjoy the full show.