A boat trip along the North East shore has been crowned among the best in the UK to set sail on, especially when it comes to spotting grey seals and puffins.

Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips located at Seahouses was praised by The Times for showing “the best spots along the Northumbrian coast”.

The publisher revealed about its coastal adventure guide: “Studded with islands, fringed by beaches and hemmed in by cliffs, the UK coastline never lacks drama. But to see it in all its splendour you need to head out to sea.

"Where the unpredictable British weather is concerned, it pays to be prepared for all eventualities, whatever the time of year, so bring warm layers, pack waterproofs and wear some proper, grippy shoes.

“From scenic coastal cruises to wildlife-centred adventures in search of dolphins, whales and puffins, these are the seven sailings worth getting on board with — and the perfect places to stay from where to launch yourself.”

You can see all the UK’s top boat trips here.

What did The Times say about this Seahouses boat trip?

The Times wrote: “The Shiel family are very familiar with the best spots along the Northumbrian coast — they’ve been running boat trips to the Farne Islands since 1918.

“Several generations are still involved — Billy’s son, William, is chief skipper, with his grandson, Oliver, waiting in the wings.

“The fleet has expanded to eight boats, including the double-deckers Farne’s Lass and Farne’s Maiden.”

It added: “Spot grey seals, puffins and cormorants around Inner Farne or Staple islands, or spend a couple of hours on Lindisfarne (1.5-hour cruise from £20; farne-islands.com).

“Beach House Hotel stands above the harbour and provides sweeping views of the North Sea.

“It’s also a good base for jaunts along the coast to the castles at Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh.”

Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips is also be well-loved by visitors, with a 5/5 rating out of 2,592 reviews on Tripadvisor.

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One person who recently hopped aboard said: “I am generally nervous of boats as i easily get seasick. However, this was the most enjoyable boat trip I’ve ever been on. Despite a rather choppy sea, I didn’t feel ill at all thanks to the skilled sailor at the wheel. Landing on the Farne islands was such a treat, followed by a trip out around the islands where we saw plenty of seabirds up close and even a few seals. A real treat and definitely value for money x”

Another posted: “Fantastic trip, staff were fantastic from the lady in the kiosk, to the guys on the boat, Farne Lass, good commentary from the skipper as we motored around the islands.”

Someone else commented: “Wonderful experience. We saw seals and lots of seabirds, and loved the boat ride. It was nice that it didn't feel rushed - we were given plenty of time to watch to the seals swimming about in the sea. Ery [very] informative [informative] commentary provided by the captain too. Highly recommend this boat trip.”