A picnic with Grace Darling (and pirates)

Well, not quite. But when offered a trip to Longstone lighthouse on a glorious summer evening we weren’t going to say no. Who wouldn’t want to visit the island on which Grace Darling lived. And while this technically doesn’t have a lot to do with food it was the perfect place for a picnic.

On a beautiful, sunny, quiet evening in June we took part in a promotional trip out to the Longstone lighthouse with The Golden Gate. The only boat allowed to land on Longstone Island, The Golden Gate provides a unique opportunity in the Farne Islands. The chance to enter and explore the lighthouse lived in by Grace Darling and her father. It was from here that they carried out the rescue they are so famous for.

The trip out was stunning. Calm sea, warm air and amazing views of the Farne Islands. We were slightly worried when we spotted a smaller boat following us. The crew dressed in black keeping their distance, we fully expected them to run up the skull and crossbones and start boarding. It turned out to be the rangers from Inner Farne who had jumped at the chance of real food in the lighthouse. A welcome change from foraging for roots and berries on the island!

After docking we had the chance to just wander to our hearts content and explore. The island has abundant birdlife and the ever present seals making it a great photo opportunity. The lighthouse is available to look around and you can also go all the way up to the light room. This is where you get a fantastic view of the Farnes and beyond

After our wandering we all made our way to the dining area in the lighthouse. Everyone had brought something (that’s the food bit) and we had a lovely picnic with a bit of Prosecco thrown in. Everyone talked and explored the residential area of the lighthouse which while basic is functional. Not sure we’d want to live there for any length of time. Except maybe for the beautiful view every morning. The pirates (sorry, rangers) made the most of it, plates piled high and doggy bags to see them through the weekend. Amanda’s peanut butter squares (see, more food) being a particular favourite for them.

The trip back to Seahouses was longer as George, owner of Golden Gate took us back via some of the other islands. Brownsman Island was where the Darlings started their lighthouse keeping and remnants still remain. The base of the original lighthouse, the cottage and even her father’s rhubarb are still there. There were more birds than we could shake a stick at and of course loads more seals.

All in all it was an amazing way to enjoy a picnic.

And in the interest of fairness, other boat trips to the Farnes are available.