Seahouses developed as a result of its natural harbour and the fishing industry that grew up around it, which shaped the culture of this pretty coastal village. Although the fishing industry has almost disappeared, the area retains many characteristics of a traditional fishing village.
Nowadays the town is famous as the gateway to the Farne Islands, an internationally important and spectacular seabird sanctuary, in the care of the National Trust.
Seahouses is the largest settlement within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
An interesting fact: The North Eastern Railway Company refused to provide a branch line to travel the four miles from Seahouses to Chathill on the main East Coast railway; so a group of local merchants and fishermen formed their own company, and in August 1898 opened a private line. The main purpose was to transport fish to market, but the line opened to passengers soon afterwards, and contributed greatly to the development of the tourist trade. The line closed in 1951, and is fondly remembered by many older locals.
