The Farne Islands in Northumberland has been named as one of the best places to spot one of the UK’s rarest sea life creatures, according to new research.

The group of islands located off the coast is one of the best locations to see the grey seal all year round.

There are currently estimated to be around 120,000 grey seals in the UK, meaning they are protected in Britain under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and protected under the Wildlife Order 1985.

In the run-up to World Aquatic Animal Day (April 3), Parkdean Resorts has uncovered the rarest and most endangered sea life creatures in the UK as well as the best locations to see the magnificent creatures.

The Northern Echo: There are currently estimated to be around 120,000 grey seals in the UKThere are currently estimated to be around 120,000 grey seals in the UK (Image: Canva)

What is a grey seal?

According to The Wildlife Trusts, the grey seal is the larger of the two UK seal species -the main difference is that the grey seal has a much longer snout than the common seal.

If you catch a good look at them you’ll see how they got their scientific name ‘Halichoerus grypus’ which means ‘hook-nosed sea pig’.

The spotty mammals spend most of their time out at sea feeding on fish and return to land to rest on British beaches.

Sometimes they are accompanied by their white fluffy seal pups which they give birth to in the autumn.

What to do if you see a grey seal on the Farne Islands in Northumberland

If coming into contact with a seal on a beach, give it plenty of space and keep dogs away.

They are easily spooked from their rocky resting spots so a distance of at least 100m should be kept.