The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, known colloquially as either Lindisfarne or Holy Island, is just off the coast of Northumberland, England. It is a tidal island linked to the mainland by a causeway.
The monastery of Lindisfarne was raided by Vikings in AD 793. This event is usually considered to mark the beginning of the Viking Age.
- Lindisfarne Priory, TD15 2RX, +44 1289 389200. Apr - Sep daily 10:00 - 18:00, Oct closes at 17:00, Nov - Mar Sat - Sun 10:00 - 16:00. Founded by St Aidan, Lindisfarne's Priory's most famous "resident" is St Cuthbert; although he now lies in Durham Cathedral. The nearby museum gives further information on St Cuthbert and the development of the Priory. The Priory and museum are in the custodianship of English Heritage. Check the website for information of special events. adults £5.40, children £3.20, concessions £4.90.
- Lindisfarne Castle, TD15 2SH, +44 1289 389244. Opening times vary due to tides, either 10:00 - 15:00, 10:00 - 16:00, 12:00 - 17:00, or 11:00 - 17:00. The 16th Century Tudor castle, later converted into an Edwardian home is situated high on a rocky crag, affording good views of the island, Bamburgh Castle and the surrounding North Sea (weather permitting!) The castle is a National Trust property. £8.00.
- Get up early to watch the sunrise. Go to the hill at the south end of the island overlooking the priory grounds; you get an excellent view of the sunrise behind the castle. It's really fantastic when there are rolling sea mists as well.
Lindisfarne Priory, TD15 2RX, +44 1289 389200. Apr - Sep daily 10:00 - 18:00, Oct closes at 17:00, Nov - Mar Sat - Sun 10:00 - 16:00. Founded by St Aidan, Lindisfarne's Priory's most famous "resident" is St Cuthbert; although he now lies in Durham Cathedral. The nearby museum gives further information on St Cuthbert and the development of the Priory. The Priory and museum are in the custodianship of English Heritage. Check the website for information of special events. adults £5.40, children £3.20, concessions £4.90.
Lindisfarne Castle, TD15 2SH, +44 1289 389244. Opening times vary due to tides, either 10:00 - 15:00, 10:00 - 16:00, 12:00 - 17:00, or 11:00 - 17:00. The 16th Century Tudor castle, later converted into an Edwardian home is situated high on a rocky crag, affording good views of the island, Bamburgh Castle and the surrounding North Sea (weather permitting!) The castle is a National Trust property. £8.00.
Birdwatching. Large parts of the Island as well as the adjacent intertidal areas are protected for wildlife as part of the Lindisfarne national nature reserve.It main purpose is to safeguard the wintering bird population.Over 300 species have been recorded on the island and adjacent tidal flats.The Brent Goose, Widgeon and Teal are particularly note worthy.
Seal spotting. Grey seals can sometimes be seen on the beaches during high tide.
Sample the local Lindisfarne Meade. It is made on the Island at St Aidan's winery. Meade is basically honey and water, fermented with yeast to turn some of the honey into alcohol.
Check the tide tables carefully – otherwise you can get caught on the island or, as some unfortunates have – on the causeway itself. The tide table is available from the Lindisfarne website (although all tide times should be treated as advisory and local weather can affect the tides). Note that your motorhome does not double as a boat.