Holy Island of Lindisfarne:

Site of the first Viking invasions of Britain, Lindisfarne's history is deeply intertwined with both the birth of Anglo-Saxon Britain and of English Christianity. It was here that, in the 8th century, monks created the famous Lindisfarne Gospels.
The island can only be reached at low tide across a causeway several miles long.
Check the tide timetables at the notice board by the crossing before you cross - each year there are some who don't and get caught by the incoming tide.

This is a 'must see' location, a mixture of castle, priory, beautiful dunes and enchanting village life.  

Tourist Information for Bamburgh
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED
Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Tel: ++44 (0) 1289 330733

Lindisfarne Priory

In 1083, over two centuries after the original monastery founded by St. Aidan was devastated in Viking attacks, monks from Durham built a new priory on Lindisfarne, which they renamed Holy Island. Completed in 1120 much of the style echoes the geometric patterns of Durham Cathedral.

Lindisfarne Castle

Built as an artillery fort in the 1530's, the castle saw little military action. The garrison was finally removed in 1820.

Edward Hudson, owner of 'Country Life' magazine bought the castle and had it restored for use as a private residence by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

It was given to the National Trust in 1944.

The Island...

Holy Island depends on tourism but there are reminders of older industries - upturned hulls of old herring boats from a time when there was a thriving fishing industry.

Today, Lindisfarne Limited produce a mead, a drink once made on the island by the medieval monks which can be sampled at their St Aidan's winery.

The mud-flats and dunes are home to a wide variety of birds and flora

The small village and harbour make an idyllic setting and remind of a bygone age.

Until the metalled road was opened in 1954 the only access was by way of the 'Pilgrim's Causeway' across the sands.