Lindisfarne Guide Northumberland

UK Guides: Lindisfarne

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne aka Holy Island or Lindisfarne is a small, tidal island off the northeast coast of England in Northumberland. The island's population is less than 200 inhabitants.

Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century castle on Holy Island, UK. — The impressive Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century castle on Holy Island

View of the castle from the mainland. — View of the castle from the mainland

History

A monastery was founded on the island by the Irish monk Saint Aidan who came from Iona in 634 at the request of King Oswald of Northumbria. The community of monks later included Saint Cuthbert, the patron saint of Northumberland. A Viking raid in 793 killed many of the monks and the later Danish occupation of Northumberland led to the priory being abandoned until rebuilt by the Normans.

The island is famous for producing the Lindisfarne Gospels, a beautifully illuminated manuscript created around AD 700. These gospels are an enduring masterpiece of medieval art now in the British Library.

The Tudor period Lindisfarne Castle dates from 1550 and lies on the highest point of the island. The castle is clearly visible from the mainland.

Holy Island Cathedral by JMW Turner. — Holy Island Cathedral by JMW Turner

Later the peaceful, scenic charm of the island attracted such painters as Charles Rennie Mackintosh (who spent his honeymoon here with his wife Margaret) and William Turner. Several of Turner's paintings and etchings of the island are in the Tate Gallery, Royal Academy and V&A in London.

Nowadays the island is a tourist attraction for many day-trippers and bird-watchers but it is possible to stay overnight to fully enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Statue of St Cuthbert, Lindisfarne. — Statue of St Cuthbert, in the churchyard of St Mary's parish church, close to the ruins of the medieval priory, Lindisfarne

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The Rainbow Arch, Lindisfarne. — The Rainbow Arch, Lindisfarne

Attractions

The ruins of Lindisfarne Priory includes the magnificent Rainbow Arch in the priory church built around 1150. There's also a visitor center run by English Heritage with exhibits about the priory's history and copies of the Lindisfarne Gospels. (Adults £8.50).

St. Mary's Church stands adjacent to the priory and dates back to the 7th century. It is the oldest building on the island. The peaceful interior includes artifacts linked to Saint Aidan.

The 16th-century castle was refurbished in the early 20th century by architect Edwin Lutyens and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. It offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

The island is rich in nature and wildlife and a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Its mudflats, dunes, and salt marshes are part of the 3,541-hectare Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, attracting migratory birds, seals, and diverse flora. Visiting birds include the pale-bellied brent geese from Svalbard, pinkfooted and greylag geese, wigeons, grey plovers and bar-tailed godwits.

The Lindisfarne Centre has displays on the Viking raid and the creation of the Lindisfarne Gospels. It is open daily from mid March to the end of October, between 10 am and 4.30 pm.

Finally, follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims who crossed the tidal sands to reach the island. Marked by posts, this path is accessible only during low tide.

Saint Aidan statue. — Statue of Saint Aidan - the founder of the monastic community on the island, created by Kathleen Parbury in 1958 and recently restored

Access - Getting To Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway. Visitors must check tide times carefully to avoid being stranded, as the causeway is impassable at high tide.

Tide times are available online (holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk) or at visitor centers in the area.

The causeway can be driven across during low tide - about 10 minutes. Parking is available on the island.

The nearest train station is in Berwick-upon-Tweed (approximately 15 miles away) on the East Coast Main Line, between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. There are also trains from Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed (45 minutes). From Manchester Piccadilly take a train to Leeds or York and then change for Berwick-upon-Tweed.

There are National Express buses to Berwick-on-Tweed from Edinburgh, London and Newcastle.

From Berwick-on-Tweed, buses or taxis can take you to the causeway. The 477 bus is an occasional service to Holy Island. Check the timetable here - bordersbuses.co.uk/services/PERY/477.

Spring and summer offer the best weather and wildlife spotting opportunities. However, the island's serene beauty makes it a great destination year-round.