Best Attractions on Holy Island - Discovering Lindisfarne
The Holy Island is a small tidal island that lies off the northeast coast of England. With its rich history, Holy Island is tied to distant memories of Viking raiders and legendary saints.
This tidal island is an idyllic spot where time feels almost frozen, a place to uncover the deep history of Northumberland whilst fully enjoying its natural beauty. In this post, I will uncover the centuries of fascinating tales of Lindisfarne and guide you on how to visit the Holy Island and its beautiful ancient sites.
Discovering the Rich History of Holy Island
In the 6th century, Holy Island also known as Lindisfarne gathered religious importance following the arrival of the Irish monk St Aidan. He established a monastery on the island and eventually turned it into one of the most influential locations for promoting Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.
The Origins of Lindisfarne Monastery
The legendary Irish Monk St Aidan founded the first priory of the Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island in 635 AD. This amazing monastery rapidly became a symbol of Christianity throughout Anglo-Saxon England and was even at once the sole bishopric of Northumberland during the Middle Ages.
Ruins of the Lindisfarne Priory - ID2106758© Gail Johnson|Dreamstime.com
Despite the cultural and religious importance of the Lindisfarne Monastery the Viking invasions eventually caused heavy damage to the site, however, that wasn't enough to destroy a legacy.
In 1093 the monastery was reestablished again and it is still standing today. Recent archaeological research on the Holy Island has discovered intriguing relics related to how monks once lived their lives. Some of the findings included rare board pieces that were used for gaming purposes and even medieval coins.
The Creation of the Lindisfarne Gospels
The Lindisfarne Gospels are a remarkable Latin copy of the four gospels from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, thought to have been crafted in the early 8th century by Northumbrian monk Eadfrith. Renowned for their intricate design and craftsmanship the Lindisfarne Gospels were made from a variety of materials and were meticulously crafted.
Not only do these books symbolize devotion through art, but also serve as historical records. The Lindisfarne gospels contain ancient writings that tell the story of the Christian faith during the Middle Ages.
It’s no surprise that the Lindisfarne Gospels still stand out today due to their superior quality. This beautiful craftsmanship along with the tales of Lindisfarne has made the book one of medieval Europe’s foremost book painting pieces, resembling a golden age of creativity and artistic design in medieval Britain.
The Lindisfarne Gospels are an incredible work of art and surely mark one page in history worth remembering well into our future.
The Viking Invasions
The Viking attack on Lindisfarne Monastery in 793 AD brought fear to Anglo-Saxon England like never before. Destruction of the Holy Island's religious sites and relics along with the massacre of its people and thieving of its treasure left medieval Britain devastated.
This event marked the start of a new age known as the ‘Viking Age’ which presented unique challenges for the people of Northumberland. Despite the Viking onslaught, Lindisfarne persevered thanks to the resilience exhibited by its people, even during these hard times.
Exploring the Ruins of Lindisfarne Priory
The Lindisfarne Priory holds a rich historical significance dating back to the 7th century. Originally founded by St. Aidan as the Lindisfarne Monastery, it became the epicenter of Christianity in the Northumberland region.
The Lindisfarne Priory - ID31811050© Menno67|Dreamstime.com
The Holy Island priory suffered Viking raids, leading to its eventual abandonment in the 9th century. What is left standing today of he medieval monastery is the Lindisfarne Priory. The current ruins stand against the backdrop of the North Sea which make them even more beautiful.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of the priory, including the iconic Lindisfarne Cross. Another one of many impressive features at this priory ruin, which used to be a parish church, is the Rainbow Arch. This is a stunning structure that has remained resilient throughout centuries.
Wandering through the Holy Island Priory ruins gave me a sense of spirituality and imagination of what it was like to be in medieval Britain. The Lindisfarne Priory is much more than just a pile of ruins, it is a lovely remembrance of medieval Britain and is definitely worth visiting, especially for those interested in history.
Visit Lindisfarne Castle
Lindisfarne Castle is a Grade I listed historic house built in the 16th Century to defend the Holy Island from Scottish incursions. The medieval Lindisfarne Castle sits atop a crag overlooking the North Sea, a perfect strategic spot for this landmark fortress.
In 1901 the Lindisfarne Castle was bought by Edward Hudson, the owner of Country Life Magazine. He had the castle transformed into a beautiful holiday home designed in the Arts and Crafts style of the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Lindisfarne Castle was later sold to a stock broker by the name of Oswald Toynbee Falk and in 1944 it was finally taken over by the National Trust where it has remained since then.
Sunset over Lindisfarne Castle - ID31811050© Menno67|Dreamstime.com
The interior of Lindisfarne Castle features a variety of beautifully decorated rooms. Exploring these rooms allows visitors us to gain a unique perspective of a castle turned into a residential property.
Lindisfarne Castle also houses rooms like the Ship Room which once stored the castle's gunpowder magazines and the upper battery which previously had 11 cannons mounted. In contrast to this are the regular rooms like the dining room and bedrooms. All of these rooms today are designed in a residential style following the two previous owners. However, it is a unique experience seeing a seaside fortress-like Lindisfarne Castle that has now been converted into such a livable and beautiful home.
The coastal views and medieval atmosphere add even more character to this already exciting national trust property. Overall I highly recommend visiting Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to Holy Island wouldn't be complete without seeing this historic site. Entry to Lindisfarne Castle is very reasonable, with an adult ticket costing just £8.50.
Relax at the Gertrude Jekyll Garden
Behind Lindisfarne Castle lies an incredibly beautiful garden, the Gertrude Jekyll Garden. This amazing nature spot was created by renowned British garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll in the early 1900s.
Inside the garden, you can find all sorts of unique plants and flowers like rare species such as Coralroot Orchid or Frog Orchid which have been intricately crafted into color themes borrowed from Edward Hudson’s own style.
The Gertrude Jekyll Garden provides anyone who visits this secret gem a relaxing retreat amidst the Holy Island's already tranquil surroundings. This place is truly stunning especially when you think of how much care was taken in creating something so detailed.
Holy Island Lime Kilns
The Holy Island Lime Kilns allow visitors to experience the industrial history of Lindisfarne. These historic structures date back to the 19th century and were essential for producing lime, a versatile material used in construction and agriculture.
The lime kilns played a crucial role in supporting the local economy, providing a livelihood for the island's inhabitants, and even building the Lindisfarne Priory.
Holy Island has a well-preserved history and the Lime Kilns are another historic site next to the Lindisfarne Castle which is worth exploring.
The Lime Kilns allow visitors to engage with the island's industrial history and admire the historical workmanship that once took place in Northumberland.
St Cuthbert’s Island
St Cuthbert's Island, also known as Inner Farne or Hobthrush Isle is another island connected to Lindisfarne.
The influential Christian monk and hermit who was crucial in the development of Christianity in Medieval England. Born in Northumbria in the 7th century, Cuthbert dedicated his life to religious service.
Under Saint Cuthbert’s guidance, Holy Island became prominent for its role in promoting Christianity throughout Britain during the Middle Ages.
It was on St Cuthbert's Island where he first tried to live as a hermit. He was said to have found solace on the island and often liked to walk and pray there.
St Cuthbert died in 687 and after his passing his tomb became a site of pilgrimage. The ruins of a medieval chapel can still be seen on the island today.
St Cuthbert's Island can be reached by walking from Lindisfarne when the tide goes out. You will need to plan your visit carefully to get there and back without getting trapped on the island.
Overall the island does not hold much in terms of sites and activities, but it is a great place to walk the historic grounds and enjoy the tranquility that St Cuthbert once found there.
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
The Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve is a must-visit spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts alike. With Over 3500 Hectares, the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve is home to a variety of habitats like sand dunes, salt marshes, and mudflats.
The nature reserve boasts a variety of bird species like brent geese, ringed plovers, and many more that migrate here during the winter.
Rare endemic plants can also be seen in the nature reserve, such as coralroot orchids and Lindisfarne frog orchids. In total, there are 11 species of Orchid on this vibrant nature reserve which form part of its diverse botanical life.
Seal populations are common throughout the Northumberland region and Holy Island is no exception to them. Seal spotting is a great way to enjoy the beautiful nature reserve, especially if you have never seen seals before, I recommend staying on the lookout for these cute and friendly sea creatures.
There is also a nature trail available where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Holy Island, a great option if you're looking for a place to have a walk on Holy Island
Overall I highly recommend visiting the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. It is Holy Island's best natural area where visitors can marvel at the sand dunes, mudflats, and raised beaches while also being able to observe birds in their natural habitats.
Venturing to the Farne Islands
The Farne Islands can easily be reached by a short boat journey from Holy Island or from the mainland fishing village called Seahouses. These two routes are the most popular way of reaching the Farne Islands.
These beautiful islands have become a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. The Farne Islands are one of the best places for birdwatching in Northumberland and there are a various species of animals on these islands.
Seal populations are also abundant on the Farne Islands, which is another reason why it has become such a popular place to visit. Large numbers of these cute animals can be seen on the Farne Islands, which is quite unusual compared to other English seaside areas.
Guided tours are a popular way to enjoy the islands, and many online tour sites offer these tours. Visiting these islands is a day trip but if you do have the time to see these amazing islands, then I highly recommend it. The islands are packed with wildlife and nature and they even stand out amongst the already scenic Northumberland region.
Visit Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is the closest town to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This ancient town is situated on the English side of the Scottish-English border. Berwick-upon-Tweed had long suffered wars and territorial disputes between England and Scotland which is where much of its history comes from.
View of Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is incredibly well-preserved and the buildings, historic bridges, and landmarks there are beautiful. Its unique location and fascinating heritage make it a very interesting place to visit especially if you want to experience a medieval town near Holy Island.
The town is within 20 minutes drive from Holy Island and I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for things to do near Holy Island.
Holy Island Tidal Causeway
Holy Island, being a tidal island, is easily accessible by the use of its tidal causeway. Before visiting it’s essential to check tide times and plan around safe crossing windows at low tide when vehicles and people can pass safely from the mainland onto the island.
This road floods twice per day, so be sure to be extra careful when visiting and check the tidal timetables before embarking on your journey to Holy Island.
Ensure you take all necessary precautions such as consulting local businesses or residents about any questions regarding the safety and timing of your visit if you're unsure before leaving the shoreline.
Transportation Options for Visiting Holy Island
Visiting Holy Island is possible by several methods of transportation. For those asking can you drive onto Holy Island? The answer is yes you can drive onto Holy Island. During low tide, you can cross the causeway by car and it should take only take around 10 minutes from one side to another. Driving is a popular way of visiting the island.
The main car park on Holy Island is called Chare Ends and it provides parking for all visitors to the island. However driving into the village itself is limited only to those who are residents there, so if you thinking of touring Holy Island by car it won't be possible.
A public bus is also available from the Berwick-upon-Tweed railway station to Holy Island. The bus 477 takes roughly 40 minutes and runs most days during the summer months, with limited service during the winter months.
Experience Local Flavors and Traditions
Lindisfarne Mead
Visiting Holy Island and experiencing its culture to the fullest requires sampling traditional flavors. At St Aidan’s Winery, travelers can sip on Lindisfarne Mead. This is a local and unique beverage made of honey, herbs, white grapes, and water that has been fermented. It is an alcoholic drink and this mead has become famous for being a must-try at Lindisfarne.
Seafood on Holy Island
The diverse seafood cuisine on Holy Island is a tribute to its long-practiced fishing traditions. Local pubs and restaurants serve delectable dishes such as lobsters, crabs, cod, and haddock, all caught by fishermen in the surrounding waters.
View of the Lindisfarne village on Holy Island - ID133050324© Georgesixth|Dreamstime.com
For an authentic culinary experience of this island’s history, you can visit establishments like Crown & Anchor Restaurant or The Ship Inn for some fresh catches straight from the sea. Many of the pubs and restaurants at Holy Island pride themselves on unique local recipes that have been passed down over generations of local fisherfolk.
Accommodation Options on and Around Holy Island
Holy Island has a great selection of accommodation choices to suit most requirements. If you are looking for an authentic experience on the island itself, there are quaint cottages available. For those who prefer the ease of inns and hotels off-island can be found nearby.
Staying on Holy Island
If you are looking to stay on the picturesque Holy Island of Lindisfarne, there are many accommodation options for your choosing. The Belvue Guesthouse, Manor House Hotel, and the Crown and Anchor Hotel are all excellent options and provide more than adequate comfort for a weekend on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Alternatively, self-catering cottages are available, albeit at a higher price. The trade-off for comfort to price ratio may or may not be worth it, depending on how long you would like to stay on Holy Island.
The great thing about Holy Island is that it actually has options, despite being a small island with not much land. Staying on the island is definitely a relaxing experience, and if you have the time and budget I highly recommend a night or two.
Hotels near Holy Island
For those wishing to stay on the mainland, there are so many convenient and comfortable options available. The Lindisfarne Inn is the closest option to Holy Island and offers accommodations along with food and beverages. It’s a great choice for travelers who would like to have easy to Holy Island.
The nearby towns of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses, and Bamburgh all have accommodation options too. They are priced lower than staying on Holy Island and are a better option for travelers on a budget.
What is Holy Island famous for?
Holy Island, is internationally recognized for its 16th-century castle and historic religious roots from the Middle Ages. An important center of Celtic Christianity founded in 635 AD by Irish monks, which grew to be celebrated for Saint Cuthbert’s bishopric. Holy Island has become a prime pilgrimage spot, and over the years it has seen even more popularity for its beautiful nature.
When is the best time to visit Holy Island?
Visiting Holy Island is best done in the spring or fall seasons due to optimal weather and wildlife viewing conditions. However, this all depends on what you're hoping to see on Holy Island. Most weather conditions apart from stormy or windy weather would be ideal for visiting Holy Island.
Final thoughts on the Holy Island
Visiting the Holy Island is not the most convenient due to its unique location but it is definitely worth it. Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Holy island of Lindisfarne as it is a truly special place. After learning its history, and seeing its incredible nature it's easy to see why the Holy Island is such a popular travel destination. If you’re visiting Northumberland, be sure to put Holy Island on your list of top things to do.