I try to return all reads, give me a nudge if I miss you! Happy New Year!
I try to return all reads, give me a nudge if I miss you! Happy New Year!
Member since:23.04.2008
Reviews:106
Members who trust:71
I recently spent a few days in Northumberland, and took the opportunity to return to Lindisfarne, or Holy Island as it is probably better known.
Locally, the island is rarely referred to as 'Lindisfarne'. The signposts mostly state 'Holy Island'. Following on from the murderous and bloodthirsty attack on the monestary by the Vikings in 793AD, it obtained its local name from the observations made by the Durham monks: 'Lindisfarne - baptised in the blood of so many good men - truly a 'Holy Island'. Its more appropriate title is 'The Holy Island of Lindisfarne'.
Travelling along the A1 south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, you will notice Holy Island signposted. After turning off from the A1, a short drive brings you to the causeway which you have to cross to reach the island. The causeway is open twice daily, dictated by the tides, so if you are planning a trip there it is essential you look up the times it is safe to cross the causeway. Info can be found at www.Lindisfarne.org.uk. Tourist Information centres will also provide you with a print-out of crossing times.
On the day of my visit the causeway was not safe to cross until 4pm which meant a late visit, but I witnessed a spectacular sunset whilst there, so that alone made up for not
being able to visit earlier in the day.
After crossing the causeway you come to a large car park, where you can park and catch shuttle mini buses to the castle, or you can choose to walk, but it is quite a distance to the castle. A few minutes walk brings you to the village, where you can visit Lindisfarne Priory. Building on the Priory began during the late 11th century, and is regarded by many to be the 'taster' for the building of Durham Cathedral. The Priory was built on the ground east of St Mary's Church, where late in the 7th century the church of St Peter stood. Saint Cuthbert amongst other 'northern' saints were interred within the church. It is also here that the famous 'Lindisfarne Gospels' were produced. We also visited the Lindisfarne Centre and heritage shop where you can buy souvenirs and find out more about the island's heritage.
Whilst visiting Holy Island you may want to taste the famous Lindisfarne Mead, which is a honey-based fortified wine dating back some 1300 years to a time when mead was first produced by the monks of the Priory. You can also buy bottles of Lindisfarne Mead to take home.
There are cafe's and a couple of pubs on the island, so plenty of places to stop for a drink or something to eat. We noticed walking around the island there are many signposts reminding you not to leave it too late to cross the causeway before the tide changes. I wondered how many people have actually found themselves stranded after leaving it too late to cross! The tide comes in really quickly and at the start of the causeway it tells you not to cross if water can be seen at a certain point.
We chose to take the mile walk to the castle at the northern end of the island, which guards the entrance to the harbour. The view across the bay to Bamburgh Castle is stunning. The castle was built in 1550 as an artillery fort during the reign of Henry VIII, it was bought in the 1880's by Edward Hudson and restored as a holiday residence. Renowned architect, Sir Edward Lutyens converted the fort to a home. The walled garden was created later. It is said that the castle was constructed with stone taken from the Priory, however, the Priory remained standing well into the 17th century when it collapsed through neglect. Also the number of stones comprising the castle is considerable compared to those that would have been available on the site of the Priory.
The castle is now managed by the National Trust, and sits atop a volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig. The views from the castle are amazing!
If you are a member of the National Trust then entry to the castle is free, otherwise the prices are £5.70 for adults and £2.80 for children. The castle is open daily except Mondays. We chose not to enter the castle on this visit due to it being late in the day, but throughly enjoyed the walk, the views and taking photographs.
Lindisfarne is also a National Nature Reserve whose mudflats, sand dunes and salt marshes are home to a variety of plants providing the habitat for migrating birds and wildlife.
Returning across the causeway the sun was going down and the scenery was beautiful. The reflection of the clouds in the pools of water on the mudflats, and the colours of the sky made for some lovely photographs. Indeed there were quite a few photographers clicking away at the beginning of the causeway to return back to the mainland.
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Holy Island again as it was a number of years since my last visit. It is a place that I feel always has a sense of peace and tranquility no matter how many people are visiting. We learned on our visit that around 160 people live on the island, but 650,000 people visit it each year!
In my opinion no visit to Northumberland is complete without a visit to Holy Island, just make sure you observe the safe crossing times!
*Review also appears on dooyoo
Pictures of Lindisfarne (England)
Walking up to the castle
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This looks lovely I didnt realise it was quite so big. I love your photos. Your reviews of the area have inspired me to visit sometime as these places sound like gems.
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Venere.com Hotel Booking<br>
Instantly book your Hotel, B&B or Appartment with Venere.com. Huge European selection with photos, reviews, maps and rates. Booking Direct means Lower Prices. Book now, pay on Check out.
exceptional by (11%):
very helpful by (89%):
