Lindisfarne-tastic!!!! (Holy Island ( Lindisfarne ) in general)

Member Name: pilchierox

Product:	Holy Island ( Lindisfarne ) in general
Date:	20/11/08 (269 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful scenery and easy to get around.

Disadvantages: Can't think of any!!

My boyfriend took me to Holy Island In October as I'd always wanted to go there - I was not disappointed. We booked to stay at the Ship Inn on Marygate for 2 nights. Getting there from the south was dead easy - up the A1 about an hour past Newcastle and then turn right (signposted) and keep going until you cross the causeway. The causeway is open at set times and these were provided by the hotel we stayed in. The times vary on a day to day basis so if you want to go just check the times first, although they're well publicised on boards leading up to the causeway and on the Lindisfarne website but if you book to stay on the Island they will advise you of the times too.

When you cross the causeway (which is about 3 miles long) you come to a public car park on the left. If you're staying on the Island don't pay for long stay as when the causeway closes you'll probably find plenty of places to park your car for free. When you come out of the car park you turn left and walk towards the village. The first hotel you come to is the Lindisfarne Hotel, which looks quite big. If you continue walking you turn left into Marygate and the Ship Inn is about 2/3 of the way down. If you continue straight on you come to the Crown and Anchor Pub and the Manor House Hotel. Turning right brings you to the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre. If you continue straight on through the village you come to the Castle which is situated on a hill and is the sight that people recognise from pictures of Holy Island. Turning right at the Manor House Hotel brings you to the Priory ruins and museum. Be aware that the Castle is owned by the National Trust and the Priory is owned by English Heritage.

On the Island there are 2 or 3 shops plus the Heritage Centre and a couple of coffee shops. There are also a few guesthouses and holiday cottages to rent. The shops seemed to shut at about 4pm but I think that's partly because the Island empties when day tourists go back over the causeway. Also, if you are eating in one of the restaurants they seem to finish serving very early. We ate at The Ship and The Manor House and last bookings for both were at 7.30pm. Both the Crown and Anchor and the Ship serve real beer (doesn't mean much to me but my boyfriend was impressed).

The beaches around Holy Island were gorgeous, even in spite of the fact it was late October. They are wide, clean and deserted for the most part and there are many bird species to see and the odd seal if you're lucky. You can walk around the Island on the beaches which involves some uneven ground and climbing but it's well worth it.

For those staying on the Island the most special part is the evening when the causeway is closed and there's not many people about. As it was October it got dark early so it was great to go for a walk after dinner and it was silent, with no cars and very few people around. It was also very special being able to walk up the street and look up to see a clear night sky full of stars. This is truly a magical place and I can't wait to go back.

Summary: If you want complete peace and quiet a beautiful scenery this is the place to be.