Check the tide times before you go here! (Attractions in Holy Island in general)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	Attractions in Holy Island in general
Date:	24/05/01 (80 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: nature reserve, atmosphere

Disadvantages: can be cold

Lindisfarne, or Holy Island is a tiny island just off the shore of Northumberland. It can only be reached by way of a causeway that can only be crossed at low tide.

The causeway is reached via Beal, off the A1. There are tide tables at both ends and you should consult these carefully before starting to cross. Cars have been caught by the tide on more than one ocassion because the drivers didn't check the tide times.

This is one of the oldest Christian centres in Britain and it retains its air of sanctity and remoteness. A monastery was founded here by Saint Aidan in 635 and Saint Cuthbert became the Bishop in 684. The monastery is most famous for the Lindisfarne Gospels which were produced here around the year 800. These are now kept in the British Museum in London.

A Benedictine Priory was established here after the Norman Conquest. The ruins can still be seen today and they are quite a spectacular site set against what is usually a steely grey sky.

There is a tiny museum here too and it houses some pre-Christian carved stones.

The 16th century castle was restored in the early 20th century by Edward Lutyens and belongs to the National Trust.

Much of the island is a nature reserve and it attracts a wide variety of sea birds in particular.

If you go here out of season you will find it very quiet, almost eerie and a rewarding experience, but check those tide times and if the weather is at all uncertain take warm, waterproof clothing with you. This can be a very cold place even in summer if it rains!

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