An intimate experiance .. (Lindisfarne Castle)

Member Name: anwar7

Product:	Lindisfarne Castle
Date:	03/02/09 (147 review reads)
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I think I am very lucky to live in Northumberland and love the dramatic scenery and coastline .One of my favourite places to visit is the small tidal island of Lindisfarne. Lindisfarne is also known as the Holy Island. Situated 10 miles south of Berwick-upon-tweed, in North Northumberland, Lindisfarne is well signposted from the A1. However, I am not going to review the Island but Lindisfarne castle. Set on top of a rocky crag. Lindisfarne castle can be seen for miles around and is well worth a visit.

Getting to Lindisfarne.
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Lindisfarne is linked to the mainland via a tidal causeway. It is only possible to cross at low tide and the island is completely cut of at high tide. It is very important that you only cross onto the island when it is safe to do so. Every few months there will be a news article about a driver who thought they knew best and could cross even when the tide was coming in and is now minus their car! The tide comes in very quickly here, you have been warned! Before you visit I suggest you go to the Lindisfarne web site at www.lindisfarne.org.uk and click on causeway open times. The timetable will also tell you when the castle is open. There is also a timetable at the start of the causeway.

It is very difficult to get to Lindisfarne using public transport. However the nearest railway station is at Berwick-upon -tweed 10 miles to the north. You would then need to take a bus to the start of the 3-mile causeway. It is possible to cycle.

I am not going to give you detailed directions to the Island as you can use the A.A route finder or simply look at a map! Suffice it to say you will be able to see the castle for miles around and that the island is well signposted from the A1.

The causeway itself makes for an interesting drive with many species of waders and sea birds to spot. When we crossed a few weeks ago we spotted a short earned owl.

Parking.
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There is a large, pay and display car park about 1 mile from the castle. Parking is free for disabled drivers with a blue badge. There are toilets located at the edge of the car park and I suggest you use them, as there is only an emergency toilet in the castle. If you have a disability you are allowed to take you car along the approach road to the castle and park.

The castle.
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The castle sits on top of a volcanic rock and although small looks very impressive. When it is open the National trust flag can be seen flying. Opening times are a bit limited and depend on tide times. It is best to check on the web site I have quoted for details.

The castle was originally built in 1550 using stones from the demolished priory. The priory was destroyed during the time of Henry V111, when many monasteries were dissolved. The castle was an important fort used to protect the English fleet when it was in the harbour during the wars with Scotland. In 1603 when Scotland and England became united the fort was no longer seen as important, although a garrison remained at the castle until the late 19th century.

Edward Hudson purchased the castle from the crown in 1901. He commissioned the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to convert the castle to a holiday home.

Entry to the castle is via a steep cobbled ramp. It can be slippery when its wet .You are not allowed to take pushchairs, rucksacks or large bags into the castle. The floors are uneven so it's not really suitable for anyone with a mobility problem.

I love the intimate feeling of this castle and can really imagine living there. It is very small inside but there is a lot to see in each room. My favourite room is the barrel-vaulted drawing room. The detail in the carvings is exquisite. The windows are beautifully shaped too.

There is a large detailed fireplace designed by Lutyens and a beautiful red brick floor with a herringbone design. All the rooms are furnished and this really makes this castle feel like a home.

The views from the top of the ramparts are fantastic. Remember to bring warm clothing however, as the wind can be very cold here! Bamburgh castle can be seen across the sea, another place well worth a visit.

Once you have finished exploring the castle it is worth taking the few steps down to the seashore. Here, well-hidden form the castle is some well-preserved lime kilns. If you have children they will enjoy exploring the many rock pools here.

The Garden.
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Originally the vegetable garden for the castle, the gardens were re-designed in by Gertrude Jekyll in 1911. Here I have to admit to never having explored the gardens as we have always taken our children onto the beach following a castle visit. I have been told they are very attractive, especially in the springtime.

Cost.
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The National Trust owns Lindisfarne castle so entry for members is free. Otherwise it costs £5.70 for an adult and £2.80 for a child. A family ticket costs £14.20.

The National Trust also does guided tours of the castle. The times for these vary and full details can be found on their web site.

Other information.
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The castle can act as a venue for marriages or naming ceremonies. Full details form the Lindisfarne web site.

The island has over 300 species of bird including merlins and many wading birds. We have also seen seals on numerous occasions. I suggest you bring your binoculars!

There are a few small shops on the island where you can buy souvenirs and refreshments. There is usually a van parked in the village selling hot drinks, ice creams and snacks.

Camping is not allowed on the island but there are several bed and breakfast places. As I have never stayed overnight I don't know what they are like. There is a lovely campsite just outside the village of Bamburgh that I can recommend however!

Lindisfarne can get very busy, especially in the summer months. I prefer to visit in the winter during the week when the island is quiet. At any time of year Lindisfarne can be very cold as it is very exposed. I suggest you bring warm clothing to protect yourself from the northeast wind.

I highly recommend a visit to Lindisfarne castle if you are in the area. It is well worth the effort!

Summary: Lindisfarne castle