Holy Island - How To Get There and What to Do

Location: Situated in the main street of the village, Marygate is some 5 miles distant from the main A1, which in turn is approximately 12 miles south of Berwick upon Tweed and 60 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The island is approached by leaving the A1 at the Lindisfarne Inn near Beale where Holy Island is well signed. The island’s unique location some 3 miles as you leave the mainland is served by the causeway, which is accessible at low tide. As the island is tidal, it is only safe to cross at the “opening times” which are predictable, but vary from day-to-day. Access onto the island is via a tarmac roadway and is suitable for all road vehicles.  But due to the daily change from low to high tides please consult the tide timetables.

Why do visitors come to Lindisfarne? There are many reasons but the main one appears to be to seek peace and tranquillity to either recharge the batteries of life or pursue a chosen hobby or interest.

Around the shores of the island there are many interesting and unique features. The geology of the area includes sandstone, dolerite and limestone features. Some visitors roam the shores hoping to find the unique limestone St. Cuthbert's beads which are reputed to bring their owners luck.

For ornithologists, there are a large variety of birds to see throughout the year. Ducks, geese and waders visit the island in large numbers and migrating birds come to rest and feed in the sand dunes and on the shores.

Alternately, you can wander around the shoreline and watch the seals cavort in the sea close to the shore waiting for the next meal to swim by. Or for the more energetic, you can walk around the island to explore the flora and fauna.

When the tide is in, fishing can be enjoyed from the harbour side and shoreline or arrange a boat trip out to Lindisfarne bay. For the less energetic, just sit and watch the local fishermen return and land their catches of crab, lobster and in season, salmon.

Some visitors come to the island to recharge their spiritual being and attend a service or two at one of the three local churches. Others bring their cameras or paint brushes to capture the beauty of the area on film or canvas.

Most visitors agree that the reason they visit Lindisfarne is to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern day life to enjoy peace, tranquillity, fresh sea air and the chance to unwind in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

For further information:

Lindisfarne - Holy Island History

The BBC on Holy Island

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Destination: Holy Island

Lindisfarne Castle

St Cuthbert's Centre

St Cuthbert's Walk

Holy Island Crossing Time