Holy Islands of the UK and Ireland

St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne

There are four places referred to as “Holy Island” in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and this sometimes causes confusion. Twice I’ve had enquiries from people thinking we (The Holy Island of Lindisfarne) are in Wales or Scotland, and I’ve heard of a person who navigated to entirely the wrong UK country […]

Getting to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) by public transport

Lindisfarne Castle in the mists, for post on getting to Holy Island by public transport

Ever since we moved here in 2017, one of the most common questions we are asked is how to get to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne if you don’t have a car and want to use public transport. The answer is that trains and buses are not the easiest option, but with a little perseverance […]

What to do on Holy Island (Lindisfarne) – A short guide

Sun rising behind Lindisfarne Castle on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Holy Island has several attractions and things to do, whether you are interested in history and religion, walking, birdwatching, nature or beaches. Above all it is a special, atmospheric place that leaves an impression on those who visit, some referring to it as a ‘thin place’ where the heavens and earth are closer to each […]

UK Solo Travel Destination: the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Solo travel

Choosing the right type of solo trip destination for you Like couples and groups, solo travellers head away for different reasons. Sometimes it’s to get away and recharge or find peace and quiet in nature. Other times it’s to find exciting destinations and experiences. Writers and artists take themselves on their own personal retreats, and […]

Walking routes around Holy Island (Lindisfarne) – Our favourite walks

Holy Island Beach at sunset

Many visitors to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) do not venture beyond the village and the path out to the castle. In fact, we see them walk past our guesthouse to the Castle and Priory. Then they might have a coffee and a bite to eat in the village, buy some fudge and mead and hurry back […]

How to: Walk the Pilgrim’s Way to Holy Island (minding tide times)

Pilgrim's Way Shelter, Holy Island

Walking the ancient Pilgrim’s route to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne Length: 3 milesTime: 75 – 90 minutesPlease note: only walk on a receding tide, barefoot or with waterproof shoes. Be prepared to get muddy legs.Safety first: make sure you carefully read the instructions on when to cross. Tides cover the Pilgrim’s Way very quickly, […]

Where to eat: food options on Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

Full English Breakfast on a plate

Holy Island has a variety of food options for breakfast and lunch and dinner, but you are advised to book ahead for dinners, especially during high season. BREAKFAST / LUNCH OPTIONS ON HOLY ISLAND Holy Island has a number of cafes that serve breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as great coffee and cakes. The […]

Spending high tide on Holy Island (Lindisfarne) in Northumberland

Holy Island sunset on the beach

 Many day trippers to the island are familiar with low tide on Holy Island, but what happens when the island is cut off from the mainland? If you want to avoid the crowds, this is your best bet if you’d like to enjoy the island when most of the day trippers are away. Holy Island […]

Viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Aurora over Lindisfarne Castle

One of the best places in England to view the Northern Lights The appearance of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne doesn’t happen every year, but when it has a chance of making an appearance, there is usually some warning a few days ahead. If you live in Southern England, […]

Crossing Holy Island’s Causeway: Tips, tides and safety

We are often asked how to cross the causeway to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), is it dangerous? How do we know when to cross? This article provides our answers to these questions. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is cut off from the mainland twice a day during high tide. During these times the causeway leading to […]

What’s a Camino shell doing on Holy Island?

Holy Island Camino Shell

We often see people stopping in front of the yellow and blue tile on the wall at the front of Belvue Guesthouse in Chare Ends. Some who know what it is get very excited and then they frown: what is the iconic yellow-on-blue scallop Camino shell doing on Holy Island? Is it somehow connected to the […]