Although you cannot camp or stay overnight in a caravan on Holy Island itself, there are some options in the area, where you can spend the night, and then visit the island.
The restrictions on camping and caravanning on Holy Island itself
The bylaws of the Lindisfarne National Natural Reserve state that
“Within the Reserve the following acts are hereby prohibited (…):
h. erecting, occupying or otherwise using any tent, shed or other structure or any vehicle or towed vehicle for the purpose of camping or overnight occupation;
i. lighting any fire, stove, heater or other appliance capable of causing a fire;”
The bylaws have been in place since May 1999, and are being reviewed, but the prohibition of camping is not likely to change.
Nearest camping/Caravanning sites to Holy Island
Barn at Beal campsite
The nearest site to the Island is the Barn at Beal, which is about 4 miles from the Island on the mainland side. It is open year-round, except for a few days during the Christmas/New Year period and has electric hook-up points for 16 Caravans/Campervans as well as 10 tent pitches with electric points. The site is not staffed 24/7, so it is recommended that you check your arrival time with them and book in advance. Check in is before 4pm, unless by prior arrangement. Dogs are welcome. No bonfires or campfires are allowed.
This campsite has beautiful views across the causeway to Holy Island, and benefits from the adjacent restaurant and coffee-bar, which serve great food (booking recommended).
Prices (2023):
TENTS
1-3 person tent £18/night
4-6 Person tent £30/night
7+ people tent £48/night
CAMPERVAN/CARAVAN/MOTORHOME
£36/night
Call: 01289 540044 (or book online)
Website: http://barnatbeal.com/camping/
Location and details (Google Maps): Click here.
Brock Mill Farmhouse – Beal
Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated site, accepting five motorhomes or caravans, about 4.5-5 miles from the Island. The pitches are hardstanding with electrical hookups and there are showers and toilets available. CAMC certified. Pet friendly. Unfortunately as they are a CL site, no tents are allowed.
Reviews on the Caravan Club site are here.
Prices (2023):
£25 per night
Pre-booking is essential.
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07739 949 080 or 07793 415 525
Location and details (Google Maps): Click here.
West Kyloe Farm
This one is a bit further afield (8 miles away), but boasts a 2 acre 12 van site and camping in a secluded part of the farm, with views of the Mill pond and scenic walks in the surrounding hills. Open Easter to October.
Electric hook-ups for each of the 12 pitches. Three toilets, two shower rooms with electric showers, an information room and a place for dishwashing. Dogs welcome. Caravan & Camping Club Listed.
Prices (2023)
One person tent (walker or cyclist): £10/night
Small tent: £15/night
Family tent £20/night
Motorhome/Caravan/Campervan (inc. Awning with hook up): £25-30/night
Call: 01289 381 295 / 07791 976 535
Website: http://westkyloe.co.uk
Location and details (Google Maps): Click here.
Haggerston Castle
Haggerston Castle is a caravan park with plenty of camper touring pitches (though no tent-only camping). It is located six miles from Holy Island.
Facilities include toilets and showers, as well as dish-washing facilities. In addition, you’ll have access to the holiday camp’s facilities, which include a mini market, laundrette, restaurants, activities and swimming pools (some activities require you to buy a Play Pass, others can be paid for separately).
You can either book an ‘electric pitch’ (pitch with electricity point) or a Super Electric pitch), which is bigger and also includes water and waste disposal hook-ups.
More details: Haggerston Castle
Location and details (Google Maps): Link
Photo credit: Sumohit Singh