Holy Island or Lindisfarne

Accessed via a causway, only when the tide is out, Holy Island is about 25 minutes drive north of Alnwick on the A1. One of the most ancient Christian sites in Europe and the source of the treasured iluminated manuscripts known Lindisfarne Gospels.  Lindisfarne is part of the Farn Islands which are home to many rare sea birds and a large colony of grey seals.

The village contains a couple of pubs, cafes, hotel and a few shops but most people visit to see the ancient priory ruins and castle.

There are miles of dunes and beaches on the island but visitors needs to be very aware of the tide times, if they are to avoide being stranded.  Every year several drivers are caught by the incoming tide leaving their occupants having to be resucued and their vehicles destroyed by the sea.

Northumberland County Council's Holy Island Tide Tables provide the official safe crossing times and these are posted at either end of the causway. Please do not attempt to cross the causeway at any other time as the tide comes in very rapidly and is very dangerous. Click here to view the timetable :Holy Island Crossing Timetable http://www.northumberlandlife.org/holy-island/default.asp