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Also known by its Celtic name as Lindisfarne, Holy Island is accessible only at low tide, twice daily, by a three mile long causeway, built in 1954.
Holy Island was one of the principle centres of Christianity during the Dark Ages and was given to St Aidan in AD635 by the King of Northumbria.
Even more famous and influential was St Cuthbert, whose life and teaching was a magnet for pilgrims.
He died in AD 687 and was initially buried in the church, but later his remains were moved to Durham Cathedral.
Sitting atop Beblowe Crag is the most prominent feature on the island, Holy Island Castle,
built as a defence in Tudor times.
Purchased in 1901 by Edward Hudson, the founder of Country Life magazine, Hudson commissioned the architect Edward Lutyens to transform the castle into a home, with much of the original fabric of the castle remaining to this day.
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The priory dates from Norman times and is built on the site of an Anglo Saxon monastery, founded following the visit of St Aidan in AD 635.
Later destroyed by the Vikings and rebuilt some 400 years later as a Benedictine Priory.
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Following the death of St Cuthbert (who lived on the nearby Farne Islands) the monks produced what was to become one of the finest 7th century manuscripts, the Lindisfarne Gospels, which are now housed in the British Museum.
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The popular BBC 2 series
'One Man and His Campervan',
featuring 1970's classic Volkswagen camper and food enthusiast and author
Martin Dorey.
On his journey around UK, Martin crossed the metalled causeway and visited the peace and tranquillity of Holy Island, famous for it's religious heritage.
After camping overnight in his van, then an early morning start, Martin ventured out to sea with two local fishermen, catching fresh North Sea lobster
for his
'Lobster Sat-in-the-door'
mouth-watering delicacy of the day.
Photo © Nicholas Mutton - CCL
The island is one of the top locations for birdwatching in North East England, with hundreds of species having been recorded in the area, with new birds being added to the list annually.
The sand dunes and saltmarsh are a National Nature Reserve, and an important winter home to thousands of seabirds, particularly waders.
A short walk from the castle is a walled garden, planned by the famous designer Gertrude Jekyll in 1911.
The National Trust recreated the garden in 2003.
Photo © Stephen McKay - CCL
Google have collaborated with The National Trust and taken Street View to a variety of popular tourist attractions throughout the United Kingdom.
These include castles, country houses and beautiful landscapes.
Lindisfarne Castle (Holy Island Castle) is one of those interesting 360° panoramas featured.
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Horse riding enthusiasts, from beginner to experienced, can enjoy the popular Beach Rides, available by arrangement from
Kimmerston Riding Centre
Photo © Walter Baxter - CCL
The exciting new St Oswald's Way long distance walk, commences at Holy Island and ends at Heavenfield, on Hadrian's Wall, a distance of 97 miles.
This, the first of six sections, and the longest, covers a distance of 19 miles and ends in the historic village of Bamburgh.
The route follows the beautiful Northumberland Coast and passes through the villages of Belford, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell, Low Newton by the Sea, Embleton, Craster, Alnmouth and Warkworth, before heading west and inland, for the 18 mile walk to Rothbury.
A set of six detailed maps and the Official Guide Book can be purchased from Alnwick Tourist Information Centre (01665 605607).
The 62.5 mile St Cuthbert's Way long distance walking route, commences in the historical Scottish Borders town of Melrose and ends at the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
The final part of the route is shared with both the Northumberland Coast Path and the St Oswald's Way.
Joining these two popular routes just a short distance beyond St Cuthbert's Cave, proceeding north, then east.
Finally crossing Lindisfarne Causeway, or by exercising care, following the 11th century Pilgrim's Way (Pilgrim's Path) across the sands to end the walk at Holy Island.
A detailed route map is published by Harvey Maps and is available from good bookshops and local tourist information centres.
Holy Island has a wide variety of holiday accommodation available, including...
Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering.
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