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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.
A short walk from the castle is a walled garden, planned by the famous designer Gertrude Jekyll in 1911, and was recreated by the National Trust in 2003.
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.
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.
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.
Horse riding enthusiasts, from beginner to experienced, can enjoy the popular Beach Rides, available by arrangement from
Kimmerston Riding Centre
and
Beachcomber Stables.
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.
Alnwick Tourist Information Centre (01665 605607).
A set of six detailed maps and the Official Guide Book can be purchased from
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 Pilgrim's Path across the sands to 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.
Useful Links...
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