Northern England has miles of stunning coastline with beautiful views of tiny isles and rugged ocean. There’s one island that you’ll be blessed to visit, and that’s the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland. Located on the Northeastern coast, not too far from the Scottish border, this county is a haven for nature lovers in search of a spiritual vacation. Once upon a time, Lindisfarne Priory was an important center for Christians in the Anglo-Saxon period as well as home to the ‘spiritual healer,’ St. Cuthbert.
It’s called Holy Island because an Irish monk set up the first abbey, which was dedicated to Celtic Christianity and built around 634 AD. The legacy of the monks lives in the form of the Lindisfarne Mead, a honey wine they created which you can still enjoy here. As if there weren’t enough reasons to visit Northern England, the island is also in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). As access is affected by the tides, the island is cut off by the sea twice a day.
How to get to the Holy Island
Before heading to the island, always check the tide tables for your safety. These are displayed online and at the causeway itself. You can travel along the one-mile causeway to the island on your own, or take a guided walk across the three-mile Pilgrim’s Way to learn more about Lindisfarne. If you want to do it yourself, the path is marked by poles in the sand. There is a bus service or you can drive across the causeway, just remember what time you need to return otherwise you’ll be stuck on the island.
If you want to experience a pilgrimage to the Holy Island, then hike along St. Cuthbert’s Way. The trail begins at the border between Scotland and England and winds through the picturesque Northumberland National Park and alongside the River Till. It then reaches the Northumberland Coast Path which connects to the island routes. Whichever way you decide to travel to the Holy Island, you will not be disappointed when you get here as this under-the-radar English destination has plenty to see and do.
What’s on the Holy Island
Perched on the top of Holy Island is its iconic castle, which is open from April to October and you can buy tickets from the National Trust to visit. Another ancient monument is the Lindisfarne Priory, which is now a picturesque ruin. However, the oldest building on it is St. Mary’s Church, which is still holding services today. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting some of the hundreds of grey seals that visit during the spring, summer, and fall.
Even though it’s a small island, there is a high street with options for eating, drinking, and shopping. There are two pubs where you get a hearty British meal and these are The Crown & Anchor Pub and The Ship Inn Pub. The island’s post office also has a bistro, aptly named the 1st Class Café. Caffeine lovers will enjoy Pilgrim’s Coffee House, which takes their brew so seriously that they roast their own beans. Once you’re fed and watered, all you need to do is figure out a safe time to return to the mainland. Never fear, as there are places to stay if you can’t get enough of this perfect English island.
