- Holy Island (Lindisfarne) is in Northumberland, England.
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, is a tidal island off the Northumberland coast reachable only across a causeway at low water. It is revered as the birthplace of Christianity in northern England and combines a ruined medieval priory with a dramatic castle perched on a volcanic crag.
The story of Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
In 635 AD the Irish monk Aidan founded a monastery on Lindisfarne at the invitation of King Oswald of Northumbria, making it the base for the conversion of northern England. The illuminated Lindisfarne Gospels, produced around 700 AD in honour of St Cuthbert, are among the finest medieval manuscripts in the world and are now held in the British Library. The Viking raid of 793 AD on Lindisfarne is recorded as the first major Norse attack on Britain and sent shockwaves through Christendom. The 16th-century Tudor fort was converted in 1903 by the architect Edwin Lutyens for Edward Hudson, owner of Country Life magazine, and is now in the care of the National Trust.
Visiting with care
Check the tide tables and cross the causeway only at safe times; stranded cars are a regular and expensive occurrence. Allow a full low-tide window for the priory, the castle, the harbour and a walk to the lime kilns.
Interesting facts
- St Aidan founded the Lindisfarne monastery in 635 AD, bringing Christianity to Northumbria.
- The Viking raid on Lindisfarne in June 793 AD is recorded as the first major Norse attack on England.
- The Lindisfarne Gospels, written around 700 AD, are held in the British Library.
- Lindisfarne Castle was converted for Edward Hudson by Edwin Lutyens in 1903.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.