About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Lindisfarne
One of the most spiritual places on British shores and once its cradle of Christianity this island remains an atmospheric and soul-nourishing destination for pilgrims, nature lovers and day trippers alike.
It has a mind-blowing history that stretches back to Anglo-Saxon Britain when Irish missionary Aidan from Iona founded the monastery on Lindisfarne with the aim of converting pagans to Christianity. A subsequent bishop, Cuthbert, who went on to become a saint, spurred a cult that led to the writing of the eighth-century Lindisfarne Gospels in the island’s monastery. It became one of the world’s most precious books.
With such riches on the island, pagan Vikings chose Lindisfarne for their first raid of Britain and Ireland, which was the beginning of almost three hundred years of destruction and occupation that dramatically shaped English history.
Today, standing amongst the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory is a very thought-provoking experience. The other significant building on the island is the iconic and much visited Lindisfarne Castle, its fabulous architecture looked after and restored by the National Trust. Rising from the sheer rock face, which is the high point of the island at twenty-three metres, and dominating the tip of the island it was originally built to defend the harbour sheltering English ships during battles with Scotland.
Aside from the island’s historical pedigree there is an incredible array of wildlife within the tidal mudflats, salt marshes and dunes of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. The island is popular with walkers as the final destination of St Cuthbert’s Way – a long-distance walking route and one of Scotland’s Great Trails. There is a range of food and accommodation on the island, which is
Highlights of Lindisfarne
- The unique Lindisfarne orchid
- The rainbow arch on Lindisfarne Priory
- The colourful Gertrude Jekyl garden of Lindisfarne Castle
- Stunningly wild beach at the north end of the island
- Seals and half the world’s population of light-bellied Brent geese (winter)
How to get to Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is accessed by a tidal road/path causeway as well as the Pilgrim’s Way across the sands. By cycle; NCN1. Coast and Castles cycle route. On foot; from main Holy Island village. By train; Berwick-upon-Tweed 10 miles from causeway. By road; 5 miles east of A1 across a tidal causeway. By bus; 477 service from Berwick-upon-Tweed train station, with connecting buses at Beal to and from Newcastle. Times vary with season and tides. Also private island minibus from Holy Island car park to castle
Where to park in Lindisfarne
In the interests of village residents please use main island car park, 1 mile (signposted before village). Pay and display.
Lindisfarne tide times
Check the safe crossing times for Lindisfarne before you travel to the island here https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk
Walk around Lindisfarne
Check out our walk around the Lindisfarne coast under the Islandeering tab.
Things to do in Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a captivating destination rich in history, natural beauty, [...]
Feb
Lindisfarne Island walking route
Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims and race the tides to soak up the [...]
Feb
