Things to do in Lindisfarne

Walk the Lindisfarne Coast Path

Gertrude Jekyll Garden

Visit Lindisfarne Priory ruins and St Mary’s Church

Built on the site of the original monastery that was the centre of Christian teaching in Anglo-Saxon times, the twelfth-century priory remains a significant destination for modern-day pilgrims. The seventh-century monk and bishop, St Cuthbert, lived on the site briefly before moving to St Cuthbert’s Island. Gaze up at the ‘rainbow arch’, one of the priory’s most dramatic features, as you wander the richly decorated ruins that are the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

The Priory is managed by English Heritage (admission charge). Close by, the Saxon-era St Mary’s Church (free entry) forms part of the priory complex. Its peace and tranquillity can be enjoyed inside where there is also plenty of information about the saints who established and lived at the priory. The church is home to the impressive large wooden sculpture called ‘The Journey’. Carved from seven elm trees it depicts the carrying of St Cuthbert’s coffin from Lindisfarne to Durham following the Viking raids.

Getrude Jekyll Garden

Garden designer, writer and artist Gertrude Jekyll created a small walled garden just north of Lindisfarne Castle in 1911. She was a friend and colleague of Edwin Lutyens, who’d transformed the castle into a holiday home for Edward Hudson, who was the founder of Country Life magazine.

Using the site of the vegetable plot that once fed the castle’s soldiers, Jekyll designed a walled garden with a riot of colour and scent in the summer. Restored by the National Trust to its original design in 2003 it once again offers visitors a wonderful and tranquil oasis; the garden was awarded Countryfile magazine’s Garden of the Year award in 2019. Free admission.

Deserted north shore

Stretching from Snook Point to Emmanuel Head along the island’s north coast this vast expanse of wild coastal beauty, with wind-blown sand dunes and views across to Berwick-upon-Tweed and the domed Cheviot, is one of Britain’s most stunning yet rarely visited beaches. At its eastern end seals haul out on the rocks of the Back Skerrs and Snipe Point and a number of sandy paths wind inland through marram-topped dunes. Castlehead with its crenelated formations, ledges and caves and Coves Haven are two fine secluded coves to explore while the vantage point of Emmanuel Head offers far-reaching views to the Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle. 

Walk to Lindisfane Island across the sands

Crossing the shining, tidal grey mud and sand of St Cuthbert’s Way offers the most authentic way of reaching this island. Leaving the causeway just after crossing South Low it stretches for just under four kilometres to reach the island. The whole route is defined by marker poles and refuges on tall stilts that offer protection to those who may have misjudged the tide. Closer to the island the walk will likely be accompanied by the haunting wails of the seals hauled out on the sandbanks at low tide.

Holy Island coffee

Nestled in a walled garden in the village is Pilgrims Coffee House; this unique island roastery produces its own delicious blends with names like Daily Bread and Holy Grail, not to mention excellent cakes including their own version of flapjack known as Cuthbert cake.

St Cuthbert’s Island

This small island, which has a high point of six metres, lies just offshore from Lindisfarne Priory and is where St Cuthbert lived as a hermit for a short time. Legend has it that the monks used to shout across to him on the island so he later sailed to nearby Inner Farne to find greater solitude. A large cross has been placed on the island which can be visited at low tide. Its rockpools are full of crabs, anemones, starfish, sponges and more.

Overall, there are so many amazing things to do in Lindisfarne – why not stay a few days?

Walking the Pilgrims way to Lindisfarne