Holy Island of Lindisfarne

The magical island of Lindisfarne has earned its place in world history as the cradle of English Christianity – hence the local name of Holy Island.

Reached by a causeway, the island is cut off twice daily by the tide. You can feel the spiritual atmosphere enfold you as you drive across the sea road to this enchanting place, topped with the dramatic silhouettes of the priory and castle.

It was probably because it’s such a peaceful retreat that the early English Christians established their community here, led by St. Aidan who became the first Bishop of Lindisfarne. They introduced the arts of reading and writing and the island became known as an historic centre for learning.

St. Cuthbert, who followed Aidan as Bishop some years later, became famous for his devotion, reputedly testing his faith by praying all night standing knee-deep in the waters of the North Sea surrounding the island.

Cuthbert died on the Farne Islands in 687AD and was buried on Lindisfarne. Eleven years later, his coffin was opened and, to everyone’s amazement, his body was found to be in perfect condition. Pilgrims flocked to visit his shrine and it was here that the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were written in his honour in the 7th-century. One of the greatest illuminated manuscripts in the world, you can ‘turn the pages’ of a computerised version in the island heritage centre.

Today Lindisfarne remains a place of pilgrimage with visitors coming to explore the beautiful village and to tour the priory and 14th-century castle with its fantastic walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. The island is also home to a national nature reserve, with numerous rare birds adding to its appeal.