"Come to me, all who are weary and whose load is heavy - I will give you rest." - Matthew 11-28

Welcome Visitor

Coat of Arms

Dear Visitor,
" "
 
Welcome to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne!
 
Physical location: Our delightful, historic island lies just off the extreme Northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed. The small population of just over 160 persons is swelled by the well over 650,000 visitors coming from all over the world every year.
 
Remote/Rural: We are located in a very remote part of Northumberland. Long distances are involved should emergencies develop. In the event of an emergency phone:  999 .
 
Tidal Island: Lindisfarne is a tidal island reachable via a paved causeway only when the North Sea tides permit. Safe times to cross are predictable and can be found here:  Crossing Times . Study them carefully.
 
Lindisfarne versus Holy Island: Locally the island is rarely referred to by its Anglo-Saxon name of 'Lindisfarne'. Its local name of 'Holy Island' is probably derived from the ensuing observations of Durham monks: 'Lindisfarne: truly a Holy Island, baptised in the blood of so many good men... after the murderous and bloodthirsty Viking attack on the monastery in 793ad. Its more appropriate title is, 'The Holy Island of Lindisfarne' - a little lengthy for most maps!
 
Lindisfarne is a place of uniqueness: Lindisfarne is internationally famous both for its medieval religious heritage and also its more recent picturesque 16th century castle. These, together with most of the community, are located on the Southern part of the island - the main focus for tourists and holidaymakers. Many are also attracted by the peace and tranquillity which pervades the Island and the remote Northern conservation area, with more than its fair share of quiet beaches and unique natural history.
 
People visit the Island from all walks of life: We have a wide range of visitors which includes: bird-watchers, walkers, fishing-parties, artists, writers, photographers and film-makers, historians and natural historians, scientists, journalists, industrialists, politicians, actors, theologians, wildfowlers, yachters, golfers (resting overnight in-between the excellent nearby Northumberland golf courses) as well as thousands of Christian and non-Christian pilgrims.
 
Do not be misled into thinking that you can see it all in a day's visit: Even a couple of overnight stays at one of the Island's excellent hotels, guest-houses and retreats will be sufficient for the briefest overview. Often the majority of the guests sharing accommodation with you will, like yourself, have started with a day visit. Thousands return year after year smitten by the spiritual enchantment of a special very place sought out by man (and woman!) since prehistory.
 
To avoid disappointment, try and book ahead: There are barely 40 letting rooms on the island and demand can far outweigh availability throughout the year - particularly in the main season, weekends and bank holidays. When you do decide to stay, do make sure that you book accommodation as far ahead as possible. Our  accommodation register  lists a range of places both on the Island and nearby mainland. Please note that camping and caravanning is not permitted on the Island.
 
Above all we are a community: new visitors should note that there is a small, friendly Northumbrian community living on the island. However, although tourism is a major industry here there are still a large number of islanders who derive their living from a vast range of other means - including fishing, farming and writing as well those who have now retired.
 
Be a welcome visitor: The island is our home. Do not expect it to be like the city. Expect to meet country life and nature in the raw at times. Please keep to the footpaths provided, use the litter bins, do not disturb the sheep, seals or other wildlife or wander onto private premises. Keep dogs on leads and under control.
 
We trust and hope that you enjoy your visit to our web site. Perhaps at some future stage we can also look forward to you visiting our Island. If you do, please be a welcome visitor and treat our home with respect.
 
Kind Regards,

  Webmaster  


Wednesday 20th March 2024
Saint Cuthbert's Day!

"When visiting the NNR do not light fires, do not use camping stoves and do not discard any cigarettes."


 
 

Website design: Lindisfarne Links, Holy Island webmaster // contact