Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
Holy Island is the local name for Lindisfarne – a small island off the coast of Northumberland which is accessible twice a day using the causeway.
It’s a beautiful and uniquely peaceful place to stay, especially when the tide shuts off the outside world and day trippers have gone home.
The Island has a long and rich history, as the first cradle of Christianity in England, the home of several Saints, the site of Viking invasions and successive conflicts over the centuries. You can visit the historic Priory, Castle, and Norman church, and the museum and heritage centre are just a few minutes’ walk from Links View.
The Island also boasts unparalleled wildlife and natural beauty. The dunes, beaches, rockpools, fields, salt marshes and tidal flats are rich in wildlife, including grey and common seals, deer, foxes and amphibians. It’s internationally recognised for its resident and migrant birds, as well as rare plant species. Outside the village, most of the Island is a Nature Reserve and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Details of our favourite walks for all abilities, places to visit and activities are provided in a folder for guests.
The island has a picturesque village and harbour, and a number of cafes and pubs serve high quality local produce.
Places to visit nearby
Most of our visitors find they don’t want to leave the Island. But should you want to venture back to the mainland, the beautiful county of Northumberland awaits you with lots of explore. The coastline is a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with miles of spectacular sandy beaches, many attractions and quiet beauty spots. Each of the following attractions is easy to visit on a day trip from the Island (you just need to plan around the tide times!) .
Bamburgh Castle
Visit the grounds and interior of this dramatic, imposing castle which you can see across the water from Holy Island. It sits above Bamburgh beach, one of the county’s most beautiful sweeps of silver sand and is close to birdwatching hotspot Budle Bay.
Alnwick Gardens
This unique, extensive garden attraction has masses to see and do for adults and children. Follow up with a visit to Alnwick Castle where Harry Potter was filmed, and a wander around the gorgeous old town.
The Farne Islands
Our favourite attraction away from Holy Island. Taking a wildlife-spotting boat trip from Seahouses is unmissable if you’re in the area. Get up close to huge colonies of nesting birds and grey seals, with the chance of spotting dolphins and other cetaceans.
Ford and Etal
These two picturesque, planned villages built in the 19th century have a much longer history. Visit the castles, battlefields, an ancient working cornmill and the renowned art in Lady Waterford Hall.
Berwick upon Tweed
The closest town to Holy Island, and England’s most northerly. Its huge Elizabethan fortifications, walls and ramparts are still intact. There is plenty to see while you absorb the region’s rich history of border conflict.
The Cheviot Hills
Northumberland National Park offers diverse scenery centring on this beautiful and remote range of hills. Here you can hike all day without seeing anyone but sheep and wildlife.
Kielder
England’s largest forest and huge reservoir has many trails and outdoor activities, where you can spot wildlife including red squirrels and ospreys. Famous for its dark skies, we recommend a visit to Kielder Observatory.
More Castles...
Aside from Lindisfarne, our favourite is rugged remote Dunstanburgh Castle, a bracing hike from either Craster or Embleton villages. Warkworth Castle is a great day out for families, while Chillingham Castle is Britain’s most haunted - we love their spooky nighttime ghost tours.
The mainland also offers many opportunities for adventure in the form of sailing, kayaking, surfing, wild swimming, horse riding, golf, climbing and biking.
Please ask us for our recommendations!
